Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #159

04-02-15   “Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #159 begins with the dramatic, classically-leaning “Goodbye To Glacial Ice Queen”, a weaving tone poem with improvisations from Mariam on vocals and ukelele and compelling accompaniment from Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas.  The startling “How Does Your Day Begin?” begins as a waltz with an innocence and lightness defined by Mariam’s exquisite, floating vocal and reaches slowly through an elegiac series of widescreen, deeply emotional piano and voice improvisations to a sudden second movement.  The tonality veils to minor after a brief percussion feature as Mariam begins a mystical series of native flute melodies and we drift through a last lovely flute-driven theme to the break.    “Crystal Star Woman” follows, with Mariam picking up her acoustic guitar for this driving, mystical improvisation.  The band builds to a driving climax with Bob playing gypsy tambourine that winds through Craig’s sinuous conga groove.  Bob moves to the piano for an assertive solo and Mariam spurs the ensemble to a percolating, unsettled finale.  Our final song today, “I Belong To Me” features animal activist Ana Wolf in a compelling plea for animal freedom.”