THOSE OF YOU WHO READ THIS COLUMN with any regularity must know by now that I humorously allow myself a great amount of liberty when it comes to these monthly introductions and the topic of "sound". The truth is that I've always had difficulty with set boundaries, figures of authority and the like, and it's natural for me to think outside the box, and likewise my actions often follow suit. All my life I've found that when I'm forced to be something, or expected to maintain a certain image or "train of thought," I will shift almost involuntarily to a new perspective, and often exhibit that in my art or writings.

In last month's column I penned the little phrase "sonic boom living" in an attempt to describe the life of my inner-world as I've experienced it in 2004. I am continuing to feel as though I'm sitting on top of a jet engine moving through inner-space, but recently a bit of wisdom was handed to me through my old and dear friend, our featured numerologist for years now at PLW, Kathleen Jacoby. I've been very fortunate to share some special moments with Kathleen beyond this magazine, and I know her perhaps a little better than some might. She has always been a lightbearer to my world and just when I least expected it, she gifted me once again with her insight. May I just say that her numerology "cassette tape" series not only brought me deep understanding of the unseen spiritual forces at work in my life, but the healing was so generous it brought me to tears.

This experience has revealed to me, once again, just how important it is for us to communicate and share our gifts with one another, whatever they may be. We all have something very important to offer the world, and it serves creation best for us to rise to the occasion and claim our power, gifting it to the planet and our brothers and sisters of humanity. If you are a teacher, teach! If you are a musician, play! If you are a meditator, be!

What is your gift? Do you know? Are you in alignment with the voice of guidance within you "sounding off" as I speak to you? Most people I work with tend to report that they are unclear about their gift, and even more unclear about the voice of guidance within them. I say, "it couldn't be any more present, you're just questioning it continuously, rather than acting on it."

I recognize that I'm engaging my gifts, when I don't want to stop what it is that I'm doing, or when I'm too excited to go to sleep at night, because I can't wait to get right back up and to get back to work!

May you not only know your gift, but have the strength to trust that creation supports you, and then share it with the world, right now, today, at this moment in time wherever you are. And if you don't know yet what your gift to creation is, may you have the patience to listen. The voice of guidance is not only heard, but felt within every cell of your human body. For every filament of creation inside and outside of your body sings a sweet song of guidance drawing you face to face with your life's calling. Now is the time to truly and simply stand up and "be who you are"... and like every living thing, allow yourself to rise toward the light of your calling.

Spring forth,
Aven

Kataribe
Missa Johnouchi

Have you ever considered keeping a diary in musical notes? Missa Johnouchi did, and still does when it suits her. She expresses her feelings and "life's scenes" in music, rather than words. "How lovely is that?" You ask. Playfully, yet respectfully I must answer, "Beyond words".

This is her first piano solo album. These compositions were created in awe of nature, the four seasons and the changes they bring. So passionately she plays, revealing a committed relationship to her own heart. She is a "Storyteller of the Piano" and I know many of you will hold the experience of her music close to your own heart as I do. Missa's sincerity is imaginative, moving, and offers the listener a sense of being privy to something so sacred and innocent that I liken it to a child's prayer. Long after listening one continues to feel the ever-present peaceful calm that all life springs from and returns to. Missa is a jewel of creation and as the finest of jewels do, she has an almost otherworldly shimmer to her soul which envelops the listener with noteable excellence.

 

Spirit Dome
Steve Roach & Vidna Obmana

Six or seven years ago now, I remember picking up Steve Roach CD in a music store. I was unaware of who he was at the time, yet I could feel an energetic calling to me, "make the purchase." Do you know what I mean? There was a resonance that could be felt right through the plastic packaging, and I knew I had to buy it that very moment. I've thanked God I listened to that knowing many times since then. I often shop that way to this day.

Steve Roach has a remarkable ability to create complex environments through the use of electro-acoustics and he probably speaks more clearly to my soul than any other artist using the same tools. Some of my favorite music to use in performing massage and healing sessions for others was created by him. Steve has a gifted way of escorting one through the endless spirals of the mind, touching upon the many facets of psychology. Spirit Dome is another profound creation and yet quite unique in many regards.

This album was created in one contiuous 74 minute session with Vidna Obmana. Vidna is considered a master of ambient-acoustic as well, creating synth-orchestral textures that are often looped and absent of melody, yet remain in the memory long after listening.

Spirit Dome is considered a gothic-ambient recording, which translates to most as touching the darker states of the mind, or "shadow-self". There are moments while listening where I feel like I'm levitating amidst an abyss or being pulled through a blackhole, and imagine the depths of space in which earth itself tumbles eternally in silence. While listening I had to keep reminding myself of the raw nature to this recording. It is an unscripted spontaneous recording of a live session. Because of that, this music is not for everyone, however I love the contrast of it in comparison to say, Missa Johnouchi's joyful recording above. There is a time for all things, all things resting in their intuitive mind.

 

© 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 sound, 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.