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Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Review: Amadas Estrellas by Achillea

Amadas Estrellas by AchilleaA hypnotic and spiritual infused album of the soul, Amadas Estrellas, the latest down tempo world groove album from Achillea is in a class of its own.  World beat sensuality, global electronica, textures of atmosphere, guitar that has its own voice and sexy Spanish vocals, take the listener on a visual journey of beautiful landscapes across the world and within the heart.

Muy Bien!!!

For more information, please visit Sequoia Records.

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Review: Radmilla Cody - Shi Keyah

The 46th Miss Navajo (1997-1998) Radmilla Cody is a beautiful Navajo model, award-winning Navajo singer and anti-domestic violence activist.  She is the first and remains the only Miss Navajo partially of African-American heritage.

There is only one Radmilla Cody, and her gift to the world of song is so unique, so addictive ... so pure and different than any other Native American music that I have heard before.  She sings folk songs in the language of her Native American ancestors with soul.  Cody bridges cultures with her voice. You can feel the heat and passion of the music.  It is spellbinding and inspirational!

Radmilla Cody was born into the Tla’a’schi’i’(Red Bottom People) clan of the Navajo Nation.  She was born and raised  in the plateaus of the Navajo Nation.

Cody says her singing career began in a sheep corral behind her grandmother's home on the Navajo reservation and her first audience were the sheep. Her inspiration came from listening to the beautiful sounds of nature around her. 

This beautiful and talented biracial, African American - Navajo Goddess currently has five albums, and has contributed to numerous compilation albums, all released by Canyon Records.  Her most recent album Shi Keyah - Songs For The People, is 14-tracks of original music all sung in the traditional style of the Dine'.  The music is to honor Mother Earth, the homeland of the people and the veterans who served the great America, with a splash of humor on a few of the songs.  The album is lovely ... peaceful and authentic.  She includes both the lyrics in English and the Diné language, making it possible to really understand and know what the song is about.  I love this album!!!  To get a taste, please visit Canyon Records.























Track Listings

1. Morning Greeting (3:37)
2. Honoring the Homeland (2:44)
3. Beautiful Mother Earth (5:20)
4. Navajo Warrior (2:55)
5. Code Talker (3:35)
6. Where You Are? (3:24)
7. Commodity Blues (2:28)
8. Ropers Song (3:43)
9. Ch iyáán Biyiin / Native Food Song (2:42)
10. They Care For Me / Moccasin Song (2:46)
11. Shi Kéyah / Five Agencies Song (3:44)
12. Ayáásh Dootl izh / The Bluebird (2:47)
13. Shí Naashá (2:51)
14. Nihá´á´lyaa / A Gift to Us (3:08)











Monday, August 8, 2016

Album Review: 'Beneath The Veil' by Zingaia

Romance your lover this St. Valentine's Day with sacred music that echoes love and devotion.

Zingaia's Beneath The Veil is the first of three albums and was released back in August, 1997 by Sequoia Records, a well-respected name in New Age Music. Zingaia, the creation of husband and wife team, Katlyn and Michael Breene, was formed in the early 1990s. The Breenes' music is a blend of multicultural, new age, electronica-techno-trance-dance and exotic gypsy.

Beneath the Veil is dedicated to sacred lovers and to the eternal divine feminine, in her many forms and guises. To date, Zingaia has released three albums and has appeared on six compilations.

This album is captivating and addictive, getting into your blood, lighting a flame deep within your heart. Beneath the Veil takes you into a different realm, creating an atmosphere of mystery, mysticism and magic. It is an intoxicating blend of tribal percussion, keyboard, ethereal and haunting voices, repetitious hand drumming, giggles, chants and exotic melodies. Some songs contain a drone-like quality, adding to the already rich hypnotic textures.

The music paints a picture of fantasy lands afar. Visions of gypsies belly dancing, incense, smoke, ritual and lovers' union dance within the mind's gaze, pulling you deeper into the music. Some songs take you to the sea; others to the sand. You can hear elements from all over the world, combined to create a unique sound and style. Zingaia does not try to fit into any one genre of music, but paves a way for its own sound.

The lyrics are a mysterious blend of goddess invocation, poetic expression of the divine feminine and the alchemy of merging polarities creating a sacred union. The album begins with an invitation as "She Beckons," the first track, initiates you into the erotic, mysterious world of Zingaia. The journey moves forward and we are instructed to "Be the key to open something greater and hidden" in track two, "Invocation of the Goddess." The haunting, seductive vocals of Katlyn Breene and guest vocalist, Veronic Fabre, are alluring and enchanting; exciting yet relaxing.

Track three, "Sirens of the Moonlit Tide," my favorite track on the album, awakens your senses, if you are not up and dancing already. Moving forward, the sixth track, "Beneath The Veil," reveals the alluded secret. The album then continues on with one more track, the seventh and final piece of the composition.

The album, as a whole, has a feel of both excitement and relaxation, keeping you engaged, yet distant, creating a heightened alertness and a calm focus at the same time. This is another example of the unification or polar opposites, as earth and sky and male and female energies unite. The album is uplifting, meditative and easy to dance to. People of many different tastes can easily find an appreciation of this work. The aesthetics of the album are also impressive, the artist being the talented Katlyn Breene. Although the music speaks for itself, the art is a nice compliment to Zingaia's enchanting world.

Full length album recordings by Zingaia
  • Soles on Earth (2004, Sequoia Records)
  • Dancers of Twilight (2000, Sequoia Records)
  • Beneath the Veil (1996, Sequoia Records)
Compilations including recordings by Zingaia
  • Diani Beach Lounge (2004, Prudence Recordings)
  • Buddha-Lounge 3 (2004, Sequoia Records)
  • Cafe de Luna 2 (2004, Sequoia Records)
  • Ayurveda Lounge (2002, BSC Music GmbH)
  • Buddha-Lounge (2002, Sequoia Records)
  • Musical Healing (2001, Sequoia Records)
If you want to taste before you buy, please visit Zingaia - Beneath The Veil at Sequoia Records.

Details and Track Listing

Sequoia Records: Healing Music for Relaxation, Yoga and Meditation
Zingaia - Beneath the Veil
Sequoia Records
List Price: $16.98
Also available as an MP3 Download Album for $8.99

Zingaia, Beneath the Veil

1. She Beckons 2:19
2. Invocation 7:38
3. Sirens of the Moonlit Tide 9:03
4. Veil of Inanna 8:39
5. Ast Usari 8:27
6. Beneath the Veil 9:29
7. Breath of Passion 8:46

Review: The Sound Healing Collection (Six CD Set)

Did you know that our cells and molecules are tiny radio transmitters and receivers? Sound can be a powerful healer ...

The therapeutic power of sound, more specifically of music can be miraculous. Get Six sound engineers together who know this and we could quite literally move mountains. The power of music is something that musicians and ancient mystics have always known. With this Aquarian-age and universal frequency shift, the scientific community is now "waking up". It is an extremely exciting time in our world because it is changing. Many believe that a new "awareness" will allow this transformation to be one of positive change, planetary alignment, atonement and brotherly love. A new day when our beautiful planet is in harmony - an image that fills my heart and connects my consciousness to the core of our world that is clearly seeking balance.

As our earth seeks resonance, let us all do the same. It is our divine right to re-align in harmony, allowing health, wellness and joyfulness to take place.

The healing power of sound has never been easier to experience. Sounds True has put the best of the best together with this collection. Before exploring these six sound engineers a part of this set, let's look a little deeper into Sound & Vibration Therapy ...

Universal Law: Light, Sound and Vibration

Sound therapy can be simply be described as a noninvasive, energy-based, alternative health approach to wellness.Vibration is a primary force in the Universe and the basis of sound therapy. Vibrational healing is nothing new and revolutionary, as it has been practiced in many forms all over the world for thousands of years.

To begin, everything has frequency and vibration - everything. Everything in the universe is energy. Nothing is really solid, although it may appear so. Rather everything in our world is made up of microscopic particles vibrating at such a fast rate that they appear solid. This is true for living and non-living items alike. Everything is alive with tiny particles of life that are in a constant moving state, creating vibration. This is the Law of Vibration, a law of nature that states that nothing rests, everything moves; everything vibrates.

If there is a vibration, you can be sure that it is creating its own unique sound. The very core of the being is a vibration. Even our thoughts have a vibration. When we think we are sending out a sound. It is possible to increase the speed at which the molecules in our bodies vibrate, through our thoughts of love, joy and gratitude.

Our emotions actually effect the shape of our DNA. We can also think our self into an illness. When we think, which is a sound, it resonates the frequency around us to our "thinking" sound. The mind is a tool of the soul. Do not get the two confused. Another aspect of dis-ease (meaning disharmony in the body or illness) occurs when the mind and the soul are in conflict with one another.

Sound has the power to heal. Sound can transform physical matter. Sound can raise vibrations and therefore bring the body back into a healthy harmony. Interesting, isn't it? We are all powerful co-creators of our reality. Healing is possible, but you first must welcome it. In order to heal you must allow yourself to do so. So give yourself permission right now to do so. Repeat and affirm the following statement three times, "I love and respect myself. I welcome healing to take place".

The Collection

The Sound Healing Collection brings together leading musicians in the field of sound and frequency healing: Dr. Jeffrey Thompson, David, Ison, Steven Halpren, Ph.D., Dr. Joseph Nagler, Sylvia Nakkach, and Life in Balance. Listening to healing sounds, vibrations and music can have dramatic results, and all you have to do is listen. An intention of healing with the energy of love helps the process along. This six CD set has a style that will resonate with everyone, six hours of inspiring, relaxing and healing music. Each CD offering its own special blend of healing magic.

Music For Brainwave Massage

The first CD is entitled "Music For Brainwave Massage", by Dr. Jeffrey D. Thompson, D.C., B.F.A.. This album is actually intended to to alter brainwave function and states of consciousness. Embedded sound frequency patterns, altering right and left signals and primordial sounds of nature work in harmony with a talented musician and composer. He is recognized as a worldwide expert in the field of brainwave entrainment frequencies incorporated into musical sound tracks. Mr Thompson has established a method for using modulated sound-pulses for Brainwave Entrainment intent with changing states of consciousness for healing the mind, body and spirit.

This is one of my favorite discs in the collection. I never "tire" of listening to it and can easily play it for weeks at a time, without intermission. It puts me in a good moon ... I mean mood ... and keeps me there, feeling warm, focused, calm, cool and collected. One of my favorite CD's of this collection, I never take it out of the ten disc player.

Relax

The second CD, "Relax", by David Ison is one of the more emotional moving pieces, for myself anyhow. It tends to trigger highs and lows, even exposing great sadness and sensitivities at times.
David Ison is internationally recognized as a pioneer in extending the healing effectiveness of sound, meditation and self realization. He is a musician, composer, mediation teacher, published author, the creator of the Musical Body, The Harmonizer and the Ison Method, along with dozens of other transformational musical programs.

After a serious car accident Ison was injured so bad that he broke his back and was unable to walk. Intent on healing himself, David refused pain killers and surgery, instead using an energy-based meditation technique to slow down his breathing to create a deep state of relaxation and then to direct his body’s vital force to the injured areas of his body. He walked out of the hospital, inspired to create transformational musical tools that would create the same kind of deep benefits he experienced while recovering.

Music For Healing MInd, Body & Spirit

Lucky number three is entitled, "Music For Healing MInd, Body & Spirit", by Steven Halpern, Ph.D. This CD takes me to distant galaxies, visions of dancing on keyboard synthesizers while waves of light are emitted from frequencies that sound almost too good for the human ear to hear. If the speakers are up high enough I can feel some of these notes in my teeth ...

Steven Halpern, Ph.D is an award-winning composer, speaker, recording artist, author and producer. He has been named by Keyboard magazine as "one of the 10 most influential keyboard artists of the past 50 years." Steven discovered secrets of combining ancient sound healing traditions with quantum biology and energy medicine to produce recordings that present the proper vibrations, supporting deep levels of healing by employing the mind and body's wisdom and genetically programmed ability to heal itself.

Music for Rejuvenation

Another emotional stirring CD in this collection, "Music for Rejuvenation", by Dr. Joseph Nagler is the fourth album of this "collection of the brightest six." This is actually one of my least favorite's of the set, and although it begins with a bit of an emotion kick, I find myself turning it off by the time track three rolls around. I certainly do not plan on listening to this album as much as the others, if at all. It is too "brassy" for my taste. It also has moments of uncomfortable sadness and emotional, whining piano and violin that pours from the speakers, making it difficult for me to listen to.

Joseph Nagler, D.A., C.M.T. received his doctorate in music therapy and is currently a Professor of Music at Queensborough Community College. He is an author, music therapist, musician and researcher. He is currently researching the use of music to promote language development with autistic children.

Inside

The fourth disc, "Inside", by Silvia Nakkach, has been a resident in my ten disc player for months now. I cannot get enough of it. It feels healing listening to the beautiful melodies, vocals and acoustic textures. This is by far my favorite of the entire collection. Shamanic and multi-cultural influences are woven together with the sacred voice of Silvia in the spotlight. This deeply healing, world music score is graceful, spiritual and heart touching. A penetrating album that encapsulates the essence of a true healer, a natural healer. Centered and relaxed, I immediately feel at peace with myself, my world and God. Silvia has a voice that is angelic, healing, elegant, soul-soothing and heart opening. Her heart pours with emotion, yet she sings with control, strength, poise and inner balance. Truly a work of art ...

Silvia Nakkach,M.A.,M.M.T. Is an award-winning composer, a former music psychotherapist, educator, singer, author, multi-instrumentalist and voice-culturist. She has been a pioneer in the field of sound and transformation of consciousness and is a recognized authority on the healing power of voice, music and sound. She is the founding director of The Vox Mundi School, an international project devoted to teaching and preserving indigenous musical traditions and combining service, spiritual practice and music.

Crystal Bowl Meditation

Sixth and final disc of this Ambient, healing collection is "Crystal Bowl Meditation" by Life In Balance. This is another favorite in the the collection. The Life In Balance pair are pioneers in ambient and trance-inducing electro-acoustic music. This touring duo, husband and wife team - Amin and Steve Sciulli, create a hypnotic, textured sound that is easy to relax and meditate to. The music has a magical sound, blending golden sparkling, pixie dust as it touches our dimension, alchemy, crystals and bells. The vibrational force causes my speakers to rattle at times. The work of Life In Balance is impressive, as they use ten crystal bowls in this album to create the sacred healing sounds. I enjoyed watching them on you tube, as I have never witnessed crystal bowls being played with such beauty. The music touches me different, after seeing them in action.

Life In Balance merging sacred instruments and modern instruments. Ami and Steve Sciulli are sacred sound healing musicians who use quartz crystal bowls and electronically enhanced world flutes to create an environment for healing, expansion, and relaxation. A national touring duo, Steve Sciulli and Ami Sciulli have played with Deepak Chopra, Krishna Das, Rusted Root and the Drepung Gomang Tibetan Monks.

Closing

If I had to pack light for a weekend trip ... or even a year, this collection would be traveling with me. I know I cannot go wrong with it, everyone loves it - everyone. Out of the entire six hours of music, there are only a few songs that I did not care for. It helps trigger the response of love and relaxation - a winning combo for an alchemical miracle to take place.

I love this CD set and my clients do too! It's great music for bodywork, meditation and relaxation. I highly recommend it. Remarkable experiences have been reported with the use of sound. You won't regret adding this set to your collection. For more information, please visit Sounds True.

Details
  1. Music for Brainwave Massage, by Dr. Jeffrey Thompson, Brainwave entrainment to induce healing states of mind.
  2. Relax, by David Ison, A musical method used by over 500,000 patients at the National Institutes of Health.
  3. Music for Healing Mind, Body, and Spirit, by Steven Halpern, PhD, A musical prescription for balancing your mind, body, and spirit.
  4. Music for Rejuvenation, by Dr. Joseph Nagler, Revitalize every cell by balancing the rhythms in your body.
  5. Inside, by Silvia Nakkach, Ethereal vocals to awaken the spirit of healing.
  6. Crystal Bowl Meditation, by Life In Balance, A unique vibratory journey to deeply meditative states.

Album Review: Gratitude, Relaxing Native American Flute Music

From the widely recognized names in new age music, David and Steve Gordon have have hit the bestsellers list yet again with the release of Gratitude.

The first time I heard this album, it took me back to my early twenties when I worked at the local metaphysical shop. This is when I first learned about the metaphysical sciences, tarot cards, herbs and many other "unusual" things. I certainly felt gratitude to be able to work at such an interesting place, as it was bathed in mysticism and secret knowledge of the old. We listened to Native American music often. Shamanism was often a topic of interest that stretched lengthy conversations until it was time to close-up.

I have a special place in my heart for all things shamanic and am certainly a lover of nature, animals and nature sounds. I have listened to a lot of Native American music over the years. Some of it I like, some of it not so much. I can easily say David and Steve Gordon's Gratitude - Relaxing Native American Flute Music makes my favorites list. I am not the only one to hold this album in such high regard either. This 11-track album is one of the bestselling recordings on the Sequoia Records label and it was named best world album of 2011.

Meet The Gordon Brothers

After decades of composing award-winning music, the legendary Gordon brothers, David and Steve, continue to bring some of the best new age music into existence. These multi-instrumentalists released their first album Misty Forest Morning back in 1982, using sounds of nature that they recorded in the Sequoia National Forest. Inspired by the forest, they named the label after it. Twenty-five years later, Sequoia Records continues its dedication to creating music that enlightens the mind, nourishes the soul, and celebrates life. Many of the albums on the Sequoia Records label have won awards, including Gratitude - Relaxing Native American Flute Music.

Native American Flute Music

Bringing out another unrivaled album from the studio, Gratitude - Relaxing Native American Flute Music is a soothing and serene voice that speaks the language of mother earth. Working in collaboration with Bobby Cochran, who plays some keyboard on Gratitude, the album highlights the not only technical talent of the musicians, but also the spiritual understanding of something greater that we are all a part of. With both David and Steve playing flute and keyboards, and Steve on guitar, this album tells a tale without the necessity of lyrical definition.

Listening to this album makes me feel peaceful and relaxed, connected to my inner being and to the universal center that connects us all. I find myself uplifted without getting too excited like some of the other Gordon Brother albums. There are no drums or rhythm, simply keyboard, flute and a little guitar. I thought I heard a rain stick in there somewhere, lost in the atmosphere which this album creates. Nature sounds from Big Sur State Park, Joshua Tree State Park and Sequoia National Forest give it an overall earthy, shamanic feel. Visions of a quest to discover the true self dance around within my mind, touching and opening my heart.
Gratitude is perfect for yoga, massage, new age shops, at night during sleep or on a relaxing, perhaps even rainy afternoon.

Closing

Visit the Sequoia Records website to get a taste of Gratitude - Relaxing Native American Flute Music. For greater understanding of why these brothers are so admired and respected in the new age community, take a peak at the biography page of David and Steve Gordan while visiting Sequoia Records. Both Steve and David are extremely talented people who truly have expanded the boundaries of new age music and brought the best to us time and time again: a reflection of the inner growth and deeply spiritual nature within each of them as evolving artisans, expanding in talent and putting the most into everything that they do.

Details and Track Listing
  • David & Steve Gordon
  • Sequoia Records
  • List price: $16.98
  • This CD is also available as an MP3 Download Album for $8.99.
  1. Daybreak Appears 5:54
  2. It Shall Be Beautiful 8:57
  3. The Long Life Makers 4:35
  4. In the Wide Land I Walk 6:03
  5. Where the Waving Branches Meet 7:29
  6. Long Feathers in the Wind 6:28
  7. Who Love the Rain 8:37
  8. Increase Without Fail 4:49
  9. Drinking the Sweet Waters 4:54
  10. Peace in Every Step 7:13
  11. When the Sun Disappears in the West 6:43

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Dr Carmen Harra

Carmen Harra, Ph.D is a metaphysical intuitive, celebrity psychic, best-selling author, certified hypnotherapist, astrologer, numerologist, and astrophysiognomist, clinical psychologist and TV personality.  She been featured on an array of national shows including Good Morning America, the Today show, the View and in publications such as The New York Times, the New York Post.

Carmen Harra began dreaming of the world outside her village when she was a child.  She has helped tens of thousands of people around the globe.  At just five years old, she nearly drowned in a river near her home and was rescued by her father, blessing her with an intuitive gift.

Harra’s extensive training in couple’s and cognitive therapy, combined with her uncanny intuitive abilities, have made her an internationally successful and sought-after adviser . The scope and magnitude, not to mention multitude of talents and gifts of this woman are simply extraordinary.

I reviewed two books from Carmen Harra, Ph.D - They were a complete joy to read ... insightful, eye-opening and spiritually uplifting.  






Saturday, August 6, 2016

Music Review: Freeing The Waters, Paul Hertzog

Paul Hertzog, an 80's film composer, known for films such as Bloodsport and Kickboxer, has released a new album.  Never underestimate the power of a great film score or the music of a genius.  The score of a movie brings the film to life, an often crucially important element in cinema that is overlooked.  A great music soundtrack helps to tell the story in a cinematic picture.  Paul's music has influenced an entire genre of martial art film music.  I still listen to the brilliant film scores of both Kickboxer and Bloodsport.  They inspire me to do great things - GREAT THINGS!  Hertzog has released a collection of tracks he recorded back in the 80's never before heard by the public.  He was doing synth way back when it all began ... and when it was a lot more difficult than it is these days.  Syth composers got it made in this millennium, thanks to those who paved the road before them ... people like Paul Hertzog.

If you are a die-hard film fan of Bloodsport or Kickboxer (featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme), Freeing The Waters is a must-have.  In fact, you may want to read this article later and run out and purchase a CD.  They are limited to 1000 so you will want to hurry.  The first 100 CDs will be autographed by the composer.  Visit Perseverance Records.

Freeing the Waters, a 10-track album, is a collection of previously unreleased tracks written during Paul Hertzog's years as a film composer.  The entire album is bubbling to the brim with mood and setting, immediately building atmosphere with layers of emotive sounds.  The work elicits such emotion, invoking a rich tapestry of life experiences, while managing to stay intense, meaningful and structured throughout.  Hertzog paints with sound.  His ability to captivate and add emotional resonance while relaying sensitivity and bounded restraint in fervent waves is amazing.  Freeing The Waters displays elaborate texture and vivid colors with a twist around every corner.  Some songs take you up, some take you down and some to places you never even knew you wanted to go ... until you are there and you can't help but play that track again and again.  


The album begins with twinkling, celestial sounds that transport the listener to another place and time, where there is magic, merit and starlight.  Track two, has a certain familiar quality about it, resembling some of the tracks from the Kickboxer score.  This song reminds me of the long road of life and how without courage and restriction, you may never make it through the gateway at the end of the Fool's Journey.  Track three is a little more mellow, yet deeply emotional, displaying many layers of the human heart and the suffering that occurs from the love that also gives us so much pleasure.
 

Track 4 is one of my favorites, as it has a fun element yet pulls great strength and courage to the surface of my being ... making me question my motives and begging me to make the right choice.  It also has a quality about it that reminds me of some of the best role-playing (rpg) video games ... the kind that takes you on a spiritual quest.  The song itself is much like a journey, through the thick and thin of life and of the soul.  You have no choice but to stand up or stand down, because the invocation within this song demands it.  Mercy or Severity? - It is all up to you!  

Track 5 slows down the pace a little bit, with moments of magic dust that put you into a place of deep woods mediation.   Moving forward with track 6, the listener goes even deeper into an emotional trance, resonating with the waters of the great Sea while journeying into the depth of the watery and intuitive self.  Track 7 pulls the listener back out of the subconscious, into consciousness and ... well, ... dancing and bopping the head around.  Wow, this songs sexy!  Track 8 is a sparkly and magical, overflowing cup of love, laced with stardust from heaven.  The climatic and debut titled track, lucky number 9 is the opening of the damn ... where the waters finally find freedom, no longer stagnant, rather oceanic and filled with life.  I cannot express my love for this album enough. 

The inspirational music of Paul Hertzog is infused with the quality and characteristic of a musician who pains and obsesses over the details and design of the final product.  This album is completely remarkable and pleasurably intense.  I do hope some of these tracks find there way into a film score, as they would make an excellent musical film accompaniment.  The tracks on Freeing The Waters would compliment many great screenplays, easily crafting a film’s most memorable moments and helping to create a killer soundtrack. 

Highly recommend!!!

I hope to see more work from Paul in the future.  This guy is amazing.  For more information, or to order please visit Perseverance Records.

Freeing The Waters Track List
  1.     The Violet Hour (2:46)
  2.     April Fools' Day (5:48)
  3.     Walk on Wide Water (5:01)
  4.     A Wicked Plot (3:50)
  5.     Kyoto Forest (5:49)
  6.     Sue Across the Sea (5:29)
  7.     Black Pearls (6:12)
  8.     Love in a Labyrinth (6:34)
  9.     Freeing the Waters (4:26)

Paul composed the music for the following films:

  • 1991 - Breathing Fire
  • 1989 - Kickboxer 
  • 1988 - Dangerous Love
  • 1988 - Bloodsport
  • 1987 - Street Justice
  • 1986 - Hollywood Zap
  • 1986 - My Chauffeur

Review: Zingaia, Earth Church


"All the streams of the heart weave and join, Become a thread in the web of life, We are giving birth to the church of earth"  - Lyrics by Katyln Breene



Zingaia is one of those bands that has you hooked right away ... and the more you listen to their unique style of worldbeat electronica  ~ the more you will love them.  Zingaia's new release, Earth Church (2012, Sequoia Records) is the band's fourth album.  Deservingly known globally as the award-winning groove masters, Zingaia is the combined genious of husband and wife Micheal and Katlyn Breene.  A blend of different ethnic styles contribute to the "Zingaia sound" with musical influences from the MIddle East, Africa and Asia, to name a few.  Zingaia creates musical alchemy, with a melting pot of styles and cultures, that is intoxicating and delightful to listen to.

Earth Church is a moving, soul-stirring composition that is sure to wake you up.  The melodies are energizing and exciting, yet each song remains its own original piece.  Katlyn's lyrics are captivating and interesting, deeply spiritual and rich in content.  I would love to be able to read them, although they are not included in the album.  Part of Zingaia's charm is the mysterious element to there songs, as though intuition tells the listener that there is so much more to know. 

Zingaia is not in anyway a cheap "here today, gone tomorrow" band.  Their music has substance, meaning, depth.  Deeply spiritual and sensual, Earth Church is an exotic expression of love and devotion to our beautiful earth and the mythical, mystical parts of life.  The music sends me to distant places that are purely Zingaia, lands afar where gypsies dance, sing and play music while sacred love is in the air and in their hearts, a place of cultural unity and respect for our lady Gaia, a place where magick abounds and you can create anything that can appear in your mind's eye.  Modern magick, ritual chanting, female vocals, exotic melodies, world percussion and keyboard textures are woven together taking the listener on a journey across seas connecting with the global world and the inner world alike. 

The album begins with a tribal rave titled, "Afto Tekno" and it is though a birth of the album has taken place, with african rhythms, strange futuristic sounds and voices that speak words of mystery.  Chances are your subconscious will be able to write your own lyrics to the chanting and narrative in this tekno groove.  Put on some comfy shoes because it is hard to stay sitting still from the very beginning of this album.  Earth Church transforms the environment into into a celebration of life.

Of the 10 tracks on the album, a few jump out at me every time, although I love each song for different reasons and they are all favorites to me.  Stand out tracks include track two, "Earth Church", a song of devotion and a new vision for the Earth.  Guest vocalist Samina Oshun sings beautifully in Earth Church, as well as track ten, "Wisdom Keepers".  Her voice is encompassing and her words are easy to hear and understand. 

"Incense Ceremony", track contains haunting and seductive vocals of an unnamed source, sprinkled with magickal musical fairy dust.  Visions of forests outstretched for miles, with mysts that spellbind through sacred earth scent and wildflowers flood my mind, drunk with the pleasures that only good music can give.

"The Message" track is a sexy and alluring tantric invitation of sacred sensuality. Grab your partner and create some love together while expanding your consciousness and connecting with the infinite.  Kaitlyn tells a story, her spoken word vocals are seductive, poetic and hypnotic. 

Track 8, "Sekhmet", is one of the more intense tracks on this album.  It has a lot of texture, layered with live chanting by the Women of Sekhmet.  With a strong ritualistic current I often expect Sekhmet to appear on my front lawn from calling on her so much.

Closing

Earth Church is beautifully made and mastered, another recommended release from Sequoia Records.  A must-have for world music collectors, fans of Zingaia and anyone who loves life, the earth and having a good time.  It is perfect for dancing, rituals, yoga, tantra and parties.  If you want to taste before you buy, please visit Zingaia at Sequoia Records.

Details and Track Listing

  • Release date: April 3, 2012
  • Sequoia Records
  1. Afro Tekno
  2. Earth Church
  3. Incense Ceremony
  4. Meanads in Morocco
  5. The Message
  6. Omumbiri
  7. MerMade
  8. Sekhment
  9. Call of the Panisk
  10. Wisdom Keepers

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Space Dominoes Review

If you are looking for some fun family entertainment, Space dominoes is a super fun and inexpensive way to laugh, bond and connect.  The game is like playing dominoes but with cards.

A simple yet genius idea!!!

Recommended!!!

Blue Bird Lenormand Review

I Love Tarot and initially learning Lenormand was difficult and I resisted heavily.  Then came this sweet little deck that looks like it was found someplace back in the Victorian Era.  The cards feature playing card inserts and verses by Stuart Kaplan to assist the reader in interpreting the card meanings.

Elegant!

Blue Bird Lenormand

Dreaming Way Lenormand Review

If you like Lenormand, you will most likely enjoy this Dreaming Way Lenormand deck.  The pastel colors with what appears to be watercolors and mixed media style artwork will capture your imagination and heart.  These cards are easy to use and a nice deck to give as a gift, or simply to include in your own collection.  

Very Nice!

Classy, classic, pretty, feminine!


Dreaming Way Lenormand

Review: Inspirational Wisdom

A collector of oracles and tarot decks I am rarely wowed by a deck, yet this one is incredible.  It is simple, yet effective with beautiful artwork and lovely ideas, especially when sharing the ideas with children and young adults.  This would make a great gift for a pre-teen.

The Inspirational Wisdom deck is simply lovely!

Inspirational Wisdom from Angels & Fairies

Review: HeartSwitch Card Game

I love to play card games with my hubby ... and he loves it too.  We both have a bit of a competitive edge, which makes winning good fun for weeks ... as bragging rights do not soon dissipate.  Excited to give this new game a spin, last weekend we did just that.  The HeartSwitch Card Game was designed by Joe Andrews, the author of The Complete Win at Hearts and Ken Fisher, the creator of the popular Wizard® Card Game.  The games was inspired by the classic game Hearts

A game of strategy, HeartSwitch Card Game, is a game that can bring out inner character and depth ... as well as being a lot of fun.  The game is for 3-6 players, ages 10 and up which makes it a great family game, which is how we played it.  This is a new favorite in the household.  As my oldest put it, "Mom, this is super fun" and I must agree. 

Now you get both games together!  Awesome!!!

Super Fun!!!!



Review: SpookyTalk™

SpookyTalk™

U.S. Games Systems Inc has a series of conversation cards that make a game out of talking.  There are several decks, each with around 50 laminated cards.  The cost is about $6.00 each deck.  The SpookyTalk deck is one of my favorites ... as I love spooky  things.  They would be perfect around Halloween time.  The cards have a paragraph or so of interesting information and then at the end there is a thought provoking question to stimulate conversation.  Great for bringing more intimacy between children and caretakers.  The cards are a lot of fun, so much fun they might surprise you.  They are very useful while traveling, especially on long road trips.

For more information, please visit U.S. Games.