A beautiful recording of an extraordinary performance
Greg Bossert | 02/14/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was fortunate enough to attend the performance that accompanied this recording, and would not have expected that a recording of that music could have captured the awe and mystery invoked by the space and the musicians that evening. I am therefore delighted to find that the CD is every bit as momentous and spine-tingling as was the concert.What sets this music apart from similarly "trancendental", ethereal recordings is, well, that this is really music: each piece has a distinct character, and the personalities of the four musicians shine through their performances. While the sound certainly invokes a meditative, relaxed state, it is constantly evolving, and stands up to serious, repeated listening.You don't need to know anything about the didjeridu to appreciate the performances. But, the added fact that all the sounds you hear are coming from some of the oldest instruments known to man -- as beautifully crafted by two of the musicians (Barry Hall and Jusse Nayeli) out of ceramic and agave cactus -- adds to the magic. It's sometimes difficult to believe that the range of tones is coming from just the four musicians, with no electronics or effects beyond the natural reverberance of the tunnel in which they played.All in all, I highly recommend the album, both as accompaniment for the sorts of focused activities the title suggests, and as simply great music."
A colossal accomplishment and great CD
parsonii | Southern California | 03/13/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
""The Eternal Presence" not only appeals to listeners who have a passion for the haunting sounds of the didjeridu, but to all listeners who want to experience something quite unique and magical. Quality recording in a reverberant tunnel can be challenging at best, if not impossible, but this CD captures the essence of exactly what the musicians experienced, and transports the listener into the experience and beyond. While the disc will take the listener into another realm, whether listening intently or meditating, it definitely won't put you to sleep...on the contrary, it seems to heighten and awaken the senses.The recording quality and musicianship are top notch, as sounds intricately weave in, out, around, and through the listener. Repeated listenings always offer something new to be heard. While the tunes evoke an ethereal quality, they are all unique and distinct, and as a few songs really get rocking, they still maintain the continuity and balance that the musicians strove for. Great for a long drive in the car, or at home alone or with friends, The Eternal Presence will soon have an eternal slot in your CD tray, and with a pair of headphones it's a whole new experience, as the post production work of the artists really shines. A highly recommended "must have" CD."
Very interesting
Massimo Maddaloni | Bozeman, MT United States | 05/25/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A silo for weapon storage is transformed in a chamber for sacred sound. This very idea is really original and holds great potentials. The music is definitely not easy-listening. It reminds of a chamber music for viola and violoncello, only played with didjeridoo. It's clear that the musicians know about the use of music for light and deep meditation."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1