The Whole Music Experience

Lisa Dillan and Asbjorn Lerheim Love Me Tender (The Quiet Quiet Way) Kirkelig Kulturverksted I have not thought about Elvis Presley in years so I felt surprised when I received a Norwegian recording, Love Me Tender , paying tribute to Presley.   Vocalist Lisa Dillan and guitarist Asbjorn Lerheim headed to Nashville to record in the same studio the late Presley had recorded, and to work with the same musicians as Presley.   While this must have seemed like a dream manifested for Dillan, who became a Presley fan after the legend’s death in 1977, Dillan gives each song unique folk interpretations.   The musicians create a warm, relaxing and quiet atmosphere in which Dillan’s vocals caress every word.   A strong melody and evocative text translates into almost any musical style. Unlike, Dillan, I know little about Elvis Presley outside of the movies I saw as a child.   While you won’t hear Jailhouse Rock or Blue Suede Shoes on Love Me Tender , you will ...

Some music listeners prefer movie soundtracks for escape and healing purposes.  "The Sound of Music" gets the most mentions.  I have heard and read that the "Do re mi" song clears blocked chakras.  You can learn more about this in the late Ted Andrews' book, "Sacred Sounds". While Julia Cameron promotes morning pages (journaling therapy), I promote the concept of the music diary (keeping track of music's effects on your mind and body).  One of the tools that derives from the music diary is a set of power songs.  By tracking different music styles and songs on your mind, body, emotions, and neurological system, you discover at least 5 must-have songs that help you with insomnia, uplifting hour moods, energy-building, or for catharis (unblocking emotions). I give you an example of 5 of my power songs and their uses.  You might include these songs in your music tool kit or choose your own based on your musical observations.  I also mention t...

Lucas Van Merwijk’s Drums Unlimited Heartbeat Tam Tam Productions As with all my Whole Music projects, I sometimes break musical components apart to explore the roles rhythm, tempo, timbre, color, melody, and harmony play.   A musician once told me that I had no sense of rhythm.   At first, I felt angry about this critical observation later, I started attending drum events in Seattle, and found that I could follow along just fine.   My heartbeat taught me all I needed to know about rhythm.   Lucas van Merwijk’s Drums Unlimited know all about those poly rhythmic beats, but this recording does not represent an improvised drum circle, but tightly woven pieces, even drum vignettes with vocals in some cases, and worldview of drum cultures. While I pass on the DJ mix type tunes on this recording, the acoustic drum pieces definitely excite me.   Listen to the effervescent African Dream with Gianna Tam scatting in an African dialect over the...