Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #282

11-09-17  Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #282 was taped on a fresh October afternoon at Singing Bridge Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts and features songs by Mariam Massaro and visionary improvisation from the Gaea Star Band with Mariam on vocals, native flute, acoustic guitar, percussion and kalimba, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas, drums and balaphone. Today’s first piece, the epic “Shadows Of Illusion”, is a slow, trancelike, electronically treated tone poem featuring inspired lyrics from Mariam and a steady, minimalist motif from Bob and Craig.  The piece transmutes from a somber meditation into a lush, varied meditation celebrating the triumph of love over illusion, delicate, filigreed and emanating love.  A gradual increase of tempo brings a sunny major pop variation called “Walk On” over which Mariam delivers positive, inspired melodicism and gorgeous passages of native flute, gradually returning to the original “Shadows Of Illusion” motif. The next piece, “Northern California” is dedicated to the people of California in the wake of the massive fires of October and expresses solidarity as well as wonder and awe at the power of nature.  “Starry Night” is a lovely, brief meditation on creativity and connection to nature and to Spirit with a folky vibe driven by Mariam’s acoustic guitar and “May We All Go Home Together” is a languid, pretty prayer led by Mariam’s beautiful native flute and drum flourishes from Craig.  This piece transmutes through movements of mysterious classicism and sunny folk, always returning to a shaded, mysterious piano motif before drifting away on waves of Mariam’s percussion and effects.