February 2007 CDs
State of Grace III
State of Grace III offers a wide-range of musical arrangements, from modern pulsing rhythmic patterns to a piano-and-violin piece and from small acoustic ensembles to large orchestrations—all in celebration of the sacred.
A few of the pieces are instrumentals, but most feature glorious solo or chorus vocals. Schwartz composed, arranged, and produced the album, and textures it with piano and the music of a live symphonic string orchestra as well as a plethora of uniquely electronic sounds. Still, State of Grace III is truly a collaboration of amazing artists working together on many different levels.
The lyrics were gathered from varied sources; some of them you will recognize as being from Christian texts, but as with all truly spiritual music, the reach far surpasses the bounds of religion. The Latin lyrics for “Christe Redemptor” are from an old Advent hymn reinvented using modern techno beats and a string section. I melted into “Agnus Dei,” ” which juxtaposes a choir against a jazzy piano and light strings. “Beams of Heaven” is just Lisbeth Scott's voice against the backdrop of a large string orchestra. The fabric woven from these ancient lyrics sung by Scott (and one by Rebecca Luker) is rich beyond measure.
The album also celebrates folk and pop traditions with ethereal tunes with English lyrics.'“Center of My Heart” has wonderful acoustic guitar by co-writer Billy Sideman. Lisbeth Scott wrote the lyrics for several tunes.
This CD is an amazing piece of work. I feel blessed (and blissed!) to have been introduced to it, and to be in a position to recommend it to you.
Clearing the Channel / ONE
Amy Ellis produced two CDs of her own original piano music last year.
The first, Clearing the Channel, was created “to help clear the mind and connect more readily” with self and the Divine. Intended for relaxation settings, the selections are crisp and clean and yet simple and calming.
This CD, on sale for $14.99 this month, will be useful to healing practitioners and yoga instructors, as well as anyone who enjoys relaxing and meditating with a musical backdrop. The total recording accommodates an hour session.
Ellis' most recent recording, One, is of a very different character. These 10 original vocals (sung by Denise Gentry and Ron Caissey, the HOPE Live! Choir, and guest saxophone/flute player, Eddie Marshall) celebrate the oneness of all people and connect us through our shared spiritual truths and understanding, A bonus track of the Lord's Prayer is included. An instrumental version ($12.99) and songbook are also available.
Ellis began creating her own original music at age 6. She has performed, composed and recorded for radio and film projects and offers live performances in and outside Orlando, where she makes her home. —Chiwah
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Relax and De-Stress
from Dr. Andrew Weil's Music for Self-Healing Series
Leave it to Dr. Andrew Weil and producer/sound researcher Joshua Leeds to provide music to calm the savage beast, and what do you get?
An ingenious arrangement of soothing selection of classical music from legendary composers —Bach, Debussy, Corelli-Barbirolli, Brahms, Mozart, Chopin, Marcello, Schubert, Vivaldi, Moussorgsky, and Dvorak, in that order.
Relax and De-Stress is the first CD of this new series, offering music scientifically selected and performed to reduce physical tension, dispel anxiety, and create inner calm. The succession of pieces progresses from faster, more complex patterns to slower and simpler patterns, easing the transition from the stress of the world into a state conducive to physiological healing.
The Apollo Chamber Ensemble is made up of award winning musicians: Lisa Spector on piano, Barbara Midney on oboe and English horn, and Sarah Fiene and Tanya Tomkins on cello.
The album comes with a booklet with explanations of the psychoacoustic effects and recommendations for listening from Dr. Weil and Joshua Leeds.
—Chiwah
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