Gaea Star Crystal #190

11-19-15   Gaea Star Crystal #190 features great songs by Mariam Massaro in an exciting improv format provided by Mariam and The Gaea Star Band featuring Mariam on vocals, baritone ukelele, 12-string acoustic guitar and native flute, Dameron Midgett on mandolin, violin, kalimba and Tibetan bowls, Craig Harris on congas and marimba and Bob Sherwood on piano.  We begin with the psalm-like “Manitona”, a piece that slowly picks up tempo until it resolves into a lovely, impassioned flute solo from Mariam.  “Evangeline” follows, a pop-folk piece featuring Mariam’s baritone ukelele and a contented, lovely lyric.  “Behind The Clouds” is built on Mariam’s contemplative, modal acoustic 12-string set to an electronically mutating, mystical soundstage.  Following the break we present a driving take on Mariam’s classic “All Life Unfolds” featuring her dulcimer to a drum-heavy backing.  “I’m Gonna Rise” is a pretty and emphatic piece building on a driving duet between Dameron’s fiddle and Bob’s minimalist, shifting piano.