Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #263

05-25-17  Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #263 was taped at Singing Brook Studio with Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute, acoustic guitar, ukulele and dulcimer, Craig Harris on congas and balaphone and Bob Sherwood on piano.  We begin today with the languid, mystical prayer “I’m Grateful”, a song that weaves poetry praising every moment around a minimalist piano figure with sweeping native flute and elemental drums.  “Oh Hummingbird” is built around an unusual ukulele pattern, summer poetry and an accompaniment that brings to mind a misty early summer morning.  “Shalom” is a beautiful, lush song that greets the world with praise and wonder above an elemental, gospel feel.  A second movement follows the great, this time leaning deeper into the gospel vibe as Mariam duets with her plaintive native flute.  The last two songs are built around Mariam’s chiming dulcimer and a sure groove that grows in intensity as the music builds.  “All Life Unfolds” has a psychedelic, eastern feel with an insistent low end and “Smile” carries an eldritch scent of deep forests and magical moonlit rituals.