When neoclassical music was gaining its fans and becoming more than an alternative genre, there was a popular musician who did the musical score for a film based on the book, Jonathan Livingston Seagull. It was quite a departure for Diamond, who was known for songs such as, “Hot August Night,” and “Forever in Blue Jeans.” But it was a beautiful album and it deserves a place within the ranks of neoclassical music.

The music of this album is free, flowing, and fully involves the listener. If you are familiar with the book, listen to it, and close your eyes; you will feel yourself fly just like Jonathan did, attempting to go higher and higher. It is some of the best contemporary instrumental music I have ever heard.

The lyrics to the few pieces of music that require vocals are quite reflective of the book as well. I believe that Jonathan brought about a change in the way many people approached philosophy; whether that is good or not is certainly up to the individual. But I love the lyrics and I think you will as well.

Jonathan and Neil Diamond were a bit ahead of their time. Perhaps that is the way of all true musicians and creators. It certainly seems to be true with neoclassical music!

Samples from Jonathan Livingston Seagull Soundtrack (Real Player or Windows Media)
Jonathan Livingston Seagull Lyrics

 

True music lovers are not satisfied (usually) with just listening. They develop a driving need to make music as well. But wanting to make your own music and being able to do it, may be two separate things. There is an answer for neoclassical music fans who want to create music with a very low learning curve.

The Dallas Morning News recently covered the story of Suzy Hogue, who was once told she didn’t have the ability to learn playing an instrument. But she didn’t accept that and when she discovered the Native American flute, she learned it. And she learned it well. She now plays at retreats and she also teaches others how to play!

Hogue says that learning this flute is easy and can be accomplished in just a few hours. “You don’t really need to be able to read music,” another flute player said. “I could teach you to play in three or four hours.”

With a six note range, this flute truly is the answer for the person needing to play music. “A lot of people that play the Native American flute aren’t your typical musicians,” Hogue said. “You learn a few notes. You do your own thing.”

New Age Sound, Old Origins - Suzy Hogue

Native American Flutes - This site has links to actual flute makers, as well as CDs, flute bags, books, and more information. It is a good starting place for the person interested in pursuing Native American flute playing.

Native American Flute Instruction

 

Today I sat down at my computer and turned on my favorite music player of all time.  Live365’s, Radio365.  I have the premium version because of all the music players I have tried, this one was the best (in my opinion) hands down.  (And for the price you will never find a better deal!) Anyway, I found a new station I haven’t listened to before. 

Sacred Sounds Radio is a most unique blend of music.  I wasn’t sure what to expect when I turned to this station, but I liked it enough to stay for the entire evening.   “Wahe Guru,” by Mantra Girl is playing right now and it is totally unique. 

The music titles, to the casual reader, might look completely eastern and have no appeal to a western mindset.  NOT true.  This is as interfaith as it gets.  This particular piece I am listening to right now is meditative, prayerful, and very sacred in its expression.  One click in my Radio365 player, and this CD was put on my wishlist.

On the front page of the Web site, I found a list of artists.  I scrolled through and found Mantra Girl and discovered a whole page of information about the two behind the music. 

There’s a lot more on this site. I hope you will check it out and give it a good listen. I am very pleased I found this Internet radio station and it is definitely, now one of my favorites!

Sacred Sounds Radio

Yesterday I spoke about Christopher Franke, who was a former member of “Tangerine Dream.”  Tangerine Dream is, arguably, the beginning of the movement we now call new age music. 

In 1974, Tangerine Dream recorded an album called, “Phaedra,” and it was unlike any kind of music that anyone had heard before.  The new age of music was here and 32 years later, it and Tangerine Dream are still going strong.

Last year, they re-released Phaedra, completely re-recorded in 2005, using some of their original instruments, and some new ones.  It is uniquely TD, and any fan will love this flashback/flashforward recording.

Tangerine Dream Official Web Site

Tangerine Dream Fan Site - Loads of links for mailing lists, interviews and just about anything TD