BLESSINGS OF AUTUMN , EVERYBODY!

For your listening pleasure in October, I am reviewing Raining Rainbows by J. Michele Bodine, Triumph Of the Spirit by Jeffrey Fisher and Dreams & Visions by Mary-Kathryn. I hope you enjoy them!

Artist:   J.   M I C H E L E   B O D I N E
Album:  R a i n i n g   R a i n b o w s

It is hard to put into words just how beautiful this music is and how it has touched me. There is an otherworldly essence to Raining Rainbows that comes from the Divine higher realms. I am truly impressed!

In 1980 J. Michele Bodine started channeling her own keyboard music. A current resident of Hawaii, J. Michele Bodine has a lovely home on the slopes of Haleakala, on Maui, in Hawaii with a gorgeous view of the West Maui Mountains, the Island of Lanai and the ocean. All of which must bring much inspiration to her creative process.

"My Angels Lullaby" is a great beginning to this CD - so soft and enchanting you just drift away in this dreamy celestial music. This track reminds me of floating on water with the stars beaming down on me in my relaxed state of being.

The second track, "For My Kula Home", feels very personal and intimate. It makes me feel childlike and gives me a sense of freedom.

The third track, "Double Happiness", is a slower and mellower track with almost a hint of the orient to me. I can almost smell the cherry blossoms when I hear this track.

My heart melted when I heard the next track. "Twinkling Stars" is beautifully ethereal and definitely my favorite on this release.

Track five, "Raining Rainbows", is uplifting and yet an intense outpouring of musical light to lift the spirit ever so higher.

The finale, "Dancing With My Garden", is a serene magical creation - probably the sweetest of all six tracks and might I say a great ending to a magnificent CD!

Talk about easing your tensions away... I feel blessed to have experienced this beautiful music channeled by J. Michele Bodine. This CD would be great for meditation/energy work/massage or just chilling out at home.

For me, these tranquil soundscapes really encourage the awakening of the inner child. Whether your inner child is fully awake or needs some waking up - either way you will want to get lost in this whimsical disc of fantastic musical creations.

I have to say I love this whole CD. I really resonate with it! I hope you do to. This is a keeper for sure!

If you wish to listen to music samples, or purchase this music,
please click on the CD cover above.

Artist:   J E F F R E Y   F I S H E R
Album:  T r i u m p h   O f   t h e   S p i r i t

What a charming little CD - jam packed with eloquent enchanting soundscapes.

Track one, "Triumph of the Spirit", is a tranquil, easy-flowing soundscape that sets the stage for the rest of the CD.

Track two, "The Beginning of Wisdom", is my favorite on this disc. You will get lost in the bells, tambourines and horns. This piece is beautifully arranged. It reminds me of something that would be on the Camelot soundtrack (and that is a compliment because I love Camelot!)

Track three, "Emperor of the Soul", is a soothing and peaceful soundscape that makes me want to relax and meditate.

Track four, "Rituals of Paradox", is a very upbeat and playful track. The way the music flows it just feels like the essence that is summer.

Track five and the finale of this CD is the powerful "Eternal Companions" and my second favorite track on this disc. What a mystical, magical way to wrap up this CD release - more than enough music ear-candy for your ears to feast upon.

Jeffrey Fisher is an award winning composer, bass violinist, pianist, Reiki healer, artist, Tai Chi teacher and author. For over thirty years he has developed a reputation as an innovative musician, playing in an amazingly diverse mix of groups. He has composed for piano, orchestra, string quartet, and for a plethora of vocal and jazz groups. Jeffrey has performed all over the United States and the music of Jeffrey Fisher is the story of the American experience. It is the melding of diverse influences and diverse peoples.

If you wish to listen to music samples, or purchase this music,
please click on the CD cover above.

Artist:   M A R Y - K A T H R Y N
Album:  D r e a m s   &   V i s i o n s

Mary-Kathryn's fourth release Dreams & Visions delivers a new twist on new age music. I kind of see Mary-Kathryn as a progressive new age Christian with the material she chooses to sing about. Mary-Kathryn's voice is captivating and mature - ripe with beauty and passion. There are ten songs on this disc and in all Mary-Kathryn seems to be in sync with the real teachings of the Christ - that all is one and there is no separation. Mary-Kathryn delivers a beautiful message of hope and praise with this disc of beautiful enchanting songs.

I read a beautiful quote from Mary-Kathryn's journal: "People need to appreciate everyone else and understand that diverse cultures and a different heritage make our world a much more colorful and interesting place," says Mary-Kathryn. "No one should have to hide their beliefs or apologize for who they are. We might even find common goals such as pushing for peace or caring for the planet. We are all on a spiritual journey and should respect each other."

This new release features appearances by Hugh Marsh on Violin and Fergus Marsh on Chapman Stick & Bass, Tony Morra on Drums & Percussion, the Finnish vocal group Fire 4U, co-produced by Paul Buono and Mary-Kathryn and mixed by Tony Palacios at the Sound Kitchen.

Mary-Kathryn's CDs are on Rhythm House Records and can be purchased at her website (mary-kathryn.com), in many record stores and specialty shops across the United States, through major online outlets (amazon.com or cdbaby.com), and at many web digital download locations (including iTunes and Rhapsody).

Give it a spin!

If you wish to listen to music samples, or purchase this music,
please click on the CD cover above. 

© Tony Tolin, 2007

Attention New Age Artists,  I would like to mention an excellent marketing tool that you can take advantage of at MySpace.com - www.myspace.com. It is a great way to get your name out there and it's free. Groups and musicians such as Twinflame , Blackmore's Night, Paul Avgerinos, Chris Conway, and even Kitaro have taken full advantage of this opportunity. So consider trying out this free exposure and make some great friends and fans along the way. Namaste'   - Tony

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tony Tolin was born and raised in Denver, Colorado where he currently resides. He considers himself a spiritualist, lightworker and all around metaphysical type of guy. He loves music and gravitates toward progressive styles from New Wave to New Age. In general, he tends to be attracted to music that has a positive message or that plays to your soul in an uplifting, healing manner. Tony believes music has a unique power to transform one's self.

Tony has an artistic background and expresses himself through the use of many mediums. He enjoys exploring the manifestation of his inner visions through external forms while gaining inspiration from the mystical realm, animal kingdom, and cosmic energies. Tony believes in animal and human rights and feels we should all do what we can to help create a better Earth.

If you have a CD that you would like to submit for possible review in his column please contact him by email here: cosmict2000@yahoo.com . He welcomes you and your correspondence.