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.

One of my favorite things about this blog is reviewing music. And when I find an artist, or a particular piece of music that touches me deeply, I feel so privileged to share it with you. I found that today in a piano player named Chuck Brown, and in particular a piece of music he calls, “Remind Me To Breathe.”

Most of Brown’s music is solo piano - in this particular piece a cello has hitched along for the ride. But I’ll get to that in a minute. This sounds like a long way to tell a story, but it’s a good story and I want to share it. It may seem unrelated but it isn’t.

Many years ago, before I married my husband, I asked him a “trick” question. He was a teacher, I was an author. So my work life was kind of… well, weird. I wanted to know if he understood. I mean, really understood. So I asked my question.

“Why do writers write?”
He said, “Because they have to.”

Right answer. And it seems it is true for musicians as well. They have to do what they do. Often that means being where they are needed at a time where their music will fill the human heart and its pain, on the journey to healing.

Chuck Brown has a Web site just for this purpose. It is called “Healing Piano,” and the purpose of the site is help people to cope and heal from painful situations in their lives.

The piano is among the world’s most powerful instruments. Its dynamic range can both shake the walls and stir the soul. Solo piano music is very popular among those who seek respite from confusion and grief. It strikes the perfect tone for reflection, whether playing quietly in the background or the main sound in the room. It can entertain all by itself, and it also perfectly accompanies deep thought.

Intended for those who are going through tough times due to illness, loss of loved ones, or any other type of personal pain, these solo piano songs can be listened to or downloaded for free*, and you have permission to burn them to a personal CD for yourself or as a gift for others. This allows those who may be in hospitals or convalescent care to enjoy this beautiful music despite the fact that they can’t get online. What you cannot do is to resell this music as your own or for a profit.
* with all the concerns about music theft today, you can rest assured that these downloads are truly free and legal.

“Remind Me To Breathe,” is the piece of music that caught me. Not grabbed me. That wouldn’t be a right turn of phrase. It caught me like a cradle of tree branches in a gentle breeze. The music told me everything was safe. The world was safe. His soul was safe. But I had to remember to breathe.

That took my breath away because I lost my husband four years ago and I remember, and still do, find myself holding my breath, both physically and emotionally, at the devastating pain of his death. This song spoke to me and told me that I could, and should, remember to breathe. Life is precious and eternal. And that all of life and the understanding of it, was so much bigger than any or all of us.

All of that from one piece of music.

Healing Piano

Chuck Brown’s Official Web Site

If you are a David Lanz fan, you are going to want to check out his Web site. His CDs are on sale and there is a lot more to be found there as well.

First of all, the CDs are a dollar off, and if you are looking for a particular piece of music, there is a convenient table that lists all of his CDs and the contents of each.

There are also “songbooks,” and music for solo piano karaoke. These are not available for download, but are definitely at good prices.

There are some downloadable files however. There is one page that has sheet music for those of you who play for your enjoyment. This sheet music is at extremely reasonable prices and is a great buy for musicians. I’ll envy you for afar - I’m still pretty new on the violin and not quite ready to join David Lanz.

And last, but not least as they say, there are some mp3 files that are available free of charge. Take a look - there is some of Lanz’s earlier work, AND some new arrangements.

Neoclassical musicians, especially pianists, will often say they were inspired by George Winston.  That begs the question - who is George Winston?

George Winston is one of the best-known pianists in the neoclassical music genre.  He is recognized not by only those in the genre, but across the board in all genres, for his talent and innovative piano compositions.  It has been said he is the defining artist for the “Windham Hill” production label, founded by William Ackerman. 

George Winston was born in 1949 and grew up in Montana.  He did spend some of his years in the south as well, but his recent album “Montana,” shows his love of the state he called home.  Winston is a private man, preferring to reveal himself through his musical paintings, which have been called “emotional,” “seasonal,” and “innovative.” 

Winston’s first album, “Ballads & Blues,” was released in 1972.  He has released eight more since, preferring to spend time on the quality of each, rather than quickly producing compositions that he is not pleased with. 

pOn Winston’s reaching out to others in times of crisis, his Web site says,

“In September 2005 George started recording GULF COAST BLUES & IMPRESSIONS - A HURRICANE RELIEF BENEFIT, an album of piano solos to benefit hurricane relief efforts. Back in November 2001 George released REMEMBRANCE - A MEMORIAL BENEFIT, a 6-song CD of piano, guitar and harmonica solos, to benefit those affected by 9/11. He has also recently worked with George Levenson of Informed Democracy on three projects: a solo guitar soundtrack for SADAKO AND THE THOUSAND PAPER CRANES, and soundtracks of piano, guitar and, harmonica solos for PUMPKIN CIRCLE, and BREAD COMES TO LIFE.” 

Currently, George Winston is working on his tour dates, composing solo piano works, or working on solo guitar as he revives slack key guitar, a traditional Hawaiian guitar method exclusive to Hawaii.

George Winston Official Web Site

Dancing Cat - Slack key guitar from Hawaii by George Winston