Search - New Earth Artists :: Essential Touch

Very nice compilation with focus on "healing touch"

Boudica | Ohio USA | 10/26/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is another in the "body-spirit-wellness series" that New Earth Records has published. It is a compilation of works by some of their well known artists, and is a very good overview of some of their better works.



The idea of this CD is to provide background music for those who work in the field of "healing with the application of touch." The focus would be masseuses, Reiki practitioners, and in offices of therapists of all kinds where delicate, soft music would be beneficial. The music is generally light, airy, having basic melodies that can be focused on and followed. The choice of the Artists as well as representative works that are soft yet strong is expertly accomplished with this compilation. The total time for these nine tracks is 66:42.



Deuter has three offerings on this CD. Silent Wave is a piano piece, very soft, contemplative and is the first track on this CD, setting the pace for those that follow. Olive Grove, track seven, is flute and Indian instruments with an electronica fill, creating a lovely soundscape that is suggestive of Eastern music but orchestrated enough to be very familiar to Western ears. Again, the flow is soft, melodious, and relaxing. Deuter also closes the CD with the final (ninth) trackIsland in the Sun. This piece continues in the same vein as the previous works, soft, very melodious, with the suggestion of "Bali Bells" that give this an "Eastern Islands" feel. Again, very airy, very soft, and in keeping with the balance of the material on the CD.



Anugama provides this CD with two tracks. The second track Call of the Search is bamboo flute with electronic fill. This bamboo flute piece is suggestive of contemplative moments and gives a feel of soulfulness. It is very controlled so it remains in harmony with the other works on the CD. The fourth track, The Empty Sky is also provided by Anugama. This piece is different from the other work as it is lighter and airy, almost spacey at times, with tinkling bells and electronica suggestive of voices and an orchestra. Again, a delightful offering from Anugama.



Al Gromer Khan also has two tracks on this CD. Track three How Can We Be Sure is soft and mellow, with light Indian Sitar and keyboard in a mellow jazz beat. Very expertly rendered and very subtle in it's feel. The sixth track Utopia Al Kahira has a more defined Eastern beat, but not jarring, with soft sitar and electronica fill suggesting voices and keyboard. Another expertly controlled work that keeps to the softness yet adds to the strength of the CD.



Aum by Terry Oldfield, is the fifth track and this work has a very Eastern feel, with flute and sitar. It is one of the stronger pieces on this CD. There is electronic fill and bells, giving this piece a bit more presence and makes us take notice of it. But it remains melodious and relaxing, in keeping with the other works.



James Asher presents us with track eight Cedar Tree and this piece is much more Native American in feel. This is a flute piece with background fill that is non-descript enough to allow you to focus on the expert flute work. This piece is another contemplative, soulful work that calls to us but does not intrude. A very lovely offering from Mr. Asher.



The mood set by the collection is achieved with the expert choices of representative works of these Artists. The entire CD lends itself to being a background for those who work in the healing arts, relaxing your clients and offering both the practitioner and the client focus during the working process. I also found this to be good background music while I am working. Non-intrusive, yet calming and relaxing when I am focusing on what I am doing.



This CD is a good choice for those working in the healing arts, or someone who is looking for soft, contemplative music for background in their busy lives. A good addition to anyone's New Age library. mafoster"

Relaxation for all ages

soteerwn | Portland, OR | 09/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have done massage and healing work for 28 years, and have over 80 CDs I use in my work. This album is one of the all-time best for relaxing people. Usually different clients require different kinds of music. This is the rare album that everyone enjoys and relaxes to. Most clients sink into a very deep meditative state when listening to it. If you work in the healing arts, I cannot recommend this highly enough!"