The Seven Valleys

Amazon.com
Stellamara is a Bay Area band creating a world music of the imagination: filtered through eastern European refrains, spun in Persian grooves, blended in medieval modalities, and supercharged by San Franciscan world music sensibilities. All this is centered by the vocal incantations of Sonja Drakulich, who recalls singers like Vas's Azam Ali and Lumin's Irina Mikhailova. But while they sing in an imaginary supralingua, Drakulich sings real words. Much of Stellamara's music and lyrics are based on traditional melodies and sung in the original languages, such as the Bulgarian lament "Zablejalo mi Agance" and the love-torn Hungarian cry of "Szerelem." Drakulich's diaphanous soprano curves in fractalized spirals one minute and soars in heavenside choirs the next. Meanwhile, Gari Hegedus is a stringed wonder, playing saz, baglama, oud, violin, and just about anything else from the Asian diaspora you can pluck or bow. It's been seven years since Stellamara's debut album, Star of the Sea. But despite some personnel changes, including the departure of Jeffrey Stott (who went on to found Lumin), they manage to continue their exotic fusion, like a global gypsy troupe lost in time. --John Diliberto

-Mark Burbey, Alternative Press
...Drakulich has as singular a vocal style as Lisa Gerrard does, but with the added allure of a siren.

The Seven Valleys

The Seven Valleys,Stellamara,Lucidity Music,Rising from within Turkish, Arabic, Balkan, Medieval European and Persian musical traditions, Stellamara expresses sublime devotion to the music of eastern cultures with extraordinarily beautiful vocals and instrumentation.

Average customer rating: Almost perfect Middle Eastern/World Fusion music fans will love this! Buy it and play it for your friends A Taste for Middle Eastern Music Impressive

The Seven Valleys Stellamara Manufacturer: Hearts of Space ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Star of the Sea Feast of Silence Niyaz Elysium for the Brave Portals of Grace ASIN: B000AE8G8Y Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. Szerelem
2. Resulina
3. Zablejalo Mi Agance
4. Baraka
5. Nida
6. Kaksim
7. Seven Valleys
8. Firtina
9. Maliks
10. Kyrie Eleison
11. Persephone
12. Strumica

Product Description

1. Szerelem
2. Resulina
3. Zablejalo mi Agance
4. Baraka
5. Nida
6. Kurdi Taksim
7. Seven Valleys
8. Firtina
9. Maliks
10. Kyrie Eleison
11. Persephone
12. Strumica


Format: CD

Amazon.com

Stellamara is a Bay Area band creating a world music of the imagination: filtered through eastern European refrains, spun in Persian grooves, blended in medieval modalities, and supercharged by San Franciscan world music sensibilities. All this is centered by the vocal incantations of Sonja Drakulich, who recalls singers like Vas's Azam Ali and Lumin's Irina Mikhailova. But while they sing in an imaginary supralingua, Drakulich sings real words. Much of Stellamara's music and lyrics are based on traditional melodies and sung in the original languages, such as the Bulgarian lament "Zablejalo mi Agance" and the love-torn Hungarian cry of "Szerelem." Drakulich's diaphanous soprano curves in fractalized spirals one minute and soars in heavenside choirs the next. Meanwhile, Gari Hegedus is a stringed wonder, playing saz, baglama, oud, violin, and just about anything else from the Asian diaspora you can pluck or bow. It's been seven years since Stellamara's debut album, Star of the Sea. But despite some personnel changes, including the departure of Jeffrey Stott (who went on to found Lumin), they manage to continue their exotic fusion, like a global gypsy troupe lost in time. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

Almost perfect.......2005-12-24

Actually, I give it 4-1/2 stars. I have only one small gripe against this CD. The sound quality of the recording is a notch or two below perfect. This album suffered slightly by comparison to Alison Kraus + Union Station [Live] which sets the gold standard for the clarity of a live recording in my opinion. If I had not just listened to AK + US's live CD before this one on high-definition stereo speakers, I never would have noticed. But, alas, I did. Most people probably won't. The recording quality is still very good.

The only reason I complain is because lead singer Sonja Drakulich's voice deserves only the best recording devices. I kept wishing for the crystalline clarity provided for Alison Krauss on her live CD. It wasn't quite there which is too bad because I feel Drakulich has an even better voice than Krauss, and I'm a big fan of her's. That should tell you a lot about what I feel about this album. The vocals and instrumentals are superb. Sonja has an other-wordly voice that captures the essence of Stellamara's unique fusion of Eastern European, Middle Eastern and Indian music. It is an entrancing combination.

This is a great CD. It isn't just "ambient" music that you listen to in the background. It is lively, engaging, relaxing and, at times, all-encompassing. It is a work of art; highly original and a rare find in the world of copy-cat "New Age" music. This isn't "New Age" as you've heard it. This is world fusion. This is great music. This is high art. Sonja Drakulich's voice sounds too good to be human. My only wish was for a perfect recording to complement her stunning voice. She deserves no less.

Middle Eastern/World Fusion music fans will love this!.......2005-12-14

Creative and original fusion of Turkish, Persian, Eastern European music. Sonja Drakulich's voice touches the heart and, rather than being a focal point of the music, seems to blend in like a beautiful melodic instrument. The music of Stellamara can be grouped with bands such as DCD and VAS, yet they definitely have their own distinct and unique flavor. You will not be disappointed.

Buy it and play it for your friends.......2005-09-16

This is a long-awaited recording. After the personnel changes from their first CD, many Stellamara fans could hardly wait to hear what Gari and Sonya would do next. The wait was more than worth it - buy this, and play it for your friends and loved ones. Beautiful vocals in real languages, thoughtful arrangements, carefully crafted musicianship, highly original material - this recording has it all. Thank goodness there are still musicians who believe in creating beauty! This one goes straight to the heart.

A Taste for Middle Eastern Music.......2005-08-26

The core of the group Stellamara is comprised of Sonja Drakulich and Gari Hegedus, who have written and arranged the compositions on this disk.

The overall flavor of this group is Arabic, Turkish, and Persian. Musical instrumentation includes hammered dulcimer, keyboards, mandocello, various Middle Eastern drums, viola, and the striking vocals of Sonja Drakulich. The combination of Ms. Drakulich and Mr. Hegedus gives us a very professionally composed and produced work.

From the opening track Szerelem we get the feel of the entire work. The soft yet clearly defined vocals of Ms. Drakulich open the CD and while never overpowering any of the tracks, it is the focus of most of these compositions. I highlight some of the more outstanding tracks below.

Zablejalo Mi Agance is a traditional Bulgarian composition. The viola takes on a "gypsy violin" feel, very forlorn and melancholy which is also reflected in Ms. Drakulichs vocal style, which fits with the lyrics.

Kurdi Taksim is a short improvisational piece featuring Gari Hegedus on the oud. This is a Middle Eastern lute, the ancestor to the European lute. This short piece highlights Mr. Hegedus proficiency with the instrument and is very delightful.

The title track Seven Valleys is a very melancholy piece, very Turkish, a love song according to the lyrics. Again featuring the vocals of Ms. Drakulich, with Gari Hegedus on divan saz and baglama, the Turkish stringed instruments similar to lutes, and a daff, or a tambourine.

Maliks has Portuguese lyrics, a travelers blessing from the reading of the lyrics. The piece features the sarod, an Indian stringed instrument, backed by the oud and the tambura. A very lovely piece, very lyrical, soft and impressive.

Kyrie Eleison focuses on Sonja Drakulichs vocals arranged to harmonize with herself. The instrumental accompaniment is minimal, allowing Ms. Drakulich to dominate this piece with her amazing vocal display.

Persephone is a modern piece, placing violin and viola in the forefront of the piece, and surrounding it with tanbur, oud and keyboards. An interesting addition to this work, highlighting the artists' ability.

Overall, this is a powerful showing for the group, highlighting their musical abilities and strong compositions. This is a good choice as an introduction piece to the group, having various styles of their music. It is a very interesting side trip into the World Music genre. mafoster

Impressive.......2005-02-04

In 1999, Sonja and Gary performed on my Windham Hill CD (Angels Of Venice: Song - "Tears Of The World"). I discovered Sonja when their "Stella Mara" Star of the Sea cassette (yes, cassette!) was released. I heard the raw beauty of their music, however, I felt they were a bit undeveloped as far as song arrangments and compositions. Now, with the release of The Seven Valleys, I feel Stellamara has finally "arrived." Just through listening to the MP3s I'm hearing huge leaps and bounds of maturity in their writing, arrangements and production values. I am not surprised, though. Sonja was a star back then but not that well known (she was with Jeffrey Stott at the time and had not teamed up with Gary yet - a wonderful duo, by the way). The Seven Valleys is luminescent, mystical world music shimmering with Spirit and emotional intensity. Congratulations, Sonja and Gary (and guest artists), for a wonderful piece of work that will no doubt have a very long life and stand the test of time. ~~Carol Tatum, Harpist, angelsofvenice.com

Average customer rating:

Moscow Nights Manufacturer: Teldec ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Glinka | Glinka, Mikhail | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mussorgsky | Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | 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 | Folk | Styles | Music Russia | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000000SKZ Release Date: 1993-04-13

Tracks:

1. Patriot Song (Russian National Anthem)
2. Happy Girl (Armenian Folk Song)
3. Moscow Nights
4. Suliko (Georgian Folk Song)
5. Oh, You Nightingale
6. Oh, You Rye
7. Twelve Robbers (Russian Folk Song)
8. Varshavianka
9. Paganini Variations - On The Theme Of Capriccio No. 24
10. Song Of The Flea
11. A Birch Tree Stood In The Meadow (Russian Folk Song)
12. Stenka Razin (Russian Folk Song)
13. Across The Valleys And The Mountains
14. Motherland (Russian Folk Song)
15. Seven Sons-In-Law (Russian Folk Song)
16. It's Good For Us, Soldiers
17. In The Forest
18. Sports March

Average customer rating: Roadmap to Reunion A soothing voice for the enhacement of spiritual awareness.

The Seven Valleys ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Compilations | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Baha'i Prayers The Hidden Words The Hidden Words God Speaks Again: An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith Prophet's Daughter: The Life and Legacy of Bahiyyih Khanum, Outstanding Heroine Of The Bahai Faith ASIN: B00004UG1A Release Date: 2000-07-15

Tracks:

1. Track 1 Prologue
2. Search
3. Love
4. Knowledge
5. Unity
6. Contentment & Wonderment
7. True Poverty & Absoloute Nothingness
8. Whither Can A Lover Go?
9. Out Of The Wastes Of Nothingness
10. The True Seeker
11. Hear Me, Ye Mortal Birds
12. There Was Once A Lover
13. In The Garden Of Thy Heart
14. The Ocean Of My Words

Album Description

"The Seven Valleys"

The Seven Valleys are considered by many as the apex of achievement in the realm of mystical composition. The subject is "timeless and placeless" representing the inner truths of all religions. It delineates the stages that the soul must traverse on its journey towards the object of its being, union with God The "Beloved" These selections from the Writings of Bahaullah, Prophet-Founder of The BahaI Faith, represent some of the most inspirational and mystical verses from His vast and all encompassing Revelation. They are presented in a unique form, with exquisitely executed interplay of spoken word by Lisa Janti and original music score by Bob Alcivar.

Customer Reviews:

Roadmap to Reunion.......2003-08-14

How gratifying to hear these artists express the magic and swift journeying of this wonderful little book. It's almost like being in Mother's lap and hearing her read your favorite book, but with a very very talented mother and a script of mystic travel through the valleys we must travel daily. I leave it on the player for hours, because unlike much "mystical" work today, which connects the author with your money, The Seven Valleys is, Baha'is believe, the Word of God, nourishment for the true self.

A soothing voice for the enhacement of spiritual awareness........2000-12-03

Just put it on and listen to the beautifully read words of Baha'u'llah. You will come away feeling both the emotional and physical sense of well being that comes only of true spiritual deepening.

Average customer rating:

Seven Valleys Sam Rizzetta Manufacturer: Flying Fish Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Appalachian | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Traditional | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Bluegrass | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B000000MNJ Release Date: 1992-09-29

Tracks:

1. Seven Valleys
2. Cloud Canyons, Dawn
3. Greensleeves
4. The Hawk And The Trout - Sam Rizetta
5. Lullaby (Dulcetta) - Sam Rizetta
6. Cloud Canyons, Day - Sam Rizetta
7. Journey To Near Stars
8. Amazing Grace
9. Woodie's Waltz
10. Seneca Farewell
11. Clouds Canyons, Dusk
12. Seven Valleys

Average customer rating: Almost perfect Middle Eastern/World Fusion music fans will love this! Buy it and play it for your friends A Taste for Middle Eastern Music Impressive

The Seven Valleys Manufacturer: Lucidity Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Star of the Sea Feast of Silence Niyaz Elysium for the Brave Portals of Grace ASIN: B0006GD0UU Release Date: 2004-10-25

Tracks:

1. Szerelem
2. Seven Valleys
3. Zablejalo mi Agance
4. Baraka
5. Nida
6. Kurdi Taksim
7. Resulina
8. Firtina
9. Maliks
10. Kyrie Eleison
11. Persephone
12. Strumica

Amazon.com

Stellamara is a Bay Area band creating a world music of the imagination: filtered through eastern European refrains, spun in Persian grooves, blended in medieval modalities, and supercharged by San Franciscan world music sensibilities. All this is centered by the vocal incantations of Sonja Drakulich, who recalls singers like Vas's Azam Ali and Lumin's Irina Mikhailova. But while they sing in an imaginary supralingua, Drakulich sings real words. Much of Stellamara's music and lyrics are based on traditional melodies and sung in the original languages, such as the Bulgarian lament "Zablejalo mi Agance" and the love-torn Hungarian cry of "Szerelem." Drakulich's diaphanous soprano curves in fractalized spirals one minute and soars in heavenside choirs the next. Meanwhile, Gari Hegedus is a stringed wonder, playing saz, baglama, oud, violin, and just about anything else from the Asian diaspora you can pluck or bow. It's been seven years since Stellamara's debut album, Star of the Sea. But despite some personnel changes, including the departure of Jeffrey Stott (who went on to found Lumin), they manage to continue their exotic fusion, like a global gypsy troupe lost in time. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

Almost perfect.......2005-12-24

Actually, I give it 4-1/2 stars. I have only one small gripe against this CD. The sound quality of the recording is a notch or two below perfect. This album suffered slightly by comparison to Alison Kraus + Union Station [Live] which sets the gold standard for the clarity of a live recording in my opinion. If I had not just listened to AK + US's live CD before this one on high-definition stereo speakers, I never would have noticed. But, alas, I did. Most people probably won't. The recording quality is still very good.

The only reason I complain is because lead singer Sonja Drakulich's voice deserves only the best recording devices. I kept wishing for the crystalline clarity provided for Alison Krauss on her live CD. It wasn't quite there which is too bad because I feel Drakulich has an even better voice than Krauss, and I'm a big fan of her's. That should tell you a lot about what I feel about this album. The vocals and instrumentals are superb. Sonja has an other-wordly voice that captures the essence of Stellamara's unique fusion of Eastern European, Middle Eastern and Indian music. It is an entrancing combination.

This is a great CD. It isn't just "ambient" music that you listen to in the background. It is lively, engaging, relaxing and, at times, all-encompassing. It is a work of art; highly original and a rare find in the world of copy-cat "New Age" music. This isn't "New Age" as you've heard it. This is world fusion. This is great music. This is high art. Sonja Drakulich's voice sounds too good to be human. My only wish was for a perfect recording to complement her stunning voice. She deserves no less.

Middle Eastern/World Fusion music fans will love this!.......2005-12-14

Creative and original fusion of Turkish, Persian, Eastern European music. Sonja Drakulich's voice touches the heart and, rather than being a focal point of the music, seems to blend in like a beautiful melodic instrument. The music of Stellamara can be grouped with bands such as DCD and VAS, yet they definitely have their own distinct and unique flavor. You will not be disappointed.

Buy it and play it for your friends.......2005-09-16

This is a long-awaited recording. After the personnel changes from their first CD, many Stellamara fans could hardly wait to hear what Gari and Sonya would do next. The wait was more than worth it - buy this, and play it for your friends and loved ones. Beautiful vocals in real languages, thoughtful arrangements, carefully crafted musicianship, highly original material - this recording has it all. Thank goodness there are still musicians who believe in creating beauty! This one goes straight to the heart.

A Taste for Middle Eastern Music.......2005-08-26

The core of the group Stellamara is comprised of Sonja Drakulich and Gari Hegedus, who have written and arranged the compositions on this disk.

The overall flavor of this group is Arabic, Turkish, and Persian. Musical instrumentation includes hammered dulcimer, keyboards, mandocello, various Middle Eastern drums, viola, and the striking vocals of Sonja Drakulich. The combination of Ms. Drakulich and Mr. Hegedus gives us a very professionally composed and produced work.

From the opening track Szerelem we get the feel of the entire work. The soft yet clearly defined vocals of Ms. Drakulich open the CD and while never overpowering any of the tracks, it is the focus of most of these compositions. I highlight some of the more outstanding tracks below.

Zablejalo Mi Agance is a traditional Bulgarian composition. The viola takes on a "gypsy violin" feel, very forlorn and melancholy which is also reflected in Ms. Drakulichs vocal style, which fits with the lyrics.

Kurdi Taksim is a short improvisational piece featuring Gari Hegedus on the oud. This is a Middle Eastern lute, the ancestor to the European lute. This short piece highlights Mr. Hegedus proficiency with the instrument and is very delightful.

The title track Seven Valleys is a very melancholy piece, very Turkish, a love song according to the lyrics. Again featuring the vocals of Ms. Drakulich, with Gari Hegedus on divan saz and baglama, the Turkish stringed instruments similar to lutes, and a daff, or a tambourine.

Maliks has Portuguese lyrics, a travelers blessing from the reading of the lyrics. The piece features the sarod, an Indian stringed instrument, backed by the oud and the tambura. A very lovely piece, very lyrical, soft and impressive.

Kyrie Eleison focuses on Sonja Drakulichs vocals arranged to harmonize with herself. The instrumental accompaniment is minimal, allowing Ms. Drakulich to dominate this piece with her amazing vocal display.

Persephone is a modern piece, placing violin and viola in the forefront of the piece, and surrounding it with tanbur, oud and keyboards. An interesting addition to this work, highlighting the artists' ability.

Overall, this is a powerful showing for the group, highlighting their musical abilities and strong compositions. This is a good choice as an introduction piece to the group, having various styles of their music. It is a very interesting side trip into the World Music genre. mafoster

Impressive.......2005-02-04

In 1999, Sonja and Gary performed on my Windham Hill CD (Angels Of Venice: Song - "Tears Of The World"). I discovered Sonja when their "Stella Mara" Star of the Sea cassette (yes, cassette!) was released. I heard the raw beauty of their music, however, I felt they were a bit undeveloped as far as song arrangments and compositions. Now, with the release of The Seven Valleys, I feel Stellamara has finally "arrived." Just through listening to the MP3s I'm hearing huge leaps and bounds of maturity in their writing, arrangements and production values. I am not surprised, though. Sonja was a star back then but not that well known (she was with Jeffrey Stott at the time and had not teamed up with Gary yet - a wonderful duo, by the way). The Seven Valleys is luminescent, mystical world music shimmering with Spirit and emotional intensity. Congratulations, Sonja and Gary (and guest artists), for a wonderful piece of work that will no doubt have a very long life and stand the test of time. ~~Carol Tatum, Harpist, angelsofvenice.com

Average customer rating:

Seven Valleys of the Way Manufacturer: Radius Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000BMVHM2

Product Description

Dariush Dolat-shahi, a master of the Persian tar, releases his latest solo recording, Seven Valleys of the Way. The music was influenced by the twelfth century Persian philosopher and Sufi poet, Farid ud-Din Attar and his major work of poetry Manteq ut-Tair, The Conference of the Birds. The Conference of the Birds, recounts the story of the birds of the world gathering together to meet the Simurgh or the King of birds. The birds choose a guide from among themselves - the hoopoe, who represents the spiritual master and makes up the Tariqah (Way). The hoopoe tells them that the Simurgh lives in a distant place and the journey to him is difficult. The birds have to cross seven valleys on the fateful journey to the divine Simurgh. 1- The Valley of the Quest, 2- The Valley of Love, 3- The Valley of Insight into Mystery, 4- The Valley of Detachment, 5-The Valley of Unity, 6- The Valley of Bewilderment, 7- The Valley of Poverty and Nothingness. Thousands of birds perish during the journey; they make the right choice to search for the Simurgh, but they are not guaranteed success. Attar makes it clear that simply to wish to be united with the Divine is not in itself enough. Enlightenment requires discipline, self-examination and self awareness, and the purging of the spirit. The birds arrive at the court of the Simurgh. At first they are turned back; but then are finally admitted, only to see the reflection of themselves in a mirror. They learn that the Simurgh they have sought is none other than themselves. Only thirty (si) birds (murgh) are left at the end of the Way, the Si-murgh meet the Simurgh, the goal of their quest.

Rock Music:

1. The Voice
2. Together Again
3. Uma Batida Differente
4. Undebel [Import]
5. Verde
6. Very Best of [Import]
7. Whaa!
8. Without You
9. World Citizen [Import]
10. 9 [Import]

Rock Music

rock music

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Presents Author Unknown