Gemini

Track Listings

1. Turn Out the Lights

2. Destiny

3. Pools of my love

4. Living in my Head

5. End of Days

6. Perfect Bliss

7. Lotus Eater

8. Secret

9. til death do us part

10. Saturday Night's alright for Fighting

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Formed in 2002, based out of NYC, Box of Poems brings music with emotion. Blending in world, rock and pop idealities into power pop songs with high energy and feel. Acoustic guitars, strong vocals and arranging are their forte to building memorable and highly listenable rock songs with a unique edge.

Product Description
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 14, 2005 Press Contact: Rhonda Kelley Tel: 617-889-4122 RKelley283@aol.com BOX OF POEMS RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM: GEMINI Guitar player Amit Dhar describes Box of Poems (formerly Gemini) as: “A familiar but new and unique sound that captures the heart and mind.� Audiences across the country are finding out that the band’s new album, Gemini, has captured the universal joy of music, and they want to share it with you. For the last three years, Box of Poems has been gaining ground in the New England music scene. With their unique blend of international sounds and emotionally driven pop ballads, Box of Poems’ debut is an instant classic from the opening track. With a diverse repertoire of influences, each song on Gemini seems like it could have been written by an entirely different band. From the dreamy soft guitars of the opening track, “Turn Out the Lights,� to the bouncing funk of “Lotuseater,� Box of Poems proves they are full of surprises. “We want to move people emotionally, when listening.� Says Dhar. We want people to dance and feel great with an uplifting, kinetic vibe.� The “vibe� is evident throughout, as Box of Poems weaves a collection of rock, funk, soul, and pop that will leave the audience craving. Lead singer Billy Genuario has the energy and expression to get a fast song going, while still able to summon genuine emotion for the softer ballads, as he does in the dreamy “Pools of Love,� delivered over a latin-inspired rhythm. The rhythm section, comprising bassist Johnny Mennonna and drummer Kenny Schwartz, is equally diverse. On the fast paced “Perfect Bliss,� Schwartz punctuates each verse with crisp rolls and elegant cymbals while Mennonna’s bass puts an addictive bounce into the song. Influences from all over the world are apparent throughout, with subtle hints of gypsy swing, flamenco spice, and the impact of power metal. Such diversity allows Box of Poems to appeal to a wide audience, while no two songs have the same feeling. “We want a mental vacation.� Says Dhar. “You could be on a beach or in a bar with friends…anything.� Dhar’s lyrical compositions and undeniable talent for guitar, have allowed the band to harness the joy of good music, seemingly oblivious to the constraints of genre. “We sought to achieve an element of fantasy and romance.� Dhar says. “We want to speak to the women without alienating the men.� For Box of Poems, each song is a chance to express a feeling and to share it with their audience. “We want our audience to feel different emotions such as mystery, sadness, longing, regret and jubilation.� The band’s debut album is drawn from hundreds of musical ideas recorded over the past eight years. Dhar and his band mates took the best ideas and crafted ten diverse songs. With each member contributing some part of their soul and history to the album, what you get is a rarity in music: a collection that flows from start to finish and defies any desire to turn off the stereo. “We feel that music is about life, not amps, guitars, loudness, and acting out a part.� Dhar muses. “Some of the music is pop, but we also want to keep it real. Hopefully these songs achieve that.� With their debut completed, Dhar says that Box of Poems is just getting started. “Much more to come. Stay tuned for some new classics.With musical tastes that span a sea of genres and an imagination that often roams into fantasy realms, Dhar has found a way to combine all the disparate facets of his persona by playing and writing music. Skilled with both acoustic and electric guitars, Dhar has! been playing alone and with various bands for most of hi

Gemini,Gemini,Synchead,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

Average customer rating: Myths & Legends

Myths and Legends David Arkenstone Manufacturer: Gemini Sun Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Electronic | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Celtic Sanctuary Deep Still Blue CD and DVD (DVD for Region 1) Windscapes Spirit of Tibet: A Musical Odyssey Caribbean Dreams ASIN: B000P46QHM Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

1. Tree of Life 5:51
2. Legend of Bell Rock 4:42
3. Song of Sheherazade 5:35
4. Daughter of the Sun 6:12
5. Oceanus 4:48
6. Across the River 5:18
7. The Wolf's Head 4:50
8. Temple of Isis 6:18
9. El Dorado 5:17

Tracks:

1. Tree of Life Mysteries 5:51
2. Legend of Bell Rock Mysteries 4:42
3. Song of Sheherazade Mysteries 5:35
4. Daughter of the Sun Mysteries 6:12
5. Oceanus Mysteries 4:48
6. Across the River Mysteries 5:18
7. The Wolf's Head Mysteries 4:50
8. Temple of Isis Mysteries 6:18
9. El Dorado Mysteries 5:17

Tracks:

1. Tree of Life
2. Legend of Bell Rock
3. Song of Sheherazade
4. Daughter of the Sun
5. Oceanus
6. Across the River
7. The Wolf's Head
8. Temple of Isis
9. El Dorado

Amazon.com

Album Description

Renowned visionary David Arkenstone holds the key to a secret centuries old, made of magic and mystery, of Myths and Legends. A place that exists all around us and within our hearts, minds, and souls. The key to this secret lies within the musical textures, layered melodic material, and sonic encoding contained herein. Each playing offers a personal journey of discovery unlocking a hidden door bringing light into our world. Supplemental textures of this three disc Audio Visual Connect Series(tm) transform and mold each listening experience into a singular unique event, never to be duplicated again. You now hold the key in your hand, it is time to unlock the door!

Customer Reviews:

Myths & Legends.......2007-06-21

Average customer rating: A Krishna Das/Chalisa Lovers Delight In A Great Package Music to Make Your Heart Happy Amazing!

Flow of Grace Krishna Das Manufacturer: Gemini Sun Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Healing | New Age | Styles | Music Relaxation | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Breath of the Heart Greatest Hits of the Kali Yuga Live on Earth...For a Limited Time Only The Best of Wah! Door of Faith ASIN: B000LW9Q98 Release Date: 2007-05-08

Tracks:

1. Sri Ram Chalisa
2. Hallelujah Chalisa
3. Good Ole Chalisa
4. Nina Chalisa
5. Mountain Chalisa
6. Bernie's Chalisa
7. Medley: Ring Song/Jaya Siya Ram

Tracks:

1. Hanuman Chalisa
2. Hanuman Chalisa

Customer Reviews:

A Krishna Das/Chalisa Lovers Delight In A Great Package .......2007-06-27

Music to Make Your Heart Happy.......2007-06-21

.

Hallelujah Chalisa has a beautiful traditional flowing (when does he breathe?) arrangement.

Good Ole Chalisa is KD's traditional Chalisa tune, sung in a heart-warming choral style.

Nina Chalisa is a lilting, faintly medieval, all-female chorus.

Mountain Chalisa is another sweet, more traditional arrangement.

Bernie's Chalisa - my favorite - is a slightly slower, sweet, uplifting choral arrangement with phrasing that seems to make it easier to memorize the words (I'm six lines in ).

The Ring Song is a great new arrangement of the charming story of Hanuman finding the kidnapped Mother Sita, given a slightly less "rock and role" treatment than the one recorded on "Pilgrim Heart," but still lots of fun.

The second CD has two spoken versions of the Chalisa for those of us who aspire eventually to learn the words - one a slow complete recitation, the other - even slower -has each line repeated twice. My only small complaints are (a) I would have liked a slow version set to music, which makes memorization easier and (b) Driving would be safer if each line (or pair of lines) had been recorded as a separate track. That would have saved a lot of trouble searching through the disc while practicing.

Music, inspiration, an (optional) "workshop" in chant, and bliss all packaged into one CD. Krishna Das has truly offered us a masterpiece of grace.

Amazing!.......2007-05-24

This CD is truly amazing! No one can sing the Hanuman Chalesa like Krishna Das. Every variation of this song is beautiful and the additional CD of pronunciation is incredibly helpful for those of us who would like to learn how to sing along with Krishna Das' incredible voice. Every time I play this CD during one of my yoga classes, I have students asking for the name of the CD at the end of class. This CD moves me to my soul every time I listen to it. Even my five-year old tells me that listening to his CD "makes his heart happy". This is a must-have CD!

Average customer rating:

Deep Still Blue CD and DVD (DVD for Region 1) 2002 Manufacturer: Gemini Sun Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Relaxation | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Emerald Way Legends Series: Timeless Myths and Legends This Moment Now Chrysalis ASIN: B000OONOX2 Release Date: 2007-05-08

Tracks:

1. Where the Stars and Moon Play 4:23
2. When I See You Again 4:41
3. Deep Still Blue 5:05
4. An Ocean Apart 4:21
5. Sarah's Rainbow 4:02
6. Little Angel 5:06
7. Setting Sail 4:32
8. Summer's End 5:07

Tracks:

1. Where the Stars and Moon Play set to the photography of Susan Saibara
2. When I See You Again set to the photography of Susan Saibara
3. Deep Still Blue set to the photography of Susan Saibara
4. An Ocean Apart set to the photography of Susan Saibara
5. Sarah's Rainbow set to the photography of Susan Saibara
6. Little Angel set to the photography of Susan Saibara
7. Setting Sail set to the photography of Susan Saibara
8. Summer's End set to the photography of Susan Saibara
9. Sweet Dreams set to the photography of Susan Saibara
10. The Voyage Home set to the photography of Susan Saibara

Amazon.com

The ninth career release from 2002 (the husband-wife team of Randy and Pamela Copus) is a sight-and-sound combo that includes a DVD gallery of splendid underwater photography (with the duo's music lending a dreamy, state-of-wonder audio backdrop) and a separate, music-only CD. The DVD, which slowly pans across dozens of colorful, otherworldly stills captured by unheralded photographer Susan Saibara, can provide some head-turning wallpaper for a computer screen or a wide-screen flat-panel monitor. The music, meanwhile, is a pleasant enough endeavor, though after a while it becomes apparent the duo has stirred an excess of stardust into these compositions. At their best, 2002 have used their soft, ethereal blend of electronics, acoustic guitar, flute, pennywhistle, and Pamela Copus's Enya-clone voicings to venture out (though never too far out) into the safer, gentler realms of the cosmos. On this disc, after an inviting opening track, several selections thereafter sound as though they have been touched by Tinkerbell's wand a few times too often, diminishing their stand-alone appeal. Pretty music, yes; but perhaps because it exists here principally to embellish many delicate visual images, it seems a bit too pretty on occasion. --Terry Wood

Album Description

Includes both audio CD and DVD video with artist interviews and special features! It has been said they have achieved greatness - it is true. Pamela and Randy Copus, the duo known as 2002, have graced the Billboard charts for over 264 weeks! With Deep Still Blue, their ninth full release, they return with their signature sound - romantic themes, opulent string arrangements, piano, acoustic guitar, harp, and flute combined with lush vocal textures. This beautifully orchestrated CD and DVD Audio Visual Connect Series(tm) sets the 2002 trademark sound adrift in an ocean of majesty whilst exploring the exquisite underwater photography of Susan Saibara. Join 2002 as they unveil the mystery of Deep Still Blue enabling a new-found respect for our world's oceans and reefs.

Average customer rating: Yoga music but not that joyful The title for this CD is full and true I feel the joy surreal Great Massage CD

Music for Yoga and Other Joys Jai Uttal , and Ben Leinbach Manufacturer: Gemini Sun Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Kirtan: The Art and Practice of Ecstatic Chant The Spirit of Yoga Yoga Rhythm Yoga Rhythms by Shiva Rea Greatest Hits of the Kali Yuga ASIN: B0001HK09S Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

1. Govinda
2. Mahadeva
3. Nataraja
4. Gopala
5. Surya

Amazon.com

Music for yoga is such a cliché that you could slap that moniker on a Barry Manilow CD and have it sold as a soundtrack for Downward Facing Dog pose. Yoga music has become a made-to-order commodity, and rarely attains the level of art. The title Music for Yoga and Other Joys doesn't bode well, but then, it has Jai Uttal, a veteran of world fusion going back 15 years and a devotee of kirtan singing teaming up with multi-instrumentalist Ben Leinbach for a series of extended improvisations. Leinbach creates a shifting back drop of chilled, Indian-derived grooves and textures like liquid mercury dipped in a fractal swirl. It's a perfect modal backdrop for Uttal, who improvises freely on an Indian stringed instrument called the dotar, electric guitar, and even banjo. Pieces like the 26-minute "Govinda" extend in a free fall until a rhythm loop drops in. Uttal swaps to a fuzzed out electric guitar solo that eventually merges into an improvised kirtan, his voice coiling in note-bending spirals like soul singing from the east. This may be music for yoga, but it's the other joys that will keep you coming back. --John Diliberto

Album Description

Jai Uttal—premier world music composer and 2003 Grammy® nominee—offers a moving mix of melody, rhythms, and chants with Music for Yoga and Other Joys. Known for his eclectic blend of East-meets-West sound, Jai offers listeners his first album created especially for yoga practice. More than 60 minutes of sensual music featuring dotar, electric guitar, and slide tamboura, all complemented by Jai's full, golden-toned voice. Produced in collaboration with Ben Leinbach. Also an excellent choice for meditating, gardening, driving, and bodywork.

Customer Reviews:

Yoga music but not that joyful.......2007-05-18

I got this CD though my library based on reviews here and the sample cuts. After listening to this CD a few times, I was done. I enjoy yoga music but not this one.

The title for this CD is full and true.......2007-02-24

I love Jai Uttal's kirtan. There so much shakti that it is a great support for my asana. It supports full fucus and a joyful experience in my asana. Tears come to my eyes when I feel the bhakti expressed though this kirtan!

I feel the joy.......2007-02-09

This is a wonderfull yoga cd. Jai has a beautiful haunting voice and the five songs progress perfectly to fit your asanas. I look forward to buying more of his cds

surreal.......2007-01-10

Jai Uttal along with Krishna Das present music to balance the world.Any person remotely aligned with world peace / yoga or betterment of the world will relate to the mystical chants and attitude expressed here.This album should be compulsory for all liked minds.Wonderful !

Great Massage CD.......2006-12-12

I am a massage therapist and use this CD almost exclusively as background music for my sessions. I especially like the fact that it has a subtle rhytmic pulse almost throughout (rather than the airy/tinkly/spacey feel of a lot of massage music). I also like Uttal's chanting and judicious use of unexpected instruments like electric guitar. And above all, this music really adds to my clients' massage experiences. (Now what to do with all those other CD's?)

Average customer rating: Spiritual and Exotic My new favorite a good alternative option for yoga music I love this music!!!! Yoga teacher

Shakti Rhythms Various Artists , and Shiva Rea Manufacturer: Gemini Sun Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Yoga Rhythms by Shiva Rea Shiva Rea - Yoga Shakti Music for Yoga and Other Joys Yoga Rhythm Nataraja ASIN: B0001HK0AM Release Date: 2004-08-31

Tracks:

1. 707 Delight-Kirtan Mix - Rara Avis
2. You Are We Am I: Blue Mix - TJ Rehmi
3. Chandini Chowk - MIDIval PunditZ
4. Zindagi - Spy From Cairo
5. Deep South - Layo Paskin
6. Roots East Dub - Ian Sandler
7. Tenfold - Layne Redmond
8. Joi - Tumbara
9. Ke Lei Ma La - Antion
10. Sangit Dub - PFL
11. Invocation Of The Great Mother - Shanti Shivani
12. Durga Pahimam - Jai Uttal

Customer Reviews:

Spiritual and Exotic.......2007-01-12

"Once you taste fresh coconut surrounded by the reflection of the dancing divine, it is hard to go back in the box or deny the energy of life that awaits us. Music is a form of audible prana (energy) that can transform, energize, and return us to our inner substance...leaving the hard shell of thinking mind aside."

Thoughtful, spiritual and exotic, this music weaves a spell of peace over your soul. The first time you listen to this CD it only introduces you to the main rhythms, but as you continue to listen, new worlds open up in delicate nuances of beauty.

This is the type of music that infuses you with its subtlety until you become part of the dance of life. It is unique in the way it first asks to be observed from a distance, then invites you closer and then finally moves from within you as it evokes a flowing connection between sound and movement.

Tracks:

707 Delight-Kirtan Mix - Worshipful and awakening, you begin to feel the yoga mood.

You Are We Am I: Blue Mix - Vibratory elements that harmonize and synchronize flow through you like a refreshing breeze.

Chandini Chowk - Waves of celebratory sound and acoustic drums with elements of the exotic like a beach vacation or the slow sway of trees in a breeze.

Zindagi - A reverberating track with elements of playful rebound.

Deep South - A somewhat jazzy offering with a sensual appeal.

Roots East Dub - Subtle drums with relaxing waves of emotion.

Tenfold - Relaxing and cleansing with spiritual dimensions.

Joi - Playfully spirals you out into the unknown.

Ke Lei Ma La - Oceanic textures and deep reverberations invite you into deep pools of sound.

Sangit Dub - You can almost imagine walking beneath a full moon and hearing the strains of this track off in the distance, mingling with nature's orchestra.

Invocation - A blending of vocals so beautiful they melt you like a warm embrace of sound.

Durga Pahimam - Deeply relaxing and nurturing...completes the soul cleansing and fills you with a feeling of peace.

Shiva Rea creates some of the most beautiful spiritual electronica I've heard in this lifetime and this is a compilation of music she enjoys.

Artists featured include: Rara Avis, tj Rehmi (from London), MIDIval PunditZ (from Delhi), Spy from Cairo (from London), Layo Paskin (Germany), Ian Sandler, Layne Redmond, Tumbara, Antion, PFL, Shanti Shivani and Jai Uttal.

Shiva Rea teaches Vinyasa Flow Yoga and you may also want to look for her beautiful peaceful Yoga DVDs:

Solar Flow
Sun Salutations
Yoga Shakti
Lunar Flow Yoga

Shiva Rea is deeply connected with the flow of life and embraces a soul cleansing spiritual dimension in her work that brings us closer to what we know to be home, that peaceful place of inner reflection and beauty.

This CD would be perfect for Yoga or Meditation or a combination of dance, yoga and meditation. Due to the way the music flows you can fully experience all the levels of the Yoga experience. First, you warm up and feel energized and then you sink into a relaxation that ends with happiness and peace. Truly beautiful!

~The Rebecca Review

My new favorite.......2006-03-19

I own Shiva's DVD "Yoga Shakti" and loved the soundtrack, which is what led me to buy this CD. It's perfect for your home practice (just put the CD in and go) or for just hanging out (I like to play it while cooking). :o)

a good alternative option for yoga music.......2006-03-14

Some of them sound pretty energetic and vivid. My favorite one is the last 2 songs. Very soothing.

I love this music!!!!.......2005-12-09

I just purchased this CD because the music sounded good. Not because I'm a person wanting music for yoga practice; not because I want eastern music... just because it sounded good. And when I played it I fell madly in love with it! More! More! More!

I'm quite sure that this would be great for yoga, spacing out, doing housework.... or more interesting things (even better for those, i'm thinking...)... seriously.

For this kind of music, I'd easily pay double. This is an incredible compilation and I highly recommend it.

Yoga teacher.......2005-10-10

I thought it was a great CD. I bought it to use in my classes. It was not the one I could use. It makes you want to dance. It was more like an aerobic type music. Great tunes thought I am glad I bought it.

Average customer rating: rootsy rhythm to feed your soul Wow yoga teacher bland Yoga Rhythms

Yoga Rhythms by Shiva Rea Shiva Rea Manufacturer: Gemini Sun Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Shakti Rhythms Music for Yoga and Other Joys Yoga Rhythm Shiva Rea - Yoga Shakti Yoga Groove ASIN: B00006830X Release Date: 1997-09-23

Tracks:

1. Prana (Sahana Vavatu) - Craig Kohland & Shaman's Dream
2. Transform - T.J. Rehmi
3. Jaia Ganesha - Dum Dum Project
4. Anthem - Gus Gus
5. Chicumbo - Geoffrey Gordon
6. On The Dub-ble - DJ Krush
7. Third Eye - Glen Velez
8. Conga Jog - Al Gromer Khan
9. Backbends For Opening The Heart - Jai Uttal
10. Wandering - Peter Kater
11. Guru Mari - Shri Anandi Ma

Customer Reviews:

rootsy rhythm to feed your soul.......2007-06-29

After reading the reviews I must comment. This cd wonderfull. It starts with an invocative chant to honor the source and follows with a lot of rootsy Hindi music which follows the sequence of your yoga flow. The third track is a delight. It sounds like a village of children singing their hearts out in a very upbeat heartlifting joyful song. Jai Utall is featured in the backbend portion. The second to last song is piano with what sounds like an old yogi softly speaking and the last song is a Hindi woman sounding a namaskara chant. The last two tracks are very raw and for some may seem wierd at first but relax and let go. Let it take you to a quiet place. Peace to you, me and this crazy world.

Wow.......2007-06-15

My current yoga cd's are boring compared to this one. The first time I played it in class, just about all of my students made positive comments. It's hot!!

yoga teacher.......2007-05-12

this is a great
cd for practcing a flow yoga at home or in class tempo and timimg spot on
highly recomended

bland.......2007-05-07

I found this to be rather bland and repetative. It is difficult to find good Yoga music because everyone's tastes are so different. I prefer drums and traditional instruments. This one is a bit new agey for me.

Yoga Rhythms.......2007-04-05

I use this CD in my yoga classes. My class loves the way the music flows with our movement.

Average customer rating: Solemn music for prayer and chant

Tibetan Meditation Music Nawang Khechog Manufacturer: Gemini Sun Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Tibet | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Healing | New Age | Styles | Music Relaxation | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Quiet Mind: The Musical Journey of a Tibetan Nomad Music as Medicine Karuna Rhythms of Peace Moon on the Water ASIN: B000OCY6YU Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

1. Under The Wings Of Blessing
2. The Great Prince Of Peace And Universal Compassion
3. Five-Peak Wisdom Mountain
4. A Daily Prayer And Practice Of The Dalai Lama
5. Walking Into The Himalaya To Meditate
6. Infinate Love
7. The Great Arya Tara
8. Wisdom And Compassion
9. The Perfection Of Compassion
10. Dagkar Taso Mila's cave
11. For As Long As Space Endures

Amazon.com

A lot of artists evoke the spirit of Tibet, but Nawang Khechog is actually a former Tibetan monk, who took off the robes and took up the flute to travel the world 20 years ago. His albums are usually slotted in the New Age and meditation genres, and certainly his packaging and imagery inspire that. Unfortunately, it overshadows a music that is perhaps deeper, or at least more artistically profound, than that. Tibetan Meditation Music scans less like a background for contemplation and more like a tone poem to the spirit. The opening track seems like an Asian refraction of "Amazing Grace," with Tsering Khechog singing over Nawang Khechog's flute. Khechog's music draws on folk and spiritual traditions but takes them further afield. Think Arvo Pärt on the Tibetan plateau with strings droning a minor-key refrain while Tibetan bells and chimes sound in the background and Khechog chants. I do wish Khechog had brought along just a touch of the drama and shifting moods heard on some of his earlier discs, like the Kitaro-produced Karuna. Tibetan Meditation Music is unvarying in its somber tone. Khechog's chants, which are intimately spoken, whispered more than sung, don't always work on a musical level. But his performances on wood flute are deep explorations into tone and melody. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

Solemn music for prayer and chant.......2007-06-21

Tibetan flautist Nawang Khechog marks 20 years as a professional musician with his new release, Tibetan Mediation Music, a collection of 11 original compositions based on traditional meditative themes. The title might suggest otherwise, but except for sounds used to mark passages in services - such as gongs, bells, and trumpets - music is not a part of Buddhist mediation. It is employed here as the aural background to some of the more commonly used chants and prayers in the Tibetan tradition.

Nawang Khechog knows a bit about those, having in his youth been an ordained monk for 11 years. Among the pieces for which he has chosen to compose are chants to the Buddha, Manju Shri (the god of wisdom), Avalokiteshrava (the god of compassion), and Tara (a female goddess of compassion). There are also two songs based on classic Tibetan poetry, as well as a piece commissioned for the opening ceremony of a 2006 address from ten Nobel Peace Laureates.

Given its purpose, it's hardly surprising to find the music for this project is solemn and staid, built around Nawang's exceptional flute playing and his subdued, often whispered, chanting of the ancient invocations. Except for the marimba on The Great Prince of Peace, the music is played without rhythmic accompaniment and is adorned with bells, gongs and occasional sound effects, such as rolling thunder in The Perfection of Wisdom, or cowbells in Walking Into the Himalayas. These tonal explorations are enriched by the sound of violin, cello, and oud.

This is a lovely album of quiet music suitable for prayer, relaxation, yoga, or massage. It is can also be used to create a relaxing ambience for your work space.

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Average customer rating: Relaxing CD Using Psychoacoustics Relaxing

Relax & De-Stress, Music for Self-Healing Andrew Weil M.D. & Joshua Leeds Manufacturer: Gemini Sun Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sound Body, Sound Mind: Music for Healing Increase Vitality Self-Healing With Sound & Music The Healthy Brain Kit: Clinically Proven Tools to Boost Your Memory, Sharpen Your Mind, Keep Your Brain Young Self-Healing With Guided Imagery: How to Use the Power of Your Mind to Heal Your Body ASIN: B000HKDEMY Release Date: 2006-09-26

Tracks:

1. Aria Lento
2. Rrie
3. Sarabande (With Nature Sounds) From Concerto for Oboe and Strings ...
4. Intermezzo in E Major, Op. 116 No. 4
5. Concerto for Oboe, K. 314/Adagio Non Troppo
6. Cello and Piano Sonata in G Minor, Op. 65/Largo
7. Sonata Andante (Transcribed from Cello Suite No. 3)
8. Sonata in a Major, D 959/Andantino
9. Winter (The Four Seasons)/Largo
10. Meditation
11. New World Symphony/Largo (Theme)

Customer Reviews:

Relaxing CD Using Psychoacoustics.......2007-06-08

"The music will help slow your heart rate, deepen your breathing, and move your brainwaves in the direction of calmness. Think of this CD as an acoustical balm for your nervous system to be played whenever you feel the need for peace, stillness, and tranquility." - From the liner notes

The hurried pace of overcommitted lives and manic striving is a breeding ground for stress and disease. Stress hormones bathe our delicate nervous system resulting in the fight-or-flight response once reserved for survival, resulting in fatigue, fuzzy thinking and irritability.

Fortunately, there are wonderful stress-reduction products out on the market like Dr. Andrew Weil's Music for Self-Healing: Relax and De-Stress. Joshua Leeds, an expert in psychoacoustics, has designed this CD to soothe the body's primary pulses--heart rate, brainwaves, and breathing rate.

In a sonic progression spanning 60 minutes, Leeds has selected and re-arranged instrumental compositions by renowned composers expressly for inducing the relaxation response. By arranging the musical selections so that each piece is progressively slower in tempo and simplified in melodic complexity, gentle healing sounds can relieve an overtaxed nervous system.

With lovely performances by the Apollo Chamber Ensemble, the Relax and De-Stress CD features the piano, cello, and oboe arranged by Leeds with four psychoacoustic techniques in mind:

1. Resonance - The impact of one vibration upon another

2. Entrainment - A natural process whereby heartbeat, breath and brainwaves speed up or slow down to match an external rhythm

3. Auditory Pattern Identification - Passive hearing techniques designed to relieve the mind of the tendency to "work" to figure out musical patterns

4. Beauty - Resolution between dissonance and consonance found in harmonies, melodies, and performances

Here are the eleven musical pieces found on the Relax and De-Stress CD:

* Aria Lento by Bach

* Reverie by Debussy

* Concerto for Oboe and Strings Sarabande (with nature sounds) by Corelli-Barbirolli

* Arioso from Cantata No. 156 - Bach

* Intermezzo Op. 116 No. 4 in E Major - Brahms

* Concerto for Oboe K. 314, Adagio non troppo by Mozart

* Cello and Piano Sonata in G Minor, Op. 65 Largo by Chopin

* Sonata Andante transcribed from Cello Suite No. 3 by Marcello

* Sonata in A Major D959 Andantino by Schubert

* Winter, Largo from The Four Seasons by Vivaldi

* Meditation by Moussorgsky

* Theme from Largo of "The New World Symphony" by Dvorak

I've listened to Dr. Andrew Weil's Music for Self-Healing: Relax and De-Stress several times and find it to be very relaxing. Aesthetically speaking, these aren't musical selections I'd put in my stereo to listen to for pleasure (even though they're pleasant), yet I can tell a measurable difference in both my mood and bodily state after I begin listening to this CD.

In fact, I'm listening to Relax and De-Stress right now and I'm noticing that my breathing has deepened and slowed--and that tension in my shoulders and neck seems to have melted away.

If you're looking for a soothing CD to put in the stereo after work or perhaps to listen to while you make dinner or get ready for bed, I can recommend with confidence the Relax and De-Stress compilation arranged by Joshua Leeds.

Relaxing.......2007-01-04

I use this tape in my massage practice and the people seem to like very much and I find they seem to relax easier.

Average customer rating: Private meditation is where this music should have been kept. And never released to the unsuspecting public More pretentious drivel from an increasingly irrelevant "star", Yet Another Side to Lou Reed. The Anti Metal Machine Music

Hudson River Wind Meditations Lou Reed Manufacturer: Gemini Sun Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Space Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Relaxation | New Age | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Twelve The Future Is Unwritten Shrunken Heads Preludes The Weirdness ASIN: B000LW9Q9I Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

1. Move Your Heart
2. Find Your Note
3. Hudson River Wind (Blend The Ambiance)
4. Wind Coda

Amazon.com

Every now and then, usually reliable iconic figures put out a project that completely perplexes even their most stalwart adherents. Lou Reed did it in 1975 with Metal Machine Music. Released as a double LP and mostly conjured from pure feedback and some guitar effects, it sounded to many like a symphony for garbage disposals and jackhammers. At the time, Reed claimed most people wouldn't like it, and he was right, although if you drilled beneath the surface, it was strangely triumphal and exultant with almost psychedelic melodies. Three decades later, he returns with the follow-up. Hudson River Wind Meditations is the yang to Metal Machine Music's turbo-distortion head-crush ying. Which isn't to say it's smooth and soothing. Hudson River's two primary tracks consist of Doppler-effect sine waves, Tibetan-singing-bowl-like sounds, and deep subharmonics that threatened to crack my speakers. They all do slow-motion, abstract barber-pole dances around each other over the course of their half-hour or so duration. Listening deeply, one can get lost in the harmonic relationships in a way that recalls LaMonte Young's Theater of Eternal Music or Alvin Lucier's Music on a Long Thin Wire. Lou Reed is a practitioner of Tai Chi, and he says this music is meant for body work and meditation, but while the Hudson River itself can be a comforting, reflective place, this sounds more like the underground groans and electronic nervous system of Manhattan. The album was originally called Inner Spaces, but I suspect for most people, it might just be boring spaces. It's music for deep listening, but the rewards are highly rarefied. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

Private meditation is where this music should have been kept. And never released to the unsuspecting public.......2007-06-19

I have to agree with wilco lover's review. This is more of Lou Reed making music for Lou Reed. And while there are artists who can accomplish that feat and can still remain interesting to the listener. Lou has not been able to climb that mountain for quite some time. What he now finds enjoyable or worthy for himself, fails on many levels to the outside ear. One of the most important of which is immediacy. The urgency in Lou Reed's music, for the most part, disappeared when he decided to control his own production. The Arista years was the beginning of that transformation. Apparently he felt much better about the change in his career. And financially, he may have succeeded with no small contribution from a few important others. But artistically, his music suffered. While there are a few exceptions, Street Hassle being a primary one, Lou Reed indeed became fairly irrelevant. His music became lifeless. No immediacy, no compelling descriptions of the street or of any suffering, or of life's challenges.

One of the other exceptions besides Street Hassle to that is "Animal Serenade". Very interesting and artistic takes of some older songs as well as newer ones. The introduction to "Smalltown" is alone worth the purchase price all by itself. And "How do you think it Feels" is a very memorable rendition. Surprising in a way and sounding very current.

This latest thing is hardly surprising at all. And along with recent efforts: The "Ectasy" album (future farmers, modern dance ugh) and "The Raven" are quite honestly just embarrassing. "Set the Twilight Reeling" succeeds for about 1 or 2 songs.

By no means am I the kind of fan who has to relive all the artists previous work nor do I automatically deplore anything that doesn't closely resemble past triumphs. But at the same time, there has to be good song writing, solid melody and hooks, interesting lyrics, innovative song structures. Something to get your arms around, to feel like he really cares about what he's playing or singing. Some emoting or energy should be present to capture the listener. For sure it doesn't always have to be an indie or glam or hard rock sound to succeed. It can be contemplative and alluring, but it should be so in a memorable or compelling fashion. Most of his post NYC albums lack those once common yet now quite rare important elements.

Lou once remarked that "editing" was one of the most important aspects of song writing. That's what appears to be Lou's problem now and has been for some time now. He's got no one editing his work. No producer or collaborator to help him toss the fluff and the weak stuff out or to save and rework later into better tracks. Five minutes of this may have worked as soundtrack material for something much more inspiring or interesting. By itself, or as music to meditate to, it's immediately forgettable. Despite all the amputations, this is still not very good.

If you must buy this meditation album because it's a Lou Reed record then buy it used for a cheap price, and believe me it will quickly become very very cheap. Or better yet, go to the library and check it out for free. That's where you'll find dozens of other forgettable meditation albums. I'd say download it from the web, except I'm not sure it's really worth taking up hard drive space for.

1 and a half stars on effort and an attempt at producing something outside the norm. But ultimately and very sadly, failing miserably in the effort.

More pretentious drivel from an increasingly irrelevant "star",.......2007-05-25

If you subtract the crucial collaborations of David Bowie, Mick Ronson, Robert Quine and Fred Mahr, Reed's post-Velvets career has been mainly in the realm of soothing himself with a legion of sycophants and the results show. And this latest vanity project (to go with his "photographic" exhibition) is as far up his own Canal St as you'd dare to travel.

Get it if you want a good laugh, but if you do try to meditate with it, try not to dwell on the fact that you've just spent 15 bucks to hear the wailing echoes of a long-empty mind

Yet Another Side to Lou Reed........2007-05-15

Thirty-two years after the release of his notorious electronic instrumental album "Metal Machine Music", Lou Reed has returned to the electronic genre once again with "Hudson River Wind Meditations". Unlike the endless streams of feedback and noise that was "Metal Machine Music", "Hudson River Wind Meditations" is a quiet meditative collection of four ambient pieces and is intended as a serious musical work (as opposed to the former album being an obvious joke on Reed's former record label RCA). The intention of this music is made clear in Reed's brief liner notes to the album. This isn't music designed to make a person scream but rather a collection of music that is tailor-made for relaxation.
"Hudson River Wind Meditations" opens with two extended pieces. The opening piece "Move Your Heart" is a 28-minute minimalist piece consisting of slow pulsating synths. There is very little change throughout this piece and the music almost seems as if it were a long loop set on infinite repeat. There is a striking similarity between this piece and Brian Eno's disc-length piece "Neroli".
The second extended piece "Find Your Note" runs for close to 32-minutes and consists of endless droning sine-wave tones. While the ambient nature of the previous piece is still very much present, the overall style is more similar to the electronic music created in the 1960's (ie: the music of Karlheinz Stockhausen or Lamonte Young).
The disc closes with two shorter pieces. The two-minute "Hudson River Wind" is simply an electronic simulation of ocean waves while the closing "Wind Coda" is basically a five-minute summary of what was heard in the previous three pieces - the pulsating notes of "Move Your Heart" combined with the sine-waves of "Find Your Note" and the white noise of "Hudson River Wind".
This is definitely a different type of album from Lou Reed. This isn't the type of music to sing and dance to. This is a quiet, non-intruding piece of background music that suits its purpose perfectly. While this music may seem boring to some, it is quite beautiful and relaxing.
If "Metal Machine music" turned a lot of people off, "Hudson River Wind Meditations" may be likely to reverse that.

The Anti Metal Machine Music.......2007-05-09

This album has one thing in common with Metal Machine Music: there are four instrumental tracks. There the similarities end. Metal Machine Music was the result of two hours of harsh feedback sped up to twice the speed to garner the final effect. It was also deceptively promoted as a Rock N' Roll Animal type product, which led many purchasers at the time to be disappointed with what they got (and the album was pulled off the shelves after three weeks). Of course now, in hindsight, Metal Machine Music was a brilliant study in "noise" music and has been reissued many times for a more appreciative audience.

Hudson River Wind Meditations was originally written by Lou Reed for himself to accompany his Tai Chi and meditative practices. Since so many friends asked him to burn copies of it for them, Mr. Reed apparently decided that it might have some commercial success if released to the general market.

If one takes it for what it is, music for meditation, there will be no disappointments. But remember, like Metal Machine Music, this is not the Rock N' Roll Animal. In fact, there really are no true rock tunes here, but rather, repetitive melodies that slowly change, but never evolve from their original intent. If one were to hear this without knowing who wrote it, Brian Eno or other champions of the "ambient" genre might come to mind, but while similar, this is not quite from that school of thought. Indeed, it is what it is... what a meditative, instrumental album would sound like if it were written by Lou Reed.

One is immediately impressed with the amount of bass response there is (especially on the first track). In fact, it will be a true test of your speaker system. Do not crank up the volume before you push the play button as it could blow out your woofers. And this album grows on you. I like it more each time I play it. On my first listening, I would have given it 3 stars, but now, it is definately ranks at least 4 stars. Perhaps after many more hearings, even 5 stars would not be out of the question.

Basically, of the four tracks, the first two are the meat of the matter in that they are approximately 1/2 hour each. After being lulled into the soundscape created by the first track, one is almost disappointed or jarred when it ends and the second begins. This isn't to say that the second track is not as good as the first, as it too leaves one wanting more when it ends. Surprisingly, the very short third track is the only "loud" piece on the entire album, and a little out of place here as it does not seem to belong to the "meditative" experience the album as a whole generates. Finally, the fourth relatively short track seems to be a reprise of all that has gone before.

This is certainly to be recommended to any fan of the "ambient" genre, those interested in an alternative to the usual sappy meditation discs out there, and to any Lou Reed completist. But if you're looking for the Rock N' Roll Animal, don't buy this because there's no toe-tapping music here. All that said, I would heartily recommend this latest outing from Mr. Reed to anyone who understands they are not getting a rock and roll follow-up to any album that has gone before.

Average customer rating: terrific Meditative music Superb shakuhachi music Perfect Tai Chi Music! An Eckhart recommendation Excellent!

Shakuhachi Meditation Music Stan Richardson Manufacturer: Gemini Sun Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Meditation Music | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Shakuhachi - The Japanese Flute Lullaby For The Moon : Japanese Music For Koto And Shakuhachi Sanctuary: Music from a Zen Garden Eastwind: Japanese Shakuhachi Music Moon on the Water ASIN: B0000037AE Release Date: 1998-02-24

Tracks:

1. Empty Bell
2. Choshi Or Shirabe
3. Empty Sky
4. Murasaki Reibo
5. Buddha Or Satsu
6. Yoshi Ya
7. Three Valleys

Tracks:

1. Reed Fence
2. Shin Kyorei
3. Tsuru No Sugomori
4. Shika No Tone
5. Offering
6. Wind In The Pines

Customer Reviews:

terrific Meditative music.......2007-03-17

Great album. Easy to get lost in the mood. The best of the three shakuhachi albums I own.

Superb shakuhachi music.......2006-11-14

For some reason I was put off by the negative reviews (that reason is I hate spending $20 on a CD I only listen to once, which tends to be the case if it's an average CD), so I waited until a cheaper copy popped up.

I have to say I really like this CD. I'm no expert in the genre, I just know what I like and I love the mellow sounds of the shakuhachi flute and have been on the lookout for good recordings over a long period of time. I'm a big Riley Lee fan and have many of his recordings and this is probably just as good as any of them and also the work of Kazu Matsui.

There's another flautist, Manose, who I heard live in concert recently. He's from South Africa and his live performance was stunning. In particular, he did a performance with Deva Premal and Miten that he made up as he was going along which was jawdropping beautiful and probably sold him dozens of CDs on that night. It's hard to find all of his CDs here on Amazon (and some are better than others, check out Suskera and Dhyana Aman) he's worth checking out. Also, if you havent got Riley Lee in your collection, you're in for a real treat.

This music is perfect for relaxing, I would imagine meditation also if you like background music for your meditation and for a massage therapist (or other worker in the healing or other fields that requires soothing background music).

As another reviewer said, you're getting 140 plus minutes of excellent music for $10. I'd say that's a great deal.

Highly recommended.

Perfect Tai Chi Music!.......2006-11-04

I use this CD when I'm teaching class, and it's perfect. The music is soft and doesn't have a familiar melody to distract students. It's very soothing, and very asian.

An Eckhart recommendation.......2006-09-03

I am a huge fan of Eckhart Tolle. He has this music playing as the opening to some of his live talks. I have seen this on video. He has this music recommeded on his website.

This music is hauntingly beautiful , as another reviewer said, without alot of overlay to get caught up in.

Perfect for unwinding, playing in the background to make any activity a meditation.

Love it.

Excellent!.......2006-07-27

I am no expert in the music of the Shakuhachi, but I thoroughly enjoy this CD. I find the music to be relaxing and peaceful, though I'm not sure if people actually 'meditate' to this type of music (if I remember correctly, the performance of the music is more of a meditation exercise than the listening, but I'm no expert in meditation either). The pace is slow, and the music can easily set the tone for a nice relaxing afternoon, or for winding down at the end of the day. If that's what you're looking for, this CD may be for you.

Music:

1. Get Back Loretta
2. Growing Pains [Import]
3. Horizon Vertical [Import]
4. Ice Patrol [CD-single] [Import]
5. Imaginate/Garage Mahal [Enhanced] [Import]
6. Internationale/Live & Dubious
7. Introduction to Step [Import]
8. Japanese Rock Guitarist [Import]
9. King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents in Concert
10. Letting Off the Happiness [Import]

Music

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