Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #248

02-02-17   Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #248 was taped at Singing Bridge Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts and features songs by Mariam Massaro and improvisations by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, acoustic guitar, dulcimer and native flute, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and balaphone.  Today’s opener, Mariam’s “Moonlight Shining Bright” is an interesting piece, a taut and structured song played in, of all things, a quadrille rhythm defined by Mariam’s acoustic guitar and Craig’s steady conga rhythm.  Next up is the mystical improv “Just Keep On Flowing And Stand Ever Strong” a prayer to letting go of the past and moving forward.  The piece gains drive and energy and features imaginative, expansive piano from Bob and interesting electronic touches as well as a lush and inspired melody from Mariam.  “Circles Of Unraveling Love” is a touching folk ballad featuring exquisite visionary lyrics from Mariam and “Mishaheyo, Blue Star Maiden” is a swirling, psychedelic epic that comes in on waves of Mariam’s native flute and dramatic treated piano from Bob.  A tale of a maiden of the river walking in the peaceful moonlight, the piece moves through several movements, some lush and expansive, some urgent and rocking.  Beautiful flute work, driving conga and ambitious piano abound.  Today’s final piece is the eastern-influenced “May We Return To The Ways Of Old” a long, lovely and varied improvisation constructed around Mariam’s chiming dulcimer and Craig’s table-like conga work.  Variety is provided by Bob’s ever-questing piano and Mariam’s focused vocal and native flute interplay.