The Whole Music Experience

Wahid Road Poem Independent  Wahid (Dimitris Mahlis, oud and Chris Wabich, percussion), features a semi-contemporary approach to Middle Eastern oud and Turkish maqam (classical scales and melodies) on the live recording Road Poem .   When I first read about the musicians’ rock and jazz backgrounds, I wasn’t sure what sound to expect.   Too modern of a sound and I would have felt turned off, but when this type of music is played with reverence combined with a pioneering spirit, the result is often mesmerizing.   The playing sounds mature as the musicians wed “Byzantine modes and Turkish maqams” (press notes), on seven original songs.   The album release date is September 25, followed by a tour TBA at www.rockpaperscissors.biz   (Note: This is an unsolicited CD and my policy is that I only review solicited CDs, due to time constraints.  I thought Road Poem was worth a mention so it has a short review).

Charlie McMahon & Gondwana Didj Heart Arc Music Since Charlie McMahon, mostly known as a didgeridoo player from Australia, granted me a short interview for my upcoming book Whole Music , I’m reviewing his calm recording, Didj Heart .   What I didn’t know about McMahon when Arc Music first referred me to him was that he also works as a music therapist, especially playing didj music for people suffering from autism.   In fact, Didj Heart culminates McMahon’s role as a support worker for ASPECT, a non-government agency that specializes in helping people with autism.   McMahon and keyboardist, Pasko Schravemade, also a NGO support worker, discovered how music helps autistic people with communication. While I wouldn’t lump Didj Heart into new age music, it shares qualities in common.   Besides offering music therapy for people with autism, I recommend massage therapists picking up this CD for their clients.   The music itself sounds unus...