Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #149

01-29-15  Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #149 kicks off a late December session with the island jam “Keep The Old/Happy New Year” featuring an upbeat vocal from Mariam and some interesting twists.  A bluesy run through of Mariam’s “Standing Ones Of Peace” from the Vision Quest album follows featuring driving rhythm acoustic guitar from Mariam, Craig Harris’ steady congas and the usual rolling-thirds R&B and blatant disregard for time and key signatures from Bob Sherwood on piano.   Bob and Craig take it back to the islands with an drum-heavy backdrop for Mariam’s classic “Pele” from the Gaea Star Goddesses album.  An old favorite returns for a dust-off as Mariam’s dulcimer drives us into “All Life Unfolds”, a driving, mystical piece that returns to us with gospel and Indian overtones.  We follow with another favorite, “Blessed By Our Life” featuring a great lead line from Mariam and imaginative, unusual variations from Bob on piano.  Mariam writes another classic on the spot, accompanying herself on tenor ukelele on “Puffy On My Pillow”.  “Natashalina”, another new song from Mariam follows, featuring her native flute, ukelele as well as angular piano against a steady wall of drums from Craig and Bob.  After shifting through a series of dream-like variations we close with Mariam’s “Spirit Of Fire” from the Vision Quest album.