Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #284

11-23-17  Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #284 features the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute, 12-string acoustic guitar and dulcimer, Craig Harris on congas and balaphone and Bob Sherwood on piano.  Today we are joined by singer-songwriter Justus Conant of Bleu Collar Pirates who joins the band ably on a series of rich, evocative improvisations as well as leading them through two of his own songs at the end of the hour, “Goodbye” and “Maria Del Toro”.  Today’s first piece is the epic “Cast Aside”, a stormy, pushing thing underpinned by the distant thunder of Craig’s native drum.  Justus’ acoustic guitar and Mariam’s shimmering 12-string drive through a series of movements featuring lush piano commentary from Bob and, eventually, a series of flying native flute passages from Mariam.  “Don’t Turn Away” emerges from the glowing embers of “Cast Aside” with a hopeful, motion-filled main motif that opens to gorgeous native flute from Mariam and shining, driving acoustic guitar from Justus.  “Passages” is a gorgeous, jazzy piece featuring expressive, cinematic piano from Bob and a flowing, beautiful vocal from Mariam.  Justus leads the band through his bittersweet “Goodbye” and “Maria Del Toro” with fine contributions from all on these gorgeous, aching numbers.