Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #250

02-16-17   Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #250 features improvisations and songs by Mariam Massaro played by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam on vocals, native flute, acoustic 6- and 12-string guitars and baritone ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on balaphone and congas at Singing Bridge Studio in Worthington Massachusetts, today’s show begins with Mariam’s lovely minor folk ballad “Sweep Love Rays All Over The World”.  Compelling piano figures from Bob and Craig’s elemental congas underpin Mariam’s inspired vocal and acoustic guitar.  “Oh The Ice Queen” continues in the folk vein, swept in on Bob’s gospel piano and Mariam’s wordless intro.  A beautiful winter poem from Mariam.  “Tadishi The Snowy Owl” takes us deep into a winter forest and up and over the trees and ice-covered ground with a prayer to a beautiful white northern owl.  A pleasingly unsettled tonality evokes snow ands swirling winds beneath Mariam’s ode to the Arctic Queen.  A lush coda brings in Mariam’s low, aching native flute and finally more compelling poetry over a piano accompaniment that spans classical, jazz, latin and minimalist styles.  We ease out via a triumphant pop gospel climax and Mariam picks up her Martin acoustic 12-string guitar for the hypnotic “Cast Away The Shadows”.  Mariam sings poetry of peace over a mesmerizing, cascading piano figure and shimmering guitar.  Next up is an appropriately wintery rendition of Mariam’s “Gaea Star Crystal”:  Awakening The Tribes Of Light” song “Twin Flames” a rich evocation of celestial love.  Closing the show today is Mariam’s beautifully mournful “It’s Really A Peaceful Life” a well-realized ballad featuring emotive conga playing from Craig and a swirling piano motif accompanying Mariam’s prayer of gratitude.