April 2002

Mood Food
By Iris Crain

It is often said that there is no such thing as a bad experience, only an experience, and that it is our judgments on the experience that lead us to label it as positive or negative. Some people would regard the power company knocking on their door as a "bad experience". However, when the slight exchange between you and the service man triggers profound insights into your life, you have to re-evaluate how you are judging things, or your habit of judging at all. OK, so it's not the best metaphor, it'll have to do.

The Internet is loaded with uplifting messages and websites, and while it's true that the opposite also exists, I don't believe there has ever been a time or a culture where this kind of availability to messages of light has been as prevalent as it is today. I think that one of my favorite points of view is still the closing lines of The Moody Blues' Nights in White Satin. "Cruel orb that rules the night / removes the colors from our sight / red is gray and yellow white / but we decide which is right / and which is an illusion" Here's hoping that all your discernments for this month are effortless.

Meditations 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.

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.

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.

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Iris Crain is a freelance writer living in Western Washington State. She attended a performing arts-themed high school as a singer before starting a family and pursuing interests in natural healing, spirituality, divination, medieval history reenactment, computers, poetry, songwriting, human rights, home schooling and cooking. She can be contacted at peacemonger@earthlink.net and welcomes correspondence.