Music Reviews-Continued
by Kathryn Sargent

     As the American public becomes more and more enthralled by Cuban music, more opportunities to learn its traditions open. No Problem Productions has just released an incredible collection entitled Santeros Y Salseros: The World of Cuban Music. In Santeros, we hear Carlos Aldama, the 70 year old artist known as one of the best Cuban bata (spiritual drum) players, offering a devotional to the Santerian deities Elegba, Oshun and Ogun. Three different styles of Salsa, along with Bolero, Guajira, Santeria, Rumba, Conga, Cha Cha, Mambo, and Danzon are represented in twelve tracks by many artists. Within Rumba alone, there are three different rhythm patterns: Yambu (slow), Guaguanco (moderate), and Columbia (fast). The Danzon came from roots in French ballroom music, and this style of music is presented by The Hermano Izquierdo orchestra. Bolero took the Mexican serenatas' romantic ballads and merged with Afrocuban rhythms to create something altogether unique. Santeros Y Salseros clearly conveys the diversity and creativity of Cuban musical tradition. If you could only buy one Cuban album this year, this one would give you the most for your money!

     From the haunting strains of Jeff Konz's vocals on Time on Earth (the title track of the album by the same name) to the elegant orchestral finale on The Journey, Ron Clearfield's new disc is technically flawless, emotionally rich, and highly original. Blending classical and New Age with shades of world and jazz, Ron Clearfield has composed a sophisticated and powerful music for our times. Clearfield also performs on Time on Earth, playing a French cello made in 1717, keyboards and percussion. He is joined by John Dee on oboe; Jennifer Hart Merrell on French horn; Jeanne Tarrant on flute and piccolo; Byron Hedgepeth on percussion; Jomo Faulks on mbira, bass and percussion; Rita Hayes on flute; Lelia Lattimore on harp; Valerie VonPechy Witcup on harp obligato; and George Tortorelli on bamboo flute and zither. This music is meditative, heart-touching, and serene, and would serve admirably for meditation or any form of bodywork.

   New World Music's Mind, Body and Soul series brings us a new treat with Tarot, “a mystical and spiritual album inspired by the Tarot.” Kevin Kendle's delightful compositions provide the perfect background for Tarot readings, study, journeying work, or simple listening pleasure. The first track, The Fool, very convincingly depicts the innocent's journey of trust and hope for the future. As the Fool's journey through the world of the major arcana is the story of a soul's evolution in images, Kendle's Tarot depicts the journey in music. This music is healing, restorative and energizing. Track eight, The Chariot, has the magic, wonder, and high energy of a Medieval faire. This music, dreamlike at first, builds in intensity as the Fool progresses on his/her soul's journey. . .just as it should. With Kendle's exquisite music and Steve Hounsome's excellent introductory text, Tarot is a valuable resource for anyone interested in studying this ancient book (in card form) of coded metaphysical teachings.

     Is baby keeping you awake all night? If fretful nights are the norm for your child, or if you're an adult with a sleep disorder, you might want to check out a series of music called Transitions, developed by Dr. Fred Schwartz. Working with musicians Joe and Burt Wolff, Dr. Schwartz combined music with digital samplings of fetal womb sounds, soft female harmonics, and other meditative sounds to create music that soothes infants to sleep and has an “almost hypnotic” effect on mothers during labor and birth. While inside the womb, baby's constantly hearing the rhythmic pulsation of the blood flow through the uterus and placenta. By offering baby those same sounds once he's outside the womb, he's soothed to stop crying and go to sleep. The first album, Transitions, has been used in thousands of childbirth classes and in hundreds of neonatal intensive care units. It helps to recreate the womb environment for critically ill premature babies, and many respond with increased blood oxygen levels.

     Transitions 2: Music To Help Baby Sleep is the second cd in the series, this time featuring vocals by Susan Marriott. The music, by Burt and Joe Wolff, is gentle, slow New Age music appropriate for use in meditation, healing and body work. It is all in one, seamless track, so there are no interruptions or abrupt changes in tempo. The Transitions people also offer an audio taped recording of womb sound music and guided visualizations called Transitions: Maternal and Fetal Wellness Program. The tape is intended for stress reduction to bring a healthier pregnancy and birth.

     Burt and Joe Wolff have also released Night Light, and Dream A Little Dream with Dr. Schwartz. Both of these newer recordings include womb sounds, and are part of the original series, but along the way, Dr. Schwartz realized that adults benefit from the music, as well. “Why should babies have all the fun?” he quips. The music on these recordings is more geared toward adults' and older children's use. Unlike the first two CDs, these have discernable tracks, recognizable melodies, and they are more upbeat. They are still lullabies, but more up tempo. Personally, I think the first two would be more likely to help me sleep, but there's something in this series for everyone's tastes.