Our brains are a plethora of electrical activity. Were that electricity exposed, our brains might resemble the local power plant! That is probably an oversimplistic view of brain function, and it is enough to know that the brain produces different wave patterns according to the status of the mind. Alpha waves are all about relaxation; as quoted in Wikipedia alpha waves are, “predominantly found to originate from the occipital lobe during periods of relaxation, with eyes closed but still awake. Conversely alpha waves are attenuated with open eyes as well as by drowsiness and sleep. They are thought to represent the activity of the visual cortex in an idle state.”

Jean Synder, a musician from Florida, has studied the alpha patterns in the human brain and has composed music that promotes alpha wave activity, therefore inducing relaxation. She has been very successful in her attempt.

I listened to Synder’s sound clips for quite awhile. They are lilting, gentle, and like a cup of chamomile tea to quiet the mind.

There are clips of each piece of music. Purchasing them is only $.99 each and there is a nice gift of one mp3, “Spring,” at no cost.

Jean Synder at Solo Piano - mp3 samples and a free download.

I just found about an artist by the name of Jason Becker. Mr. Becker is an amazing person who has been dealt a really tough hand, but is facing it with grace and courage. Becker is a neoclassical guitarist, who was diagnosed in 1989 with ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. That was a lot longer ago than the three to five years his physicians gave him to live.

Chris Ruel, an avid fan, says that Becker’s trademarks are, “Virtuoso guitarist, purist neoclassical compositions that are melodical and accessible, blazing speed, articulate precision, awesome sweep picking, exotic scales, (and) pioneer of the neoclassical genre.”

Take some time to peruse Jason Becker’s site. His music is a little different than many of the neoclassical artists that you will hear, but it is worth your time. He is a very talented musician and we wish him only the best.

Jason Becker Official Web Site

Chris Ruel’s Fan Site

Neoclassical music, although seemingly synonymous with “New Age” music, actually has two definitions. It also refers to a period of time, between World War I and World War II, that saw music being composed in a style inspired by the 18th century classics.

Taken literally, the word would mean, “new classical,” and many people view the genre of new age music as the classical music being created today.

Read more about Neoclassical Music

Acoustic guitar is one of the most popular instruments found in neoclassical music. Few artists have been able to capture the soul and spirit of the message they are conveying in their music, better than Brian Henke. I love his quote.

 

With imagination we can capture infinity.
With love, we can make infinity worth imagining.
Brian Henke 

I hope to be more comprehensively reviewing Henke’s work soon, but I have been able to hear some samples of his music. Samples that made me want to review more!

When I review music, I like to put on my headphones, close my eyes, and just see where the music takes me. Sometimes I just wait for it to be over (bad sign). Sometimes, I am quite caught up and am disappointed when the music stops. Other times, and these are the really good times, I am transported somewhere else by what I am hearing.

Being transported somewhere else, is in my opinion, what music is all about. In this case, the music reflects nature and the world around us, and takes us to a deeper understanding of what that could mean for each of us. This music that is inspired by nature is powerful stuff. I believe, it speaks to a self within, that is still in touch with the universe and not cluttered with the everyday busyness of life.

You can (legally and free) download some of Henke’s music at Free Solo Guitar. It is a great way to hear music and know what fits into your life. I am sure that Brian Henke’s music will be a custom fit.

Brian Henke Official Web Site

Free Solo Guitar - Brian Henke