The Whole Music Experience

photo by Patricia Herlevi I watched Jonathan Goldman’s 2004 DVD Healing Sounds (Program 1)-- Sacred Mysteries last night.   In this DVD, Jonathan mentions that frequency + intention = healing.   I have come across several articles and books on the frequency aspect of this equation, but not enough research on intention.   It is not a coincidence that in ancient Egypt and other ancient civilizations that musicians and sound healers went through rigorous training and were initiated into their musical roles.   These musicians learned about the power of sound, frequency, and intent, along with the power of words.   Yet, how many educators these days know anything about this power? As a writer and as a musician, my teachers did not teach me about this hidden power in music, at least not the ones, outside of the new age arena. I plan on founding a music cooperative in the Bellingham, Washington area where these aspects of sound and music will be taught to music students by expert

Dr. Jeffrey Thompson Music to Change Your Brain (Sound Healing/Brain Science) Sounds True Doctor of Chiropractics Jeffrey Thompson began experimenting with sound scientifically in the 1980s, according to the press notes that accompanied a media copy of Music to Change Your Brain .   Thompson uses audio to alter brainwaves to create feelings of relaxation or alertness.   His audio CDs which include bi-aural devices, intended tempo, and ambient sounds have helped millions of people relax, fall asleep, meditate, and heighten creativity.   Music to Change Your Brain offers six 10-minute tracks that include, Alpha Relaxation System, Healing Mind System, Creative Mind System , Awakened Mind System, Gamma Meditation System , and Delta Sleep System .   So how do these tracks affect a sensitive person such as me? I know my readers and colleagues are weary of my aversion to synthesizers, but I wouldn’t practice integrity if I ignore the fact that synthesizers and progr

Pancho Alvarez Sonche Atlántico Folmusica My sister introduced me to Galicia, a Spanish province, over a decade ago when she loaned me her copy of Paulo Coelho’s The Pilgrimage , but Angel Romero, Founder of World Music Central, introduced me to Galician music several years ago.   When many people think of Spanish music they think of flamenco or gypsy music.   I have not met many people outside of music journalism and world music audiences who even realize the diversity of musical traditions hailing from Spain’s provinces.   For instance, in Asturias and Galicia, bagpipes and large frame drums are prominent, but so are various types of lutes, accordions, strings, and instruments from other folkloric traditions.   The music ranges from jaunty sends-ups to haunting ballads.   At times, music of northwest Spain resembles other Celtic music of Scotland and Ireland. Multi-instrumentalist Pancho Alvarez features mostly original compositions on Sonche Atlàntico , and s

Irène and Francis Jacob Je Sais Nager (I know how to swim) Sunnyside Communications/Universal France Brazilian bossa nova diva Astrud Gilberto and French actress Brigitte Bardot, though from two parts of the world, shared soft understated vocals in common.   In mainly the realm of Parisian actresses, breathy vocals were transformed into a vocal pop art.   Even the English alternative pop band Stereolab made this music hip back in the 1990s, then dubbed as French lounge music.   The days of Edith Piaf belting out torch songs had ended, replaced by film stars turned singer-songwriter.   French actress Irène Jacob ( Trois Coleurs Rouge and Double Life of Veronique ) has joined the French pop music tradition while joining forces with her musician brother Francis Jacob on Je Sais Nager . This world pop album combines suave bossa nova with North and West African flavors, while never allowing listeners to forget the French origins of the songs.   Certainly, this bre