Spiritual Life Music

San Francisco Examiner, June 27, 2002
something for the head, something for the heart and definitely something for the soul.

San Diego Union Tribune, July 4th, 2002
Joe Claussell's compilation, "Spiritual Life Music" is music for the morning after and for balancing out the previous night's hedonism.

Spiritual Life Music

Spiritual Life Music,Various Artists,Spiritual Life Music,Club/Dance,Dance,Dance Collections,Dance Music,House,Jazz-House,Pop,V/a Compilations

Average customer rating: Very nice music BRILLANT Love this music so cool Good for fast paced yoga class

Sacred Earth Drums David Gordon , and Steve Gordon Manufacturer: Sequoia Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Environmental | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Healing | New Age | Styles | Music Nature | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sacred Spirit Drums Drum Medicine Drum Prayer Ancient Power Sacred Drum Visions: 20th Anniversary Collection ASIN: B000008QVH Release Date: 1998-08-25

Tracks:

1. Prayer For The Four Directions
2. Sunset Ceremony
3. Call Of The Medicine Drum
4. Descent To The Lowerworld
5. Dancing For A Vision
6. Power Animals
7. Guardian Spirit
8. Return Journey
9. Sun Rise In Peace

Album Description

Drums from around the world join with Native American Flute, Incan Pan Pipes, Spirit Rattle, Guitars, Digital Synthesizers and Sounds of Nature (including wolf, eagle, coyote and dolphin). Feel the irresistible power of the beat lead you on a healing Shaman's journey. Move your body and become absorbed in the dance - for the sacredness of life and reverence for the earth!

Customer Reviews:

Very nice music.......2007-05-14

I bought this for my day care children to play as background music in our play area. It is very nice music with a great beat that sounds fantastic on our new Bose' radio!

BRILLANT.......2007-05-08

This is a very peaceful and calming drumming CD very nice I really like it.

Love this music.......2007-04-17

Let this music stir you--
sit back and hear the beat as it
lifts you and takes you on
journeys of your heart.
I highly recommend that you
enjoy this music now.

so cool.......2007-04-13

a lot of great drum beats, the music takes the listeners back to the jungle...buy

Good for fast paced yoga class.......2007-01-06

I like Drum Prayer better, but this one is very good. I like drums in my power yoga class, and this cd works nicely.

Average customer rating: Very calming and relaxing drumming Drum Medicine Awesome Drum CD Drum Medicine rocks. Incredible - can this be the work of two white men?????

Drum Medicine David and Steve Gordon Manufacturer: Sequoia Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Environmental | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Nature | New Age | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Space Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Electronic | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sacred Earth Drums Sacred Spirit Drums Drum Prayer Sacred Drum Visions: 20th Anniversary Collection Shaman's Vision Journey ASIN: B00000JK1F Release Date: 1999-11-16

Tracks:

1. Enter The Sacred
2. Empowered
3. Eagle Dance
4. Ancient Way
5. Thunder Dreamer
6. Reverence
7. Four Direction Wind
8. Spirit Walk
9. Enter The Sacred, Part II

Album Description

Shaman drums from around the globe, soaring native flutes, guitars, Lakota chants, and natural environments awaken you to the dance of life. David & Steve Gordon, take you on this award-winning musical journey. With their world instruments and studio artistry, the Gordons have the power to en-trance and summon the sacred rhythms. The healing power of the drum moves you…to dance, to dream, to live!

Triple Award Winner

• Winner Visionary Record of the Year
• Winner Visionary Best World Record
• Winner New Age Voice Native Heart Award
• Charted on Billboard's New Age Top 20

Customer Reviews:

Very calming and relaxing drumming.......2007-05-08

This is a very nice CD when I put it in to play my whole house relaxed and clamed down and just listened very nice. The drumming is fantatsic, but if you do not like native american flutes not a CD for you in some parts of the CD the flutes are very loud. But I really enjoy this CD.

Drum Medicine.......2007-01-12

I really enjoy both CD's Sacred Spirit Drums and Drum Medicine. I live in an area of very little resource for this type of purchase- I was very happy to find what I wanted online- also very glad to be able to listen before I purchased- would not have bought them without that. Service was the best- shipping was also very good.. I will consider this type of purchase again when needed.

Awesome Drum CD.......2006-07-13

This CD is awesome I have it in my car now and that is all I play.

Drum Medicine rocks........2006-03-11

This is the best cd for playing along with drums or dancing up a storm.

Incredible - can this be the work of two white men?????.......2005-09-01

You have to listen to this CD to believe it. I hear the Native American flute, drums .... it's one incredible CD. I bought it to learn to drum but enjoy listening to it just for relaxation, trance states, etc. This is superb!

Average customer rating: If you want your spirit touched..... real and beautiful Stunning harmonies, haunting themes. Speaks a Universal Language Orenda Had An Effect On My Spirit

Orenda: Native American Songs Of Life Joanne Shenandoah Manufacturer: Silver Wave ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Native American | North America | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Peace & Power: Best of Joanne Shenandoah Peacemaker's Journey Matriarch Life Blood Eagle Cries ASIN: B00000C2HX Release Date: 1998-08-25

Tracks:

1. Passage (Prelude)
2. Across The Sky
3. I Am Your Friend
4. Our Mind Is One
5. Creator's Song
6. The Great Feathered Horse
7. In Love
8. All My Relations
9. The Four Legged Ones
10. Garter Dance
11. Deer Dance
12. Life Giver
13. You Are My Friend
14. Hunting
15. Unity
16. Prophecy Song

Amazon.com

Multitalented, award-winning composer and musician Joanne Shenandoah gets better with every album. On Orenda, the singer and instrumentalist, herself of Iroquois descent, is joined by Mohawk Lawrence Laughing; and their duets, including "Deer Dance" and "Unity," are among the album's strongest tracks. Shenandoah's voice is a rare gift; on Orenda, it's rich and clear, and never falters. The mix of backing instruments works well, including several percussion and wind instruments as well as guitars, while the spare arrangements allow Shenandoah's and Laughing's voices to stand out. The blend of the traditional and the contemporary in her music works very well indeed, bringing out the best of both. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

If you want your spirit touched............2006-08-16

Joanne Shenandoah and Lawrence Laughing have been gifted with beautiful voices that come from the soul, from the heart, from the spirit. I have found the music calming, thought provoking, and most enjoyable. I have it on my computer at work. It reminds me of what is really important when the world around me is petty and small. This CD is worth every cent it costs.

real and beautiful.......2005-09-12

I like this kind of music, it takes me to another world. Starting with the first song and the introduction spoken by Lawrence Laughing makes my flesh creep. Joanne has a beautiful voice and the duets together with Lawrence are a good combination!

Stunning harmonies, haunting themes........2002-05-26

I picked this disc up by chance on a vacation to Yellowstone with my family. It quickly became the signature music for a magical journey.

Joanne Shenandoah is a quietly powerful advocate for her musical and cultural heritage, which she represents on this disc with deep compassion. The album title means the oneness of all things, and the songs explore that theme in a few of its many components.

The album begins with the speaking voice of Lawrence Laughing describing the meaning behind the disc. We are here not just to live physically, but to be present and available spiritually. The final track brings this home in a most compelling way with lyrics (spoken in English by Shenandoah before they are sung in the native language) that emphasize our responsibility to stand up and be counted "in the spirit world." Like most good albums of its kind, this one represents life as a journey: "And when you are ready, O maker of life, I'll come home to you."

The female harmonies are simply stunning. Whether singing of love or friendship or reverence for life, they speak quietly but unmistakably to the central theme of the album --- oneness in different voices. A simple courtship dance, thoroughly accessible to children no less than to adults, is poignant in its simplicity and harmony.

Much recent "Native American" music has tended toward the New Age, and like artists in any genre, many Native American artists have sacrificed authenticity to make a buck. Not Shenandoah, at least not on this disc. The musical techniques are modernized, but the performers avoid catering to "pop" tastes and excessive sentimentality. Each tune is fresh, unique and purposeful, and Shenandoah uses rhythm as a complement to the music, not a substitute for it.

I recommend this as a first disc for anyone looking to begin exploring Native American themes through modern artists.

Speaks a Universal Language.......2002-01-09

Moo-zik = de uni-voice all lang which... Music IS the universal language!

And: Joanne Shenandoah speaks it fluently on this CD! - Kontemplatif +sympathetique y soothing. Let a healing sonic vibe wash over your being-ness. If you stop to listen - you'll hear a rare thing... a friendly message. - mrk (cornplanter -seneca)

Orenda Had An Effect On My Spirit.......2001-06-13

I'm not one to do this sort of thing so here goes...

I happened to be sitting on the porch alone on a VERY dark night when the stars were out. I had my stereo beside me playing Orenda. The effect it had on my spirit was unreal. I don't know what it was, but I could feel SOMETHING... this is powerful music. Joanne, of Iroquois descent, is joined by Lawrence Laughing who is Mohawk; and their duets 'Passage' & 'Across The Sky' are the best Native songs I've ever heard. Shenandoah's voice is a rare gift - never faltering. This is quite simply the best Native album I've EVER heard, and I have over 200 albums.

ANYONE would be foolish not to get this album. You will not be disappointed!

Average customer rating: Brilliant & soulful A powerfully moving musical statement of Iroquois harmony Not as good as the later release Orenda a breath of life, a nurturing to the soul, a memory AWE-INSPIRING!!!! and SPIRITUALLY UPLIFTING!!!!

Life Blood Joanne Shenandoah , and Peter Kater Manufacturer: Silver Wave ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Native American | North America | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Orenda: Native American Songs Of Life Peacemaker's Journey Skywoman Matriarch Peace & Power: Best of Joanne Shenandoah ASIN: B000000PP5 Release Date: 1994-11-23

Tracks:

1. Messenger
2. Circle Of Friendship
3. When Eyes Meet
4. Path Of Beauty
5. Song Of Union
6. Woman's Dance
7. Dance Of The North
8. Life Blood
9. Messenger Reprise

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant & soulful.......2004-01-23

Shenandoah's music is timeless, soulful & minimaly brilliant. Perhaps ambient like Eno in a way... she makes beautiful music that evokes natural images of nature's flow.

A powerfully moving musical statement of Iroquois harmony.......2000-02-23

The blend of piano, synthesizers, guitars and flute flow seamlessly with the voice of Joanne Shenandoah, to create a masterpiece. Her vocals and delivery are impeccably joined to Peter Kater's musical genius on this CD. Path of Beauty is an Iroquous "women's song" and Joanne sings it with an emotional-filled heart, spirit and voice. The accompanyment by Peter Kater is masterful. Woman's Dance is traditionally sung and danced to for many hours. I find myself listening over and over. Each time, a new facet of its beauty is revealed to me. Dance of the North is hauntingly beautiful and encompasses both body and spirit. The Iroquois tradition of singing for a departed loved one is compelling and felt through the music and vocals. These selections represent the finest musical presentation I have experienced by Joanne Shenandoah.

Not as good as the later release Orenda.......1999-11-01

I think the songs are a little bit monotonous though they are indeed beautyful. Shenandoah's voice soars in the distance, though very intimate, but I think she ventures into a greater diversity and musical playfulness - and the songs are more profound - in the album Orenda

a breath of life, a nurturing to the soul, a memory.......1999-08-11

I am Haudenosaunee, Seneca, living away from my relatives. I love all music of the People but to hear the music of my own ancestors brings me home. Thank you She Sings for helping me to keep in touch with all those who came before - truly, they speak through you.

AWE-INSPIRING!!!! and SPIRITUALLY UPLIFTING!!!!.......1999-07-03

My first cd by Joanne Shenandoah was Matriarch. It was truly one of the best cd's I had ever heard. When I got my computer and found amazon.com I decided to look her music up and I was so excited. Life Blood is now my favorite cd of hers. There is such a spiritual quality in her work and I feel we are blessed to have such a beautiful person here on our blessed earth. Thank you so very much TEKYAWHAWHA. I wish you much kindness, love, and happiness.

Average customer rating: I've had it for years... never fails to delight! The music is nice but..... Spirited Away A Faerie Tale Enchanting,Breathtaking.

Fairy of the Woods Gary Stadler Manufacturer: Sequoia Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Electronic | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Fairy Night Songs Fairy Heart Magic Reflections of Faerie Deep Within a Faerie Forest Fairy Lullabies ASIN: B000009RBM Release Date: 1998-08-25

Tracks:

1. Sometimes
2. DreamSpell
3. Ring Of Magic
4. Awakening
5. Fairy Of The Woods
6. Breath Of Love
7. Moonflight
8. Forest Dark'n
9. Pool Of Light
10. Wings At Rest

Album Description

In this music you behold a beam from the heart of a kindred soul, revealing at once a landscape both human and fairy. A noble work of compassion and wonder, this circle of ten instrumental pieces by Gary Stadler emerges now from its three years' crafting. O you who listen by candlelight, you who follow the Gypsy Moon, here at last, here is the solace that you seek! — R. Merlin

Customer Reviews:

I've had it for years... never fails to delight! .......2005-08-11

If you like fairies, faeries or magick or magick ;-) this CD is good to have in your collection.

What I love about this CD is that there is just music, so you can fall asleep to it- or have guests over without them going "what in god's name are you listening to?!" It's very light and airy - you can feel the AIR in this CD and I love it. It definitely reminds you of fairies, and if you love them as much as I do by collecting, painting, drawing or admiring them this CD will help you get in the fairy/faery mood!

If you like my review please vote for it - any questions, IM me at WinterGetsMe. Have a great day!

The music is nice but............2001-11-12

There is hardly any singing in this one. I have bought the others and they are much better. This one seemed as if they were in a hurry in order to get it done.

Spirited Away.......2001-07-11

A close friend of my son's had purchased this CD and brought it with her when she visited him from out of state. I saw it at his house and asked if I could borrow it as I was intrigued by the name and the cover. The next day I played it in my car, and after just a few moments of hearing it, I found myself drawn into the mystry of the music. I was completely entranced, and kept playing it over and over. I just had to have it, so bought another one for my son's friend. But I found myself telling my sister about it, because I knew she would love it, and gave her the one I had replaced. I again replaced it, but ended up giving it to another friend who I knew would love it! I have never bought so many copies of a CD without having one! Finally I purchased yet another copy to replace the one I borrowed, keeping the original for myself. I still just love this music. I have the other CD's by this artist, but I like this one the best because it is purely instrumental. Don't misunderstand - the others are great. I just like this one BEST. It takes me away to magical places, lets my imagination soar and encourages exploration of conceivable possibilities.

A Faerie Tale.......2001-03-15

This recording transports the listener to the lush green woods of Ireland or any other enchanted Celtic place. The piano is lilting and otherworldly.Exquisite!

Enchanting,Breathtaking........2000-10-03

I heard this from my Mom who also likes New Age music. I instantly loved it and got the cassette for myself. It is a very beautiful, sweet and enchanting listen. It 'twinkles' around the listener and uplifts the heart and soul.When you close your eyes, you can SEE the moonlit,fog-enshrouded forest and the shimmering, dancing faeries.

Another great album to hear like this one: 2002:River of Stars.

Average customer rating: TRULY MAJESTIC This is good stuff

Majesty Aeoliah Manufacturer: Oreade Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Angel Love II: Sublime The Journey Home J'Adore Realms of Grace: An Angelic Experience Serene ASIN: B00004S80N Release Date: 2000-04-11

Tracks:

1. Reverance
2. Inner Mountain Flame
3. Sanctus Dominus
4. Majesty

Album Description

This highly inspired devotional and spiritual music was created for personal transformation, meditation, new age healing centres, and places of worship. The pieces on this recording evoke the majestic Presence and Reality of our higher Nature, inspiring us with reverance and Divine Love. As you hear this music, please visualize the entire planet earth bathing in these celestial healing sounds, as this will accelerate the healing and enlightenment of our planet Earth.

Customer Reviews:

TRULY MAJESTIC.......2003-07-21

At the suggestion of a friend I purchased this CD, thinking it would not live up to its glowing recommendation. It was actually much better than I had anticipated.

This is good stuff.......2000-08-15

Very very meditative, find myself crying sometimes when i listen to it. Give it a shot, you'll like it.

Average customer rating: Romantic andre rieu Andre Rieu Music is beautiful

André Rieu - La vie est belle (Life is Beautiful) Manufacturer: Sin-Drome Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Lehár, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Rieu, Andre | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Romantic Moments Tuscany Fiesta At The Movies Dreaming ASIN: B00005NNOW Release Date: 2001-09-04

Tracks:

1. La Vie Est Belle
2. You Are My Hearts Desire
3. Juliska From Budapest
4. Danube Love
5. Ole Guapa
6. Kalinka
7. Ramona
8. Heia In The Mountains
9. Stenka Rasin
10. I Want To Dream Of You, My Darling
11. Lara's Theme
12. Snowwhite
13. Amazing Grace
14. Poliushko Polka
15. Glenn Miller Melody
16. The Andre Sisters
17. Bolero

Amazon.com

The Viennese waltz is never far from violinist Andre Rieu's heart, but you won't find a single work from Johann Strauss on Life Is Beautiful. This time around, Rieu is globetrotting for his hummable, danceable melodies--to solid results. "Ole Guapa" is a tango featuring accordion; "Kalinka" is a familiar Russian tune; and "Amazing Grace," "Snow White," and Rieu's "Glenn Miller Melody" are tried-and-true American. Throughout, Rieu and his orchestra perform these works with plenty of style and polish; it's easy to see why he's such a hit with public-television audiences. His shortened version of Bolero may not be the sexiest available, but it is fun. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Romantic.......2003-09-10

Andre Rieu captures the romantic's heart once again in this, what is for the most part, a passionate album.

I feel the best tracks on this album are the russian-themed ones, like the title track (which I listen to on REPEAT when I am looking through my russian countryside or Romanov family album books). I feel that this and "Lara's Theme" (Maurice Jarre's love theme from the film DR. ZHIVAGO (a wonderful book and DVD)! conveys the passion for homeland which I strongly feel beats strongest in the hearts of all russians, more than than any other people). These compositions are so beautiful that it brings tears to the eyes if one surrenders oneself to them.

andre rieu.......2002-09-04

all i can say about andre,s music is i have over 15 cd,s and love ever one and rate them 5 stars.

Andre Rieu.......2001-09-28

I am a big fan of Andre Rieu but didnot enjoy this as much as several of his earlier recordings. It didn't have quite the zip as "Andre Rieu Live" or "The Holland I Love".

Music is beautiful.......2001-09-11

As soon as I saw Ravel's Bolero performed by Andre Rieu on PBS I wanted to have a copy of this beautiful album.. classical music that makes you get up and dance..

Average customer rating: Shaken *and* stirred And then there were four... A beautiful album Shaker Music -- misunderstood? Some new old ideas

Simple Gifts: Shaker Chants and Spirituals Ann Lee , Shaker Traditional , Jane Sutton , Paulina Springer , Joseph Brackett , Robert Dobson , Arthur Rawding , Mary Ann Valaitis , Joel Cohen and the Boston Camerata , Schola Cantorum , and Shakers of Sabbathday Lake Manufacturer: Erato ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music | General Christmas | Today's Deals | Box Sets | Children's Music | Classical Instrumental | Halloween | Hanukkah | Kwanzaa | Opera & Vocal | Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Pop Vocal Similar Items: Gentle Words: Shaker Songs Simple Gifts Early Shaker Spirituals The Golden Harvest Tree of Life ASIN: B000005EDQ Release Date: 1995-09-05

Tracks:

1. Come Life, Shaker Life
2. In Yonder Valley
3. Virgins Clothed In A Clean White Garment
4. Mother
5. Father James' Song
6. Followers Of The Lamb
7. Mother Ann's Song
8. I Have A Soul To Be Saved Or Lost
9. Heavenly Comfort
10. A Companion To Stiff
11. Pinch'd Up, Nip'd Up
12. I Will Fight And Never Slack
13. Celestial Choir
14. Holy Angel
15. The Lark
16. Nightingale's Song
17. Holy Order Song
18. Learned Of Angel
19. Laughing John's Interrogatory
20. I'll Beat My Drum As I March Along
21. Mother's Warning
22. The Solemn Bell
23. Mother's Cup of Tribulation
24. Sad Days
25. Encouragement
26. Verdant Valley
27. In Yonder Valley (Reprise)
28. Solemn Song
29. Turn To The Right
30. O Will You Sing Another Song
31. The Spiritual Sailor
32. Mother Has Come
33. Holy Mother's Protecting Chain
34. Simple Gifts

Amazon.com

Joel Cohen spent countless days in the library at the Shaker community at Sabbathday Lake, Maine, transcribing dozens of tunes from among thousands of archived chants and spirituals. Many more of these wonderful tunes were recalled from memory by the community's few resident Shakers--and Cohen and his ensemble, joined by several Shaker singers, made this recording, which deserves to be heard by everyone who loves songs and singing. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Shaken *and* stirred.......2007-04-28

My interest in seeking Shaker music was professional - I wanted something to use for my church choir's next big performance. What I found in this collection of Shaker music was that, but much more.

Without their music, the Shakers can seem quaint and faintly silly - the odd maiden aunts and uncles with peculiar hobbies (making chairs and living without modern conveniences) and -- nutty bears, indeed! -- living in celibate, and therefore non-regenerative communities.

But their music is something else --earnest, longing, full of commitment and a sense of their own story. And tuneful! You don't have to be a Shaker to appreciate the visual poetry of "Virgins cloth'd in a clean white garment," or hear the deep commitment to resist sin in "I will fight, fight, and never slack until I overcome the enemy," or the desperate longing for eternal life evoked by "In yonder valley there flows sweet union." These are songs written for and performed by people who lived a most austere form of spirituality.

There are those who criticize Joel Cohen for having embellished some pieces by adding, for instance, a drone that is not attested in the literature. By I certainly praise Cohen and the Boston Camarata for having brought these wonderful pieces to my attention. It is icing on the cake that a few of the remaining Shakers of the Sabbathday Lake, Maine community chose to join their voices to this effort. To sing is to pray twice, and this CD certainly delivers on that promise, plus providing insights into an obscure but enduring corner of the American religious landscape.

And then there were four..........2006-10-25

Only four Shakers remain and Sabbathday Lake in Maine houses them all. They range in age from 43 to 80. Given this, without fresh converts the Shakers face extinction. Barred by law from adopting orphans (since 1960, religious groups cannot adopt, only individuals or couples can), the twentieth century saw a steep decline in their numbers. Thanks to religious revivals, back in the nineteenth century their numbers swelled to over 5,000. But by 1920 a mere dozen remained. Though the small community hopes, and continually prays, for new recruits - which must come in the form of consenting adults - their values clash with modern America. Which was, of course, the original point. The largest hurdle for membership: total celibacy. No procreation, nothing. And, as we all know, twenty-first century American culture is anything but celibate.

Shakers remain not only celibate, but ascetic. Though not to the level of the Amish or the Luddites. Sabbathday Lake has a website, a car, telephones, and internet connections. They also don't hermit themselves from society. They play an active role in it. So throw away any notions of Puritanical witch hunters. Shakers laugh, socialize, read, dance, and, as this CD aptly demonstrates, they sing their ascetic hearts out.

The music, largely resembling English folk music, rhapsodizes about Shaker values, history, and vows. All songs but one get performed a capella. Some emphasize the lyrics with stomping and clapping. Permeating the set is the figure of "Mother," or Ann Lee. She helped found the Shakers in the eighteenth century and all faithful remain her spiritual heir (after Jesus Christ, of course). Early followers faced persecution, but found faith in Mother's actions and example. The song, titled appropriately, "Mother" retells the story of the "blessed fire" that spread from Manchester, England to America. Believers also reaffirm their faith and actions by singing songs in Meeting. An apt beginning, the CDs first song presents an ecstatic chant that reminds members of their ominous vow: "Come life, Shaker life, Come life eternal, Shake, shake out of me all that is carnal." "Followers of the Lamb" repeats the lines "I'm glad I am a Shaker" three times in celebration. Some songs don't have words and get half hummed half sung with mystical sounds. Shakers also express anger. "A companion stiff" fiercely pounds away individualistic thoughts in favor of community. The beautiful and upbeat "Encouragement" combines non-word singing with strongly contrasting fervent stomping and clapping. Somehow it encapsulates both meditative contemplation and heart-racing ecstasy in only two and a half minutes. Aptly bookending the CD is the most famous Shaker song, "Simple gifts." Instantly recognizable, Aaron Copland popularized this tune in his 1950 ballet "Appalachian Spring." Here it receives a sparse but inspired choral performance. As such, it aptly closes the CD with a message of faith and simplicity.

This CD, recorded at Sabbathday Lake, preserves a sampling of the thousands of Shaker songs known to exist. To this day these songs still fill the Shaker's 1794 Meeting House, the last one still in use. But how much longer? In the end, whether or not the Shakers can survive their current troubles, they will always remain an important piece of American and religious history. Not that that provides much consolation. Either way, this recording helps to preserve an important aspect of the Shaker's cultural contribution: their impressive music.

A beautiful album .......2005-09-17

This is a gorgeous album of melodies so strong and simple that you could build bridges on them.
The issue of the theology is irrelevent unless you believe that differences in the theology expressed--which may be different from yours--will interfere with your pleasure in the music. I can easily imagine topics that, no matter how beautifully expressed, I would be unable to listen to. It wasn't the case with this CD.

(You would also be upset if you believe that (a) listening to others express their beliefs, which are different form yours, is a sin, (b) your faith will be swayed by listening to gorgeous music from people who disagree with you, or (c) it's wrong for people with different beliefs to have their music recorded. I doubt very much that any of the people who have expressed theological concerns about this CD would feel that way but, hey, people who do feel that way should be given appropriate warning).

Shaker Music -- misunderstood?.......2005-01-27

I read the reviews of this CD and feel some people are not understanding the lyrics. One cautioned that Shakers refer to God as "she." At first, I thought the same thing; however, after carefully listening to the music many times, I truly believe that when they refer to "she", they are solely referring to Mother Ann, the founder of their religion, whom they obviously adored and admired. This music is haunting and well-performed and should NOT be a "turn-off" to any Christian who chooses to listen.

Some new old ideas.......2000-10-14

I am a big fan of early American music, and Joel Cohen and the Boston Camerata really know how to do it. I found this album musically refreshing as well as spiritually refreshing. As a minister of music, I appreciate the sensitivity the Camerata brings to its interpretation of these traditional Shaker hymns. I also love hearing music by singers (specifially the Shakers themselves) who are not afraid to limit their understanding of who God is -- infinite and varied in nature, not subject to human limitations such as gender. There is a great freedom in this music which some listeners who are tired of the rigid confines of modern theology will appreciate. My only ambivalence is with the pieces on which the Shaker community takes a leading role. On the one hand, I think this is brilliant and enriching. On a purely auditory level, though, their untrained sound is a little distracting. Decide for yourself when you purchase this delightful album!

Average customer rating: Sacred Music

Gathering: The Sacred Breath Brooke Medicine Eagle Manufacturer: Gopher Productions ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Last Ghost Dance: A Guide for Earth Mages Buffalo Woman Comes Singing (Religion and Spirituality) Visions Speaking Other Council Fires Were Here Before Ours: A Classic Native American Creation Story as Retold by a Seneca Elder, Twylah Nitsch, and Her Granddaughter, Jamie Sams Dancing the Dream: The Seven Sacred Paths Of Human Transformation (Religion and Spirituality) ASIN: B000254Y82 Release Date: 2004-02-01

Tracks:

1. Ya Ta Way
2. Walk In Beauty
3. Heart of the Universe
4. Kisaka
5. Vision Mountain
6. Mother, Mother Ocean
7. Ancestor Cave
8. Soaring Eagle
9. Whispering Your Name
10. Stones and Bones
11. Spirit That Moves
12. Grandfather Fire
13. Pilomaya

Album Description

Using all natural indigenous instruments, this musical experience includes vision quest, circle dance, and gathering songs that are brought to life with driving dance rhythms, soaring flutes, and beautiful, swirling choral harmonies.

Customer Reviews:

Sacred Music.......2004-12-09

I have this CD and I am ordering more for family and friends.
This CD will uplift and touch you in your heart center. I have never heard more beautiful and Soul touching songs before. Each song sung is precious. My favorite song is Pilomaya. Pilomaya is a special song of expressing gratitude in Lakota. I highly recommend this CD. It is great!

Average customer rating: Faith Resounds Better Than The Reviews Suggest It's different Spiritualized third LP loses edge of earlier work I fell in love with Kimmie

Rich from the Journey Kimmie Rhodes Manufacturer: Sunbird Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Singer Songwriters | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lost & Found Love Me Like a Song Windblown Picture in a Frame Jackalopes Moons & Angels: A Collection, 1985-1990 ASIN: B00004S5CO Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

1. Rich from the Journey
2. Thank You for Another Day
3. Shine All Your Light
4. Big Ol' Train
5. Espiritu Santo Bay
6. I'm So Amazed
7. There Is a Place
8. Yellow Sand
9. God's Acre
10. Wonderful Sound
11. This Is the Gift
12. Bells of Joy

Customer Reviews:

Faith Resounds.......2005-06-10

Apparently this 2000 offering was substantially different from Kimmie's earlier efforts. However, since this is my introduction to a delightful singer/songwriter, I have no preconceptions to be dashed. Instead, I find a woman singing about spirituality in a very personal and entrancing way. From the cover & insert photos of Kimmie walking in the water with her guitar, there is a sense of freedom & connection with the beauty of nature. On the high profile track, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings join Kimmie to sing the sweet "God's Acre." Its sweet simple melody & loping beat give an old-timey gospel feel that would be at home on Iris DeMent's "Lifeline" CD, "There is a pathway straight & narrow leading to the golden streams, There is a mansion ready for me in the valley fair & sweet." Produced by her son Gabe Rhodes, "Rich from the Journey" achieves a laid-back feel that harkens as much to San Luis Obispo as it does Kimmie's native Lubbock, Texas. "The Wonderful Sound" has a slow gorgeous melody, "Let your faith resound, make a joyful sound, one wish for peace is all we need to turn our world around today." The set concludes with the chugging "Bells of Joy" that'll set your toe tapping as you throw your arms skyward in praise. My favorite track is "Shine All Your Light" that marries a slow dreamy melody, Kimmie's trembling vocals and an exquisitely uplifting lyric, "Here under Heaven's eyes, down under Paradise, sometimes it seems like we're so small, Here on the shores that reach into infinity, how could we matter much at all? Would it be enough if each of us would give our love?" "I'm So Amazed" is a spiritually fragrant midtempo lighthearted romp that makes me hit the repeat button. "Rich from the Journey" is a satisfying set that deepens the more it saturates the sonic soul. Enjoy!

Better Than The Reviews Suggest.......2004-03-30

I'm lucky, I didn't have any preconceived notions of Kimmie Rhodes. I have fairly broad tastes in music, as well. My tastes run from harp, folk, classic country, English folk, and classical, to punk, heavy metal, British Invasion, and especially alt.country. I wasn't stuck in some shallow Nashville rut and unable to grow with a gifted artist like Kimmie Rhodes. It would be an over-simplification to think of Rich From The Journey as a cross between Nanci Griffith, early Amy Grant, and Enya. Kimmie has far more folk and country. Kimmie's lyrics have far more to offer than the hackneyed lines of Enya's lyricist, Roma Ryan, too. I think the gentle and lovely synthesizer washes are off-putting for those who prefer tired old recycled guitar riffs, steel guitar, and the stale pop/country formula. Those synthesizer washes, in several songs, provide an almost heavenly ambience that is appropriate and gorgeous for those songs. This collection is full of life-affirming positive tunes that never fail to brighten and soothe me. This is one of my most played cds and I selected the title track to be on my own compilation of favorite female vocalists. The duet with Gillian Welch is a delight, there's a Tex-Mex sounding tune, several life-affirming songs with spiritual references, a country/folk train song (This Ol' Train?), and more. This is a modern record by a real ARTIST who has rich and diverse influences, including folk and country. It is uplifting, rewarding, and satisfying. The lyrics are thoughtful, intelligent, and moving. The melodies are distinctive. The instruments are played well and it is well-produced with good sound. Kimmie's gentle but expressive voice is in fine form. This record is suitable for all ages and many tastes. Kimmie Rhodes is a beautiful person who has the courage to follow her muse on several songs that owe little to traditional country. This was my first Kimmie Rhodes record and I have 2 more already. I even found her exceptional website where I can get any of her cds autographed. I noticed she has a new record of duets with Willie Nelson. Those of you who can't stand any synthesizer sounds can always wait for the Dixie Chicks to do some screechy-voiced cover versions of these wonderful songs. I'm lucky. I believe there is music for every mood. This record is perfect for a certain peaceful mood or getting into that mood.

It's different.......2003-03-23

If you expect anything like Kimmie's earlier work (that I love), then
do not buy this before giving it a listen. I bought it unheard and gave it away after. This is more new age and if you like that, then this may be for you, but it did nothing for me.

Spiritualized third LP loses edge of earlier work.......2002-08-05

Having so brilliantly captured the essences of West Texas on her previous LP, this effort is a huge disappointment. Rhodes abandons her edgy country sound for soft, meandering instrumentation and melodies that often go nowhere, much like new age music. The lyrical content is filled with treacly '70s spiritualism, and Rhodes often reduces her delicate voice to an overweening whisper.

Those who were attracted to Rhodes' "West Texas Heaven" by the keenness of her poetic observations and the rootsy sound with which they were presented will find little to like here. Unless, of course, you also happen to like mellow, somewhat saccharine, idealism.

I fell in love with Kimmie.......2002-08-03

with this album. I had never heard of her before, until one day my husband brought home this CD. The tunes in this collection are melodic, uplifting, and relaxing at the same time. Great to listen to when feeling stressed. It is one of our favorites. I especially enjoy the title track, Rich From the Journey, Espiritu Santo Bay, and I'm So Amazed.

Album Review:

1. Suburbia Compilation
2. Tanzmusik
3. Technologic [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]
4. The Lovely
5. The Underground Railroad [Explicit Lyrics]
6. To Those I Hold Dear
7. Trance Energy 2004 [Import]
8. Trust the DJ: BS01 [Import]
9. Tyrant
10. UC YMO: Ultimate Collection of Yellow Magic Orchestra [Import]

Album Review

album review

Album Review

Universo Deejays [Import]

Choices

Great Overtures by Verdi, Rossini & Wagner (Box Set) [Box set]

Music CD: Balloon Man

Ela E Carioca

Cocked & Re-Loaded

Fatherless & the Widow

Cigarettes & Alcohol [EP] [CD-single]

Brazilian Routes [Import]

Brahms: Sonata in Fm No1, Op120/1; Scherzo in Cm WoO2

Dancing Foot

Boleros Para Siempre

Death Do Us Part [Explicit Lyrics]

Music of My Mind

Spike (With Bonus Disc)