Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #161

04-16-15  “Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #161 features Mariam Massaro on vocals, ukelele and acoustic guitar, Sondra Lewis on vocals and percussion and Bob Sherwood on piano, vocals and percussion and features several new compositions by Mariam and several improvisations that stretch the boundaries of conventional song structure in compelling ways.  We begin with Mariam’s new “For All Of Our Love”, a mellow, bucolic piece that expresses yearning in a gentle and love-filled wave of notes, runs and lovely melismas.  We continue with “Another Day”, another gentle piece that floats along on electronic undertones, Minimalist repetition and shimmering vocals from Mariam.  A piece of unusual beauty and accomplishment. “Waves Of Life” is a simple song with the affect of a sing-along lullaby and pretty three-part harmonies from Mariam, Sondra and Bob.  “Golden Dawn Morning” is a reflective poem that climbs steadily to a lovely peak defined by Sondra’s beautifully improvised accompanying vocals.  Following the break, Sondra steps up to lead a somber, celebratory take of the Gershwin’s “Summertime”, after which we turn to two original songs from Mariam, “Aja” from the “Gaea Star Goddesses” album and the beautifully harmonized “Children Of The Stars” from 2013’s “Songs For The Children”.