05-14-26 Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #668 is an hour of inspired, dynamic visionary acoustic improvised music played live by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Crystal bowl, Native flute and double flutes, acoustic guitar, Celtic harp, harmonica, shruti box, mandolin and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and bass guitar and Craig Harris on Native drum and congas. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in early May of 2026, today’s show begins with the bucolic, deeply relaxed folk-gospel ballad “As The Shadow Falls Away”, a gorgeous, unhurried piece built on the Eb drone of Mariam’s crystal bowl. “Merry Month Of May” is a country blues with a fine vocal from Mariam and barrel house piano from Bob and “In The Dark Of The Night” is a varied, dynamic piece with fine work from the whole ensemble supporting Mariam’s rich vocal and Native flute conversation. “Reclaim Our Essence” is a gorgeous ballad featuring a powerful steady drone from Mariam’s shruti box and imaginative, emotional piano from Bob. “So Deep Within/Happy Birthday” is a minimalist blues built on Craig’s steady congas and Bob’s funky, blues-based bass guitar with a rocking duet between Mariam’s fine vocal and Bb harmonica. “Mandia Viahey” is a beautifully presented ballad about a solitary moose with silken acoustic guitar and heartbeat congas and today’s show ends with a fine, energized version of Mariam’s “Spirit Of The Forest” from her “Release” LP built on her deep forest mandolin and featuring another fine, soaring vocal.
Learn more about Mariam here: http://www.mariammassaro.com
