The Whole Music Experience

Isabelle Faust J.S. Bach Sonatas & Partitas Harmonia Mundi Isabelle Faust’s new recording of J.S. Bach’s Partitas & Sonatas reveals a different side of Bach’s repertoire for a solo instrument.   Not the first time I have heard these sonatas and partitas performed on a violin, this time I hear the lush polyphony sung by this single instrument.   As one passage lingers in the air resonating, a new one superimposes over it creating a rich sonic environment.   At times, it feels like Faust’s instrument has split into two musical personalities conversing with each other.   Listening to this recording on headphones offers a musical retreat that alternates between relaxing the mind and invigorating the body. Faust is easily one of the best violinists working today interpreting German and Austrian composers.   The violinist’s sensitivity melded with her technical brilliance wrings emotions out of every note she plays.   From slow melancholic suites to quick tempos ( Son

Gato Libre Forever Libra Records The Japanese jazz quartet Gato Libre weds clear trumpet tones with global arty sounds on Forever.   On the opener, Moor , Natsuki Tamura’s horn recalls Fellini’s La Strada (the circus horn scenes), while Satoko Fujii’s accordion travels from distorted art jazz to lyrical Italian.   Kazuhiko Tsumura’s guitar and the late Norikatsu Koreyasu’s bass waver on the fringes, tentatively, sliding in words between the trumpet and accordion’s conversation.   The descriptor of global jazz certainly hits the mark, showing off the talents of these well-traveled players.   However, this is not a CD I would pull out when I feel tense.   The music here works best when the listener is already in a relaxed state of mind. Court opens with shy accordion chords playing hide and seek.   Then the guitar and trumpet sneak in creating a situation of tense anticipation.   The musicians tease us with minimalistic playing in a Spartan arrangement with the tr

Whether you're trying to heal a nation, a child, or an animal, or yourself, music offers many avenues of healing.  Visit YouTube, type in your healing music topic and watch what appears on your screen.  I will get you started with 5 videos that range from healing communities and the planet to healing dogs with behavioral problems and children with disabilities.  I hope these videos inspire you like they inspire me.  We have the power, it's available to all of us, and it's called music consciousness. 1. Christina Stevens, short documentary drum circle in Iraq http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyOhJREauDw 2. Joshua Leeds, Through a Dog’s Ear Project http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTILg0V-r8Q&playnext=1&list=PLCD4DF3DE5E1FF127&feature=results_main AND http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zytCL33Mf2Q&feature=related 3. Music Therapy for Children with Special Needs, BBC http://www.youtube.co

Hossam Ramzy Rhythms of the Nile Introduction to Egyptian Dane Rhythms Arc Music Hossam Ramzy Presents Egyptian Sufi Sheikh Mohamed Al Helbawy Arc Music Hossam Ramzy’s Rhythms of the Nile goes back to 1997, but this double-CD set provides a primer for drummers wishing to check out Egyptian drums and rhythms.   The recording features two workshops that Ramzy taught for an Egyptian Dance school in London, England.   Ramzy gives clear demonstration of various rhythms, their context, and explains the different beats.   The list of rhythms include, Masmoudi, a broad rhythm used in Egypt, Fallahi used by Egyptian farmers, Zaar, which is used to drive evil spirits away complete with a ceremony, and the classical rhythm Samaai for starters. The CD might seem out of context for a non-drummer or for someone just wanting to hear Egyptian drums.   However, I would recommend Rhythms of the Nile for anyone researching Egyptian music, belly dance