Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #235

10-27-16   Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #235 was recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts.  Today we feature Radio Hour guest stalwarts Amanda Potluck on vocals and percussion and Dameron Midgett on mandolin, kalimba, acoustic guitar and didjeridoo.  Mariam Massaro leads the session with her visionary songs on vocals, native flute, baritone ukulele, percussion, acoustic guitar and celtic harp, Craig Harris rocks the congas and the balaphone and Robert Sherwood plays piano.  Today’s first number in support of Standing Rock is the Native American-influenced hymn “Never Give Up For  All That You Really Are” featuring a fine duet between Mariam and Amanda.  “Let’s All Be Free”  is a sprightly folk number featuring thumb piano from Dameron and a flowing, inspiring lyric from Mariam.  Mariam and Amanda duet again to great effect as the instensity slowly, inexorably rises.  “Diamonds In The Rough” is another fine folk number from Mariam who leads on vocals and baritone ukulele.  Craig lifts the energy  with his dancing balaphone and Dameron digs in on the mandolin.  After the break we proceed with “Black Moon In The Dark Of Night”, another hymn for the tribes of North Dakota, is a lovely and somber ballad with a flowing vocal from Mariam and hypnotic piano from Bob.  As the song enters its coda, the stage is set for some fine native flute playing from Mariam.  We ease into an extended outro section called “Days Gone By” and Mariam forms the basis for her gentle, beautiful “Rainy Day” with gentle, rich strumming on her celtic harp.  Cadences both dissonant and beautiful from Bob’s piano give the piece direction and shape.  Last up today is a fine reading of Mariam’s “Twin Flames” from the “Smooth Sailin’ Love Songs” cd.