Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #147

01-15-15 “Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #147 is a fast-moving series of inventions based around the writings and word-paintings of Mariam Massaro.  The driving rhythm of Craig Harris’ congas and Bob Sherwood’s percussive, exploratory piano, led by Mariam’s dulcimer and shimmering vocals build a varied, shifting soundscape for the blustery, ambitious “Calendars Come And Go” and the jazzy “Someplace Warm”.  “Fire In The Morning” is a mystical modal workout that stretches to the very limits of consonance before yielding to the gentle, minor “In The Stillness” featuring Mariam’s driving, assertive acoustic guitar work.  Craig anchors the groove into the deep earth while Bob throws glittering sheets of piano runs across the surface of this mesmeric jam until it reaches a climax that belies the lyric, fading away to congas and electronics.  “Shantakiyahey” is a native workout featuring Mariam on flute and Bob joining Craig on drums.  “Sparkling Stars In The Night” features more nocturnal poetry from Mariam on vocals and acoustic guitar and “Unify” is a prayer of unification for Equador’s native people.  We close with the mysterious minor modulations of Mariam’s “Pashini The Prancing Pixie”.