Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #258

04-13-17   Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #258 was taped at Singing Brook Studio with the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, dulcimer, native flute and acoustic 6- and 12-string guitars, Craig Harris on congas and balaphone and Bob Sherwood on piano and 12-string acoustic guitar.  We begin with a classic of Mariam’s, the rich, dulcimer-drone-led “All Life Unfolds” which features a rare cameo from Bob on 12-string guitar and a lovely improvised lyric from Mariam on the ultimate power of self-determination.  “Blessed By Our Life” is another song by Mariam, again led by her dulcimer and authoritative congas by Craig as Bob moves to the piano.  “Gather Together” is a song from the “Gaea Star Crystal:  Awakening The Tribes Of Light” presented here with echoes of Verdian opera in a majestic waltz tempo.  Mariam picks up her acoustic Martin 12-string guitar for “We’re Calling In The Real Ones”, a song of resistance to the current regime that builds in intensity to release into a somber, lush take on Mariam’s mystical “Distant Star/This Is The Way”.  “Welcome Spring” is a gorgeous ballad led by Mariam’s native flute and built on sun-drenched major seventh chords from  the piano.  We finish today with a sunny, folk-reggae take on Mariam’s “Pacha Mama” from the “Gaea Star Goddesses” CD.