SOME OF NATURE'S MOST SUBTLE SOUNDS speak more clearly to my soul than any music recording I've ever listened to. One of my most favorite can only be experienced the morning after a night of heavy snowfall in the mountains.

Waking just before dawn, slipping into thermals and boots while carefully stepping out into the first born sounds of winter's morn. The large devouring sounds born as one foot is placed in front of the other sinking into the snowpack, "crunch, crunch, crunch." But, oh, my friend, let us wait here just a moment. Please come to a stop with me here at winter's edge. Stand silent with me and take in the trees surrounding us. Stand silent with me and be embraced by a snow white doe looking upon us.

How well do you know the enchanted mystery present, as eyes trace the bending frost of our exhale tumbling through the space between us? Do you know that feeling of being "witnessed by the trees" as you gaze at a foot of fresh snowfall covering every limb and leaf around you? As if they might just bend over and embrace you at any moment?

Can you remember holding your breath, being spellbound as the first rays of daybreak passionately lay gold upon the white encrusted cathedral's limbs?

Clearly our heartbeats have repercussions unseen. As they echo outward, tenderly shaking the forest... a thick pillow of snow leaves the evergreen branch, taking to the air, then, like an angel's wing, soaring into the ground below. "Foompah!" - followed by the heart's whisper of, "God, I love that sound!"

Moving deeper into the journey now, I see nine-mile creek has frozen over. But not completely. To walk atop the narrow creek and contemplate what might happen if I break through the thin ice, suddenly awestruck, and, again, I ask you to stop. Please stop here with me. The white doe is witnessing us again, see there between stumps.

Listen to the white rose blossoming within itself. Can you hear a tiny stream of water trickling beneath the ice shelf, water that is not frozen, water that still flows beneath the surface? This song is more sacred than anything taking place on the planet right now. Nothing could be more lovely than the natural chaos of nature's music. Effortlessly, I'm taken into the depths of meditation and lose track of all time.

Recently very positive results from a variety of studies have been consistently emerging in the media revolving around Sound Therapy and meditation. Have you seen them? Sound Therapy has consistently been found to reduce anxiety and increase feelings of well being and happiness in "true listeners." Meditation is reported to steadily produce beneficial changes in the immune system as well as in brain electrical activity. Better brain activity is associated with positive emotions, higher self-esteem, and also lends itself to a reduction in anxiety levels and worry. Something wonderful is happening on a global scale.

Gazing deep into the patterns upon the ice-covered creek bed, I'm again drawn deep into the essence of my own being, our being. Recognizing the spiritual truth that any image is the result of separation between my mind and the sensation, I leave the boundaries separating all things behind and dive into the core of the sensory impulse.

Now not a soul on the ice, only me, and it's breaking fast. I can't resist, and to my knees I bend and arch to sip the purest mountain spring water.

Angel's bells ring... "are you glistening?"
Aven

Twinflame
Journey of Souls

Vocalist Rebecca Hilton has a tremendous gift for expressing light through her music. Combined with the tremendous talent of Wen Boley, Twinflame offers a haunting celtic sound that is truly soulful and spiritually mature. The clarity of pitch in her voice, the masterful way in which the music is structured, companioned with the endless echo of love present in this album carved a home within me in just a few moments of listening. This is one of the most gorgeous soprano voices I've ever experienced. Delicately ornate and at the same time undeniably strong, much like the base of a pillar is required to be when supporting the throne of heaven, this peace-loving duo more than fulfills the promise of raising consciousness through their works of art.

Journey of Souls was originally released in 2001 and since then Peaceful Warriors has followed. I recommend each of these, but due to space limitations and availability through Amazon, I have selected Journey of Souls to review. There is a sacred quality to this modern Celtic music that is a welcome break from many of the traditional songs of the Christmas season. Thank you Rebecca and Wen for a gift that will stand the test of time for many many years to come. Gifts from heaven art thou.

Jeff Ball
Songs of Winter

Sometimes I want to hear Christmas music, but on my terms. I prefer modern recordings of traditional music and in my range of preferences, I love American Indian flute. Jeff Ball is one of the most talented flautists there is. What I like about the selection of Christmas music on this album is the unique arrangement of the familiar, giving it a new life. Whether just milling around in the kitchen preparing a batch of cookies or unwrapping presents by the fire on Christmas eve, this is a collection of some very pleasing renditions of many of our most cherished holiday songs and a few others that you may not have heard of. This album makes a great backdrop for a family gathering as there is something for everyone. Personally I like having Christmas music mixed with tunes that I am unfamiliar.

While the flute is often the featured instrument, by no means are the arrangements absent of other talented instrumentalists. Jeff Ball is actually a group of four musicians that have chosen to use the name of their front man. Together they have created a modern contemporary style, that uniquely supports the ancient sound of Native American flute. They have done this together without compromising the integrity of the whole, providing a platform to allow the flute to remain as the focus of the orchestration.

Songs on this album include: Greensleeves, Silent Night, Through the Eyes of Innocence, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, Winter Without You and Auld Lang Syne among several others. This album is a wonderful way to say, "I wish you a joyful holiday celebration."

© 2003 Avenescent

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Avenescent Thomas is a masseur, reiki master, freelance artist and spiritual transformationalist native to southern California. He enjoys all forms of music, having grown up playing several instruments and singing for several musical groups. He loves working with people, photography, computers, glass, natural sculpture, exploring zen, non-dualism, and every fiber of nature. Prior to being a healer he was a social worker for the state of Washington providing Outreach services for those in need, and counseling for abused gay and lesbian teenagers through a state funded program called Odyssey. He can be contacted here and welcomes correspondence.

If you have an album that you would like to submit for musical review please feel free to contact Aven. Submissions do not need to be limited to the "New Age" category or "Sound Therapy" in order to be accepted. Please keep in mind that any CD submitted for review must be first listed at Amazon.Com. We apologize but submitted materials cannot be returned to you.