Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #271

07-20-17  Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #271 was recorded with the Gaea Star Band and special guests Gabriel Howearth on percussion and Dave Davenport on tamboura.  We present an hour of acoustic live lunar improvisation from the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute, percussion, ukulele and acoustic guitar, Craig Harris on tamboura, congas and balaphone and Bob Sherwood on piano and congas.  Today’s first piece is the lush, expansive raga “Light Of The Summer Sun” led by Craig’s percussive tamboura and Mariam’s elemental vocals and native flute.  For “  “ some musical chairs take place with Bob moving to piano, Craig to congas and Dave Davenport bringing the lush, low drone on tamboura for the dramatic, visionary “Oh The Moon”.  A long, contemplative piece led by Mariam’s mystical vocals, “Oh The Moon” flows on a slowly unfolding melodic motif from the piano that meshes hypnotically with drums and tamboura in a dramatic 15 minute journey.  The ensemble flows effortlessly into a western harmonic mode with the beautiful major chords of “La Luna”, a piece that features a beautiful, inspired vocal from Mariam along with her chiming acoustic guitar.  An aching piano figure provides an anchor for this spacious, unhurried song.  “River Of Moonlight” is a calm, lovely ballad filled with cascading percussion and electronic touches.  Mariam provides a pretty vocal full of the silvery lunar prayers that define today’s flowing series of pieces.  “Rhythm Of Love” leans towards jazzy gospel with a strong conga backing from Craig complementing Mariam’s chiming guitar chords.