Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #166

05-29-15   Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #166 opens with the expansive and solemn “Prayer For The World (Especially Nepal)” featuring a deeply-felt expression of sympathy to the people of Nepal in the wake of the earthquake.  Features Mariam Massaro and Sondra Lewis on vocals, Bob Sherwood on piano, the Tuvan Throat Singing and mandolin of Dameron Midgett and freeform conga work from Craig Harris.  Following the epic “Prayer” we present the mystical, driving, flamenco-flavored “Open To The Beauty” featuring Mariam’s tenor ukelele.  An epic, solemn ode to the trees, “Out Of The Earth Arose A Great Mast” follows the break.  We chase the theme through several movements and meter changes featuring Mariam’s native flute and compelling, imaginative vocal work from Sondra.  Mariam’s harmonica adds an unexpected flavor and dovetails into more Tuvan vocalizations from Dameron as we drive to an open, spacious coda.  “Windy, Windy”, an unsettled piece about unsettled weather brings the show to a close.