11-03-16 Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #236 was taped at Singing Brook Studio and features Mariam Massaro on vocals, percussion, native flute, dulcimer and acoustic 6- and 12- string guitars, Craig Harris on congas and balaphone, Bob Sherwood on piano and Dameron Midgett on percussion, mandolin, didjeridoo and acoustic guitar. Four numbers from Mariam’s “Vision Quest” album begin the show today on a deeply spiritual note commemorating Indigenous Peoples’ Day, beginning with “We Call In The Elements”, featuring beautiful native flute from Mariam and soulful backing from all. “Fire In Our Bellies” is loosely a minor blues with jazzy piano work from Bob, lyrical native flute from Mariam and fundamental didjeridoo from Dameron. “Rainbows” is an airy, wistful piece featuring a fine vocal from Mariam and tight mandolin work from Dameron. Wrapping up this set is the classically-derived “Water”, a prayer for the waters featuring Bob’s busy, filigreed piano and steady conga work from Craig.
In the fine tradition of storytelling on The Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour Dameron and Mariam present the story of “Arthur Turnbuckle” the tale of a young English sailor and Nangtani, the Goddess of Bananas. Alternately suspenseful and sensuous, “Arthur Turnbuckle” is an adventure in both narrative and music. After this tour de force, we finish today’s hour with “Climate Change- It’s Real”, a lush, mysterious hymn to Mother Nature’s power featuring a fine, crisp conga performance from Craig and expressive acoustic guitar from Dameron. Mariam’s prayer to nature turns on a lovely vocal and expressive lyrics.
