Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 509
Today on Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 509 we present an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, ukulele, acoustic guitar and shruti box, Bob Sherwood on piano, Craig Harris on congas and Native drums and Cevher Demirel on bongoes and flute. Recorded live at Singing Bridge Studio in Worthington Massachusetts in early November 2022, today’s show begins with the lilting, gentle “Gate’s Opening”, a peaceful song featuring an inspired lyric from Mariam and fine backing from the band. “Warm Fire” is a sprightly folk song with an Andean flair featuring fine flute work from Cevher and a beautiful melody from Mariam and “Spontaneously Express Your Special Gifts To Be All That You Can Be” is a mystical, unusual melodic workout with a message of inspiration from Mariam and a full, driving rhythm from Craig on congas and Cevher on bongos. “Morning Memories” is a rollicking folk blues driven along by Mariam’s acoustic guitar and Bob’s rolling blues piano. “Just Walk Away” is a fine folk rock original from Mariam from the “Release” album, here given a rich, elastic treatment that brings out the message of freedom and non-attachment. “Alayasontaro’s Basic Needs” creates a long journey that dominates the second half of today’s show as it moves from raga to driving Afro Cuban grooves. Mariam’s Native flute excels above a gradually shifting tapestry of drum and piano rhythm. We close the circle with the dramatic and largely instrumental “Releasing”, a showcase for Mariam’s excellent Native flute work and Bob’s imaginative, ever-shifting piano over Craig and Cevher’s rich percussion backdrop.