Rating:
Genre:
New Age
Release Date: 09/19/1996
Run Time: 49:44
Many of
Gabrielle Roth's albums are constructed around her 5-Rhythm "wave"; moving from flowing through staccato, chaos, and lyrical will bring you to a place of stillness. These eight samplings from previous albums have not abandoned the sensual and intriguing layers of percussion so typical of a
Roth work, but they all rest on plateaus of peace and deep introspection. "Stone Circle" from
Ritual centers with resonant Tibetan "oms" and gongs, while a reedy flute seems to ride the crisp air of the Himalayas. From
Trance comes "Medicine Dream"; a commanding drum beats a stately procession to the drone of a synthesizer and the lyrical musings of the piano. "Red Wind" (
Totem) centers on the heart beat, while synthesizer space winds and layers of voice fly by. The very Oriental "Stillpoint" comes from the album
Tongues; here, bamboo flute (
Steve Gorn) and twangy stringed instruments create a zen atmosphere thrown slightly off center by cries from
Bob Een's cello. "Shaman's Prayer" from the album
Trance features a didgeridoo drone (
Gary Thomas) with vocal incantations by
Jai Uttal. Cold winds and mournful howling characterize stillness on "Wolf" from the album
Bones. From
Ritual comes the sensuous "Crystal Cavern," a hypnotic -- almost narcotic -- piece that can barely stand upright. Finally comes "Stillness" from
Initiation, Roth's quintessential demonstration of the 5-Rhythms; here, synthesizer wizard
Raphael delivers glistening stars and gentle spacewinds on a platter of heavenly redemption. Whether stillness sublime or sensual, each piece offers a unique perspective of fulfillment.
~Carol Wright, All Music Guide
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