04-13-23 Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #524 is an hour of improvised visionary, acoustic music played by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, dulcimer, acoustic guitar, 4- and 8-string ukulele and shruti box, Bob Sherwood on piano, Craig Harris on Native drum and congas, and today’s special guest percussionist Nina Rossi on djembe. Today’s show was recorded live at the beginning of April 2023 and begins with the uplifting, punchy “Hello Spring”, an upbeat folk song carried by Mariam’s 8-string ukulele and a strong, tight bed of percussion from Craig and Nina. “One Step At A Time” is a powerful rock song featuring a powerful vocal from Mariam above her chiming dulcimer and “You Rise Me Up” is a gorgeous folk epic that visits the blues through folk and driving rock sections. “Thank You For It All” steers the band straight into a melancholy, beautiful, stately piece with powerful percussion and virtuoso flute pirouettes from Mariam. “Beautiful Rays” is a gorgeous, meditative raga with Mariam’s shruti box as drone as Bob explores a veiled, mysterious Hindustani mode in a varied dance with Mariam’s lush melody. “Oh The Sound Of The River” is a deep, jazz fusion piece with funky left-hand basslines from Bob over the powerful beat of Craig and Nina and “It’s a Gentle Way” closes today’s show with a gorgeous piece that visits understated baroque and rock modalities.
Learn more about Mariam here: http://www.mariammassaro.com
