Feb
07
2008
Marie, Porte du Ciel – Gregorian chant and monastic zither
Antiphonera group (Marc Raymond / 33.22.07)
Appreciation : *** – Relaxation : * – Originality : * – Type : religious
Marc Raymond is famous for his very good relaxation zither or piano records.
This recording with the singer Marie-Céline Charles gets really out of the ordinary. The themes are religious first and the fans of Gregorian chant will notice a few “musts” there. The choice of voices and the way to use them will also surprise us. The person accustomed to monks choirs will hear solos by Marie-Céline Charles or duets when she sings with Marc Raymond. The experience was worth while trying, has been done correctly but might disorientate the audience.
Feb
07
2008
Elixir
Iasos (Aquamarin Verlag / AQM 7001)
Appreciation : ** – Originality : *** – Reaction : pneumatic.
Distribution : Aquamarin Verlag (Germany) Fax : 49 8092 1614 (Germany) – Oreade Music (Holland) http//ww.oreade.com/ – Bluestar Communications (North America) http://www.bluestar.com/ – Inter-Dimensional Music (international & net) http://iasos.com/
Iasos is one of the famous New Age musicians. He won one of the Crystal Awards.
Elixir intends to be a passage to the celestial dimensions of light (so much !). Such a music should tune us on this channel of light.
The recording has been made so as to write a sound hologram in the thoughts of the audience. It is recommended to listen to it with closed eyes.
The cover widely comments the themes of the different pieces.
It is obvious that a careful listening to this music brings a feeling of “taking off”. Unfortunately the “landing” is missing and we have to stay in mid air.
Considering its efficiency, I suggest to use it for meditation in a quiet place but neither as a background music nor when driving.
Feb
07
2008
The Ancient Secret
Rishi (FONIX MUSIC / FMD CD 1116)
Appreciation : *** – Originality : *** – Reaction : positive or quietening according to the pieces.
Distribution by Goddaert in Belgium and Le Souffle d’or in France.
This CD answers a “request” of FONIX to the author. This music is meant to be used alongwith the Tibetan exercises of long life.
The music is to be used with the book describing each exercise and giving the necessary advice for their practice. If each piece contains the gist of each exercise, there is not an exercise for each piece. Intuition can also guide the choice of the piece. It will not of a very big help to listen to the music without practising the exercises. But the artistic quality of the CD and its quietening or positives qualities will remain.
Feb
07
2008
Sunyata
Vas (Narada / ND-63039)
Appreciation : **** – Originality : **** – Reactions : multiple.
Distribution : Narada for Belgium and Eleusis for France.
e-mail : firends@narada.com
The Sunyata duo uses the two oldest instruments : human voice and drums. A song starts with a right idea just when music comes alive. In a pure voice, Azam Ali compose songs in a language corresponding to their very personal style. The percussions in this album have been very rarely used together till now (African, Asian, Oriental and Western instruments). They associate in different ways.
This instrumental heterogeneity has created a very little orthodox but quite successful style.
Feb
07
2008
Paysage Musical
Divers (SECIM / SECD 9730)
Appreciation : ** – Originality : * – Reaction : relaxation
Distribution : René Gailly for Belgium and Hibou for France
URL : http://www.chez.com/secim
e-mail : secim@chez.com
This is a new programme of Centre International de Musicothérapie in Paris. The purpose combines desorientation and relaxation.
Allowing us to imagine landscapes, this music naturally brings about relaxation. This can be specially useful if we are stressed by daily life. I sometimes think that some pieces should have been better finished, but on a pragmatical level, it works !