IMAGINE STANDING ON THE MOON with a large sledgehammer in hand preparing to break open a boulder. Did you know that no matter how hard you hit the stone with the hammer, or how many times, you'll never hear a single sound? Why is that? Because sound requires air molecules to exist. In the vacuum of space there is no sound. Astronauts can only hear themselves speak because of air within their helmuts or if they are in a controlled environment. Fascinating isn't it? All our favorite Science Fiction movies wouldn't be nearly as entertaining without the sound of turbo thrusters firing and explosions sounding off would they? The sounds portrayed in deep space are non-existent. Imagine living in space for a lifetime.

Imagine a life on earth without sound. It would be a whole new kind of "living meditation" wouldn't it? Imagine living without any sort of human emotional outburst, like laughter or crying or singing in joy at the top of your lungs. Life wouldn't seem as real would it? It serves us to remember how precious sound is, particularly when we're tired of hearing fire engines scream through the city streets, or the neighbor's dog barking incessantly late at night, or the rude awakening at 6:15 am. by the garbage truck crashing the old metal dumpster on the pavement in the alley.

Since the new year rolled in I've been experiencing what I've termed "sonic boom living" which loosely translates to, "living beyond the speed of sound". What do I mean by this?

Generally each year as the holiday season passes there is a gradual decrescendo of movement in my life, and a quiet peace that sets in during January and February. But not this year. This year I've felt an ever increasing need to accomplish more and more in my everyday life, as if there is a definite and profound "quickening" taking place. Somedays I'm so focused on accomplishing tasks that the entire calendar day seems to vaporize, in much the same way I imagine sound is swallowed whole by the vacuum in space. Now this is not to say that I feel out of balance, or unable to experience peace and stillness. This has more to do with an irrefutable "inner-drive" to achieve some wonderful goals in 2004 and holding them alone as my focus.

Sonic boom living, is living free from the part of one's life that has up to now, perhaps held one back. For most of us this is "the narrator" or "storyteller" in the head that sets all the limitations with life and imposes boundaries with another. Sonic boom living is moving past the old negative playlist, into a productive space of union with the divine in all things. Sonic boom living is seeing every meeting, no matter whether if it's a person, place, thing, idea, or dream,...as a first meeting. No matter how many times I've met someone, or had the same thought sequence play out... sonic boom living is approaching any and all of it with a freshness, as if the whole experience is happening for the first time, as a newborn child.

I hope you are well and enjoying life's music.
Happy Valentine's Day,
Aven

Sapphire Days
Ann Sweeten

Contemporary Instrumentalist Ann Sweeten's roots are in classical music and it truly shows. She composes and produces all of her music and has an incredible way of bringing it to life. From the first stroke of the piano keys I had a familiar sense of having deeply loved this music somewhere, sometime before. Lifting me into my garden-heart it beckoned that I take the hand of my companion and walk along the ocean's edge and gaze at the beauty of life surrounding us. Scattered images of a child's first laugh, the scent of a fresh rose blossom, a rouge sunset ray reflecting in the sky and sea, all laid to the most elegant piano I have heard in years. Sapphire Days is a tribute to those most sacred days one holds and cherishes throughout a lifetime. Ann Sweeten is ripe with emotion throughout this recording and every note is played to perfection, effortlessly enlightening the listener. Each song is a jewel unto itself and I am so honored to have shared this CD with you. If you have the chance, enjoy a listen!

 

Immortal Memory
Lisa Gerard & Patrick Cassidy

I've been a fan of Lisa Gerard for almost twenty years. Her progression from lead singer for Dead Can Dance, to the very recent release of her third solo album has proven that she is a truly remarkable talent with staying power. In the last few years I've noticed that more of her work is being used in motion picture soundtracks featuring spiritual storylines (like Whale Rider) and this is precisely what this album put me in mind of. To listen to Lisa one would never imagine a very pale caucasian women with almost translucent blonde hair and eyes. Most people are stunned the first time they lay eyes on her physical body. I was fortunate to spend an evening in concert with her in Seattle a few years ago. The performance hall was a modest size and a perfect venue for her natural intimacy. Between songs, immediately following the applause, it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. I remember sitting so spellbound that I kept forgetting to breath.

As with all her recordings I find them beautiful from beginning to end, highly evocative and emotionally dynamic. She is one of the most sacred artists alive and I am so very thankful for the gifts she shares with creation. If you've not had the pleasure and privelege to experience her music, may I encourage you to seek her out. You might also enjoy one of the many DCD albums she recorded prior to her solo career.

 

© Avenescent, 2004

Editor's note: 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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Avenescent Thomas is a freelance artist, photographer, masseur, reiki master 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, cameras, 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. He can be contacted here and welcomes correspondence.