Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #246

01-19-17   Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #246 at Singing Bridge Studios in Worthington, Mass with the Gaea Star Band;  Mariam Massaro on vocals, dulcimer, acoustic guitar and native flute, Craig Harris on congas and balaphone and Bob Sherwood on piano.  We begin today with Mariam’s “We’ve Got A Long Way To Go”, a bluesy, fast folk number with a driving groove from Craig on congas.  “Golden Orb Of Bright Light” follows, moving into a more mystical space with swirling, circular piano from Bob and an uplifting message from Mariam.  “Happy Solstice” is a lush, psychedelic song from Mariam that opens with her beautiful native flute and mystical, electronically-treated backing from Bob and Craig.  Twinkling percussion touches from Mariam and spiraling echoes create a deep, mystical and contemplative space that evokes misty panoramas and nature in all her beauty.  Mariam plugs in her dulcimer and pulls out her D harmonica for the sprightly tale of “Fiora Montara”, a wise priestess who invites transformation in all who seek her.  Moving from the sublime to the comedic, the next piece is Mariam’s “Bumpus McDougall”, a bumptious tale of an old clown who continues bringing joy to children in his retirement.  Craig’s balaphone adds a percussive edge to this upbeat folk tune.  We finish today with two songs from Mariam’s “Gaea Star Crystal:  Awakening the Tribes of Light” and “Vision Quest” CDs, the light, airy “Circle Of Light” and the lovely, uplifting prayer to nature, “Restore”.