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ACUPUNCTURE FOR MIND, by Wind Records

Wind Records' new release Acupuncture for Mind is a wonderful collection of 6 songs, but don't be fooled by the low number, because this CD gives you plenty of delightful music with an oriental flair. Geared towards the natural medicine arena, the instruments used in this album are chosen to stimulate specific areas, with specific outcomes.

The longest track on this CD, registering in at just over 10 minuets, "Calming your Mind" is delightful for spending time alone or for grabbing a quick session of meditation. The first track, "Spirit of Heaven & Earth" has such catchy rhythms you might catch yourself bobbing your head or tapping a toe if you play this in the background while working or cleaning house. But it's pretty certain that after just a few minutes of listening you'll find yourself stretching tension out of your muscles, perhaps without even thinking about it. Track three seems designed to be listened to while practicing Tai Chi, even reflected in the name, "Moving of Chi." It's opening strains are smooth and moderate, where later portions are faster, mellowing out again towards the end of the track. The remaining tracks each have their own personalities and I leave it to you to experience them.

The use of traditional oriental instruments creates a space uncommon to everyday life, and in general this album would be lovely to have playing softly in the background with a gentle fountain gurgling and bubbling somewhere, whether you work in your own home, a shop, office, or health care practice.

ANCIENT ANCESTORS: Songs for Spiritual Travelers

One of the first CDs to cross my desk after I took this position was the 2000 release of Ancient Ancestors: Songs for Spiritual Travelers by Colette & Phil. This CD certainly lives up to it's name, with the dreamy tones that are definitely not something you want to play in your car CD player. This album has such power to pull one out of one's daily grind that it should have a warning label on it not to operate heavy machinery while listening to it. Its one flaw is the unexpected shifts from ethereal piano to raw synthesizer and flute, even if they are smooth.

The fourth track on the album, "Fountains of Light," has guitar riffs that brought to mind classic "Yes" melodies, while the overall themes and flavor of the album brought to mind David Arkenstone's music. The almost eleven minute finale, "Ascension," could be played low in the background on repeat during almost any meditation session, unless you have a personal objection to the occasional angelic 'amen' or Latin phrase.

I think this CD would be perfect ambient material for a massage practice or metaphysical bookstore, and for many office dwellers, the perfect lunchtime escape. The magnificent panoramic seascape that composes most of the liner notes and the stylized crop circle on the cover are almost worth the cost of buying this album alone, and the knowledge that some of their forthcoming material addresses the indigo children, makes supporting this album worthwhile.

ANGELIC MUSIC
by Iasos FEB/MAR 99

Another wonderful CD for Healers and Energy workers, as well as meditation, or even just to enjoy the soothing sounds of the Angelic Kingdom. This CD is particularly nice if you don't care for the changing of tracks, since there are only two compositions on the album, each of which has a playing time of 29.50 minutes. The sounds are soothing and peaceful, allowing for that gentle connection of heart and soul. What is particularly interesting about this album though, is that the Psychology Department at Plymouth College rated it the highest (by quite a margin) as being the most like the heavenly music heard by people who had near death experiences. IASOS pronounced.

ANGELS OF LOVE AND HEALING
by Keith Salmon

An English guitarist, Keith Salmon plays his soft, gentle and extremely melodious tunes on this CD. Using a synthesizer, piano and orchestra, he has created a piece of music that is well suited for meditation, healing sessions or delightful encounters with the Angelic Kingdom.

AYURVEDA, Moving in Time
by Janetta Petkus, Ph. D.

(no pic)Ayurveda is a form of healing that has been practiced in India for more than 5,000 years. "Ayur" means "the science of daily living" and "veda" means "knowing." Each track on this album works with a particular energy/element. There are charts that also come with this CD. Every track evokes a different feeling, some deep and loving, while others are releasing and clearing. A very interesting CD for healers.

CELTIC SOLSTICE
by Paul Winter

A new CD out of the lovely land of Ireland. This music is created with a combination of the pipe organ and the Uilleann pipes played by the historic convergence of Irish and American musicians who make up the orchestra. The female vocalist's hauntingly lovely voice is wonderful, and the music is gentle and loving, conveying the deep and sensitive emotions of the Celts. All of the words to the music are included with this album. Buy this one and listen...

CHANTS FROM ISIS
by Nhanda Devi

A very nice album for those who enjoy working with the feminine energy. Nhanda Devi creates with this music an energy space allowing the listener to get in touch with the ancient female divine force, embodied by the goddess Isis, which guides you to your own female source and unity.

CHANT Spirit in Sound, The Best of World Chant
by Robert Gass

A truly beautiful album of chants, this double CD comes complete with a book describing the chants and their meanings.
Disc One:
ECSTASY, The Fire of Devotion, includes chants of the Apache & Cheyenne, the Hawaiians, Sufi and 'Om Namah Shiva.'

Disc Two:
STILLNESS, The Journey Within, includes chants from the Zuni tribe, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists.

DREAM SPIRAL
by Hilary Stagg

This is one of my favorite albums for meditation. There is such gentleness and compassion in all of Hilary's music, which is very well suited for massage therapists and healers as well. This CD reflects the vision of a dream that Hilary experienced in which he created an "uplifting musical tapestry." Through the gentle power of Hilary's harp, his vision comes to life with a deeply heart-felt sensitivity.

NOTE: Hilary Stagg recently passed through transition. I wish to offer my gratitude and appreciation for the beautiful music he gave to humanity. He leaves with us his beautiful gift of bringing magic to the harp.

DRUM MEDICINE
by David & Steve Gordon

A wonderful new album of Native American drumming, Drum Medicine features tribal drums from all over the planet, native flutes, guitars, shamanic atmospheres, and spirit rattles that will awaken you to the sacred dance. "The drum speaks, the drum listens, the drum is the center, the drum is the circle, the drum is the heart" Come and experience the sounds of the drum.

THE EDGE OF FOREVER
by Hilary Stagg

This is one of my favorite CD's, one that I use often in the Meditation Group at Awakenings. Hillary takes you to a musical sanctuary where serenity, power and tranquility await. The loving vibration of his harp will gently connect you with your soul, with the Creator of All That Is. An outstanding album for massage therapist, healers and meditators! This seems to be a time of release and clearing for so many of us as we near the Millennium. Allow this wonderful CD to assist you to go with the flow of whatever serves your Highest Good.

ENHANCING CREATIVITY
by Steven Halpern

This is an invaluable CD for anyone seeking assistance with their creative expression, not least because the music helps create the perfect environment in which to work, write, or simply relax. A series of short, subliminal (i.e., recorded below the threshold of conscious awareness) affirmations, which are printed inside, help enhance your ability to focus and concentrate.

THE FOREST SHOW
by Wind Records

Although not a recent release, this unique album takes sounds recorded from nature and artistically arranges them into wonderful melodies that place you in the forest with a simple closing of the eyes. With the sounds of numerous birds that would make an ornithologist drool, to crickets, waterfalls, frogs and monkeys, this album definitely takes the city out of the city dweller. The song titles give you an idea of the sounds you will hear, like "Sky of a Thousand Wings" and "Water Nursery," but the whole album is wonderful to simply slip into your player and let go. I actually had a friend arrive and ask about birds on my porch, only to realize they were on this album. Terrific for nature ambience enthusiasts, and easily recommendable for playing in a shop or massage practice office.

FAIR PLAY
by Patrick Ball

This album has been out less than one month, and I predict that it will be as big a seller as any of his previous releases. I have some of this man’s other releases, and was delighted to find this new album. Relaxing as well as imaginative, Patrick’s harp artistry is legendary, and the lush melodies and peaceful strains of this collection are fitting tribute. While this album is instrumental, there are times in our lives where lyrics are overrated and all you need is something simple, and this album fits the bill even while being elegant. From the traditional to the original, Ball is in his element with flying fingers and clear notes so typical of his music. For anyone who likes Celtic harp, this is going to be a favorite.

HARPESTRY
A Contemporary Collection of Artists

If you love the sound of the Harp, this CD is one you may wish "to take a listen to." Some tracks are soft and whispy, while others are delightfully enthusiastic and as high-spirited as the water sprite in your garden fountain. Many tunes are Celtic in nature evoking images and feelings of ancient rolling hills and wide-open spaces.

HARP OF THE HEALING WATERS
by Erik

A beautiful CD for Healer's and Energy workers. The sound of the Celtic Harp provides a soothing and relaxing environment allowing the energies to gently flow. This is an especially pleasant CD as all seven tracks maintain a peaceful sound. It is always nice for both the facilitator, as well as the client, to find a CD that is not intrusive when in a healing or energy work session. I also found this album to be very good for meditation. Since the music is not at all distracting, it allows you to make that wonderful connection with your Higher Self in an atmosphere of Peace, Serenity and Balance. I have always enjoyed soft music in the background when I read and this CD is definitely on my list of favorites.

INCANTATION
by Tim Wheater

"Incantation...as though one has tiptoed into an archetypal celebration. Ritualistically tribal, symphonically grand, exquisitely tender, this CD casts a spell both pagan and divine. For all those wonderful Pagan and Wiccan friends of mine, you will love this CD as well as those of us not in this tradition/religion. Go forth and dance!

MAJESTY
by Aeoliah

Still as powerful as ever, despite the fact that it has been around a while, this inspired spiritual music was created for personal transformation, meditation, new age healing centers and places of worship. As you listen you can almost feel that Divine connection to The Source as you allow the vibration to take you to that inner place of serenity, harmony and balance. (There are four tracks on this CD, each of which runs for around eight to nine minutes.)

MEDICATIONS ALONG THE SILK ROAD
by Marilynn Seits

I have found Marilynn Seits' music worth the buy just on the name alone. An under-appreciated independent artist, she has traveled to gather some unique melodies to place on her albums. This release, the most recent at press time, is no exception. It weaves delightful tapestries of highs and lows into a smooth sound that evokes the orient, but at the same time is familiar enough for western ears to be comfortable with. The mellow strains of the first track set the tone for an enjoyable hour of music. The last song on the album, the title track, is a melodic piece fit for meditation, energy work, or low-impact martial arts. Her other releases, Dragon & Phoenix and Feathertouch were written specifically for use with Reiki and Massage, and it becomes obvious from the beginning that this release is no different. Settle back in your favorite chair, wrap yourself into a comfortable yoga position, light some candles, put your best customer on your table, and enjoy this album.

REALIZE
by Karsh Kale

ROSA MUNDI
by June Tabor

With a smoky voice that would easily lend itself to dramatic soundtracks, June Tabor sings 11 songs in this collection of songs devoted to what could be argued is the world's favorite flower - the rose. Collected from different cultures and times, these songs are sung with heartfelt devotion to the craft and delicate piano and strings to accompany her voice, creating an album that is delightful for ambient settings as well as for casual listening. A definite change from current pop standards, Ms. Tabor's vocals bring delightful harmonies, whether she is singing in French (as in "Belle Rose"), German ("Rhosyn win), or English, this album is wonderful to have in the background for your next planning meeting or social get-together, provided you are not looking for dance music. Lovely.

SLOW WORLD
by Liquid Mind, Chuck Wilde

A powerful meditation CD from Liquid Mind. This is the perfect album for relaxing and relieving stress. It's also a CD that is perfect to make love to, in that it evokes the deep emotions of the inner self joined with another. Anyone who meditates will definitely enjoy this album. It is one that I frequently use in the meditation group at Awakenings, although I would not recommend listening to this CD while driving.

SPIRIT FOR THE MILLENNIUM
by J. Bird

A new CD by the composer of CHANT. Unlike CHANT, SPIRIT is guaranteed to set the mood for any event or occasion, or even to just listen to on a Sunday afternoon. A different artist is presented on each track, providing a variety of sounds and melodies. This is also a good CD to play while driving in traffic. Take a moment and allow Spirit to carry you into the new millennium.

SUMMER RAIN
by Tony O'Connor

Relax and experience an enchanting blend of piano and acoustic guitar set in a background of gentle raindrops and sounds of an Australian forest at nighttime. Tony blends his own compositions with the peaceful sounds of nature. The nature sounds are subtle, not overbearing.

TRANQUILITY
by Real Music Sampler APRIL/MAY 99

This CD provides exactly what its title suggests - several tracks of music that are tranquil, peaceful and relaxing. The melodies are calming and soothing in such a gentle manner. It is such a pleasure to play this CD while driving in traffic to and from work, as it assists in maintaining an environment of inner peace and balance. It is also wonderful as background music in your home or office and especially while reading for pleasure or studying. I would highly recommend this album for mothers seeking music that is calming to children. There are varied instruments: Piano (Kevin Kern), Guitar, Organ, Harp (Hillary Stagg) and Flute, including some vocal background accompaniment. A truly inspirational and reflective CD.

ULURU
by Tony O'Connor APRIL/MAY 99

(no pic) This is a wonderful CD from Australia. Tony is a multi-winning Australian composer known for his Music for Relaxation. Uluru is a monolith that is inhabited by the Nanungu people who bring us instruments such as the Didgeridoo and Clap Sticks. Also included are the piano, harp and full orchestra. The melody is relaxing and peaceful, inviting the soothing sensations of harmony that we all seek. Come and enjoy the mystical sounds of the Land Down Under.