04-23-26 Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #665 is an hour of dynamic, visionary acoustic improvised music played by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, shruti box, mandolin, 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars, ukulele and Tibetan bowls, Bob Sherwood on piano, Craig Harris on congas and Native drum and this week’s special guest guitarist Aramis Esteves on electric and classical guitars. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in mid-April of 2026, today’s show begins with the languid, mystical raga “So Alive”, a meditative piece underpinned by Mariam’s chiming DADGAD-tuned Martin 12-string acoustic and featuring fine atmospheric electric guitar textures from Aramis. “A Tiny Whispering From The Depths Of Your Heart” continues the drone vibe with more 12-string from Mariam with languid, imaginative contributions from the ensemble over Craig’s rock steady heartbeat Native drum. Completing today’s tryptich of raga-type pieces is the gorgeously mysterious “Full Moonlight”, a compelling, moving piece that capitalizes on the themes expressed in the first two pieces, bringing the song cycle to a dramatic, concise and powerfully prayerful climax. “Shining Brightly” shakes up today’s mood, showing up as a Led Zeppelin-esque pop rock song down to Mariam’s modal melody and expressive, forward mandolin and the “riff” structure of Bob and Aramis’ Eastern-inflected unisons. The interlocked “There’s A River” and “Everyone Feel All Right” form a contemplative tone poem underpinned by Mariam’s relaxed, droning shruti box and unhurried accompaniment as Aramis puts the electric guitar aside for mellow, whispering nylon string guitar textures. Next, the band picks up Mariam’s powerful “Restonre” from the “Release” LP and converts this environmental anthem into a powerfully restrained earth prayer with a powerful vocal from Mariam accentuated by the tight, dancing framework of Mariam’s acoustic guitar and Aramis’ earthy nylon string. “Your Eyes Shine”, Mariam’s “Smooth Sailin’ Love Songs” LP standout is reimagined as a sultry ballad with a smooth, languid vocal from Mariam over a richly choreographed, varied accompaniment. We complete today’s show with an ambitious, energized take on Mariam’s “We Call In The Elements”, a multi-movement exploration if this rich, elemental piece featuring racing ukulele, tight nylon string guitar, fundamental Native drum and every-mutating, powerfully minimalist piano.
Learn more about Mariam here: http://www.mariammassaro.com
