Of Unicorns and Jasmine

by Simirillion
www.simirillion.com

A Lovers Tale is the subtitle to this album. Listening to the album felt like I was listening to someone telling a story. Yes, a love story, with a victorious ending where the main character finds an open heart and rides off into the sunset. Complete with highs and lows, struggle and beauty. All this without words, except for the second track, which has a minute and a half of words that describe that moment when eyes meet and magic happens. Ok. That sounds dramatic, but I must admit that this album captures a magic that takes me away. I will put this album in my Jazz collection for quiet time, romantic dinners and special moments. Simirillion is a trio that uses various guitars, keyboards, flute and horns with an inspiring list of guest performers on various tracks that add a range of instruments from grand piano to congas for a medley of music that touches my soul. Of Unicorns And Jasmine has eleven tracks that run just over an hour.

Ocean of Mercy

by Jaya Lakshmi
www.sequoiarecords.com

Turn up the volume. That's what I did as soon as the first track began. Not the expected response when listening to Sanskrit chants. This is the most wonderful production of chanting I ever heard. This CD is alive with passion; a powerful celebration of life, love and the Universe. It is hard to sit still while listening to this music.

Ocean of Mercy takes Sanskrit chanting and blends it with gypsy guitar, tabla and sarod to create an upbeat devotion to life. Other instruments on the CD are synthesizer, harmonium, dobro, ektar and berimbau. I find it difficult to stop listening to this CD. This is one to just leave in the CD player for a while. The printed insert has the words and chants printed for all eight tracks. Even without reading the words, I found myself singing along. I give this CD the highest rating I have!

Chakra Journey

by Thunder Beat
www.chakrajourney.com

This is not just another CD that goes through the chakras. This is deep, rich, and full-bodied - unlike any other chakra CD I have heard. I absolutely love it. There is a full spectrum of frequencies and sound textures for each key of each chakra. It has an exquisite blend of low rumbles, airy voices, melodic chimes and flowing synthesizer.

This CD is designed for massage therapists, healers, yoga, relaxation and meditation. It begins at the root and has a track for each chakra including an eighth track for the eighth chakra which the author calls the ascension chakra. The album runs about an hour so it's just right for a typical session. I consider this a must-have for anyone who does any type of healing work that is focused on the chakras or just wants another way to balance their own chakras.

The author also offers full color chakra charts based on the image on the cover of the CD.
 

From the Edge

by Rich Marcil
www.richmarcil.com

This album takes the rich sound of the 12-string guitar and fills it with an accompaniment of rolling sounds. Rich Marcil uses mandolin, E-bow and bass together with sequenced rhythms that are purely fulfilling. The album is written, performed, produced and mastered totally by Rich Marcil. This outstanding compilation sounds better than a full studio band. I am totally inspired by this work of genius.

The album has an acoustic feel that is warm and relaxing. The instrumental harmonies create an atmosphere of relaxing folk music with a Celtic/New Age flare. The layering of instruments is clean and distinct, allowing each part's personality to be heard while complimenting the piece as a whole. This is perfect music as we head into autumn. As the heat of the summer cools down, relax into the new season with From the Edge.