Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #189

11-12-15   Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #189 features songs by Mariam Massaro and improvisations by The Gaea Star Band.  We begin with the two-part “The Beginning/The Treasure Of Life”, a mesmerizing piece featuring lustrous vocals from Mariam, shimmering piano from Bob Sherwood and evocative lines from Dameron Midgett’s violin as well as melodic marimba work from Craig Harris.  A lovely conversation between violin and Mariam’s expansive native flute defines “The Beginning” as Bob steers through blues figures and minimalist minor drones in contrasting, swelling movements.  Messages of affirmation from Mariam characterize the driving, steadily morphing “The Treasure Of Life”.  “Rays Of Love” comes in resembling a southern European classical love song, gradually picking up energy, opening into an expansive, lovely coda.  “It’s Gonna Be A Good Day” is a cleverly chorded, skipping folk tune featuring fine baritone ukelele from Mariam as well as a catchy, lovely vocal line that returns again and again to a sunny singalong hook.  “Wind Is Whistling” follows the break and is a somber evocation of the wind driven by Mariam’s acoustic guitar and a shifting series of minimalist figures from Bob.  More fine native flute from Mariam weaves its way into the piece, supported by a classical motif from Bob and we rush towards a beautiful, driving coda in which percussionist Pat Mack joins us with a tasty djembe groove.