Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Chris Spheeris

Chris Spheeris Biography

If you have owned a television or a radio in the past 15 years in any of more than 40 countries around the world, you have probably heard the music of Chris Spheeris. In addition to having been a staple in the new age and smooth jazz radio formats, the music of Chris Spheeris has surfaced in the olympics, in soap operas, world skating championships, commercials and behind countless documentaries. In his unassuming, yet profound way, Chris Spheeris continues to provide inspiration, joy, and beauty to the hearts of millions.

Being raised in the midwestern USA and spending summers in his ancestral homeland of Greece, the the cross-cultural foundation of his expression was in place long before his first melodies were ever written. His earliest musical influences include the strains of classical piano played by his older sister, the Greek folk music sung by his mother and grandmother, and beautifully melodic and deeply mystical chants of the greek orthodox church. Chris sites his earliest musical training as the endless hours he spent listening and memorizing the melodies, harmonies and lyrics of The Beatles. It wasn't until he was 13, spending a year in Greece, that he actually picked up his first guitar. By 14, he was composing songs and at 19 entered the field of music as a professional.

Paul Voudouris and Chris SpheerisUnder the influences of Joni Mitchell, early Genesis, Cat Stevens, The Talking Heads, his beloved cousin Jimmie Spheeris and other visionaries of the era, Spheeris along with his best friend at the time, Paul Voudouris, entertained and inspired restaurant, coffee house, symphony, and college audiences with a blend of all original music and lyrics that was highly progressive and original. After six years, hundreds of performances, and four recordings, Chris and Paul went their separate ways.

Never one to sit idle for long, immediately following the split, at the age of 25, Spheeris immediately set up a studio, bought his first keyboards, and embarked on his own blend of instrumental music that would help found a new musical genre of new age. Within three years of the inception of his solo career, Chris caught the attention of a sales representative working for columbia records who was swift to send the tape to the head of a&r in new york. Within weeks, Chris Spheeris became one of the first new age instrumentalists to be signed to a major label and his first recording, Desires of the Heart, was welcomed by his new audience of great numbers.

Mystic TravellerOver the next 15 years, through his recordings Pathways to Surrender (1988), Enchantment (1991), Culture (1993), Desires (1994), Europa (1995), Mystic Traveller (1996), Eros (1997), Dancing with the Muse (1999), and The Best of Chris Spheeris (2000), Spheeris developed a signature style of cross-cultural, romantic instrumental music. His geographic and spiritual odysseys have imbued his music with a quality that is at once, intimate, exotic, passionate and universal. His 17 recordings have found more than one million homes and the 50 documentary films that he has scored have been broadcast globally. Enchantment, his 1991 collaboration with long-time creative partner Paul Voudouris, moved the spanish public in platinum numbers and is considered a new age classic. In 1995, Chris received a gold record in Greece when cypriot singer Constantina recorded one of his compositions. Regarding this achievement, Chris states, "it was an honor to be in a place to give something back to the rich greek culture that has given so much inspiration to my life and my music." In 1997, with co-producer Robert Cory, Spheeris scored the 13-part award winning series Mystic Lands, directed by Chip Duncan and narrated by acclaimed actor Edward James Olmos. In 2000, Chris entered the world of rap when legendary rapper Raekwon used 3 Spheeris compositions on his Immobilarity record. Also in 2000, Spheeris provided the music for a series of short-form victories by world-class russian skater Irina Slutskaya. In 2001, Chris produced two new recordings, Brio a guitar-oriented collaboration with stellar guitarist Anthony Mazzella, and Adagio, a solo-piano recording with Greek-American George Skaroulis interpreting Spheeris compositions. In November of 2001, Spheeris was awarded "Musician of the Year" by the Elios Society, for his artistic and cultural contributions.

BrioIn his own quiet and dedicated fashion, Chris Spheeris continues to mature as an innovative and prolific composer and instrumentalist, touching the lives of millions in ways that are not always recognized by the media. Living currently in the high desert of Arizona, Chris Spheeris remains a consummate traveler, both creatively and geographically, and a student of world cultures. Spiritual by nature, he sums his perspective up in the following way: "I experience divinity in everything and particularly in the process of creating . My medium is invisible. Working in this medium has taught me faith in the intangibles. Every day I do my work, I have an intimate exchange with God."

"I feel that the intention to love, to connect and to inspire creates the underlying theme in all of my work. My tendency toward harmony and beauty is implied in this."

"Although my music is abstract in nature, and not intended to convey a particular message, I am very aware of the magical and powerful influence that music can have on the listener. For this reason, I carry with me the responsibility of what I communicate to my audience."

"Music is a universal language that transcends cultural and individual boundaries and speaks directly to and from the human spirit."

"I am an explorer, a pioneer commissioned by the human collective to bring back information from the unknown."

"An artist should not be afraid to risk. Risk is the key to great art. When an artist stops taking risks, it's all over."

Chris Spheeris Discography

Chris Spheeris

  • (1986) Desires of the Heart
  • (1988) Pathways To Surrender
  • (1993) Culture
  • (1994) Desires
  • (1997) Eros
  • (1999) Dancing with the Muse
  • (2001) Best of Chris Spheeris: 1990-2000 [Higher Octave]
  • (2005) Best of Chris Spheeris: 1990-2000 [Essence]

Chris Spheeris and Paul Voudouris

  • (1991) Enchantment
  • (1994) Passage
  • (1995) Europa

Chris Spheeris and Robert Cory

  • (1996) Mystic Traveller

Chris Spheeris & Anthony Mazzella

  • (2002) Brio

Chris Spheeris & George Skaroulis

  • (2002) Adagio

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Official Chris Spheeris Site

www.chrisspheeris.com

Friday, October 5, 2007

Medwyn Goodall

Medwyn Goodall Biography

Medwyn is a legend in the world of music with over two million album sales to his credit. He has gained an international reputation for composing and recording quite stunning music. He is regarded as being amongst the finest multi-instrumentalist in the music industry. Amongst his credits are "Earth Healer" which was voted leading instrumental album of 1992 and the acclaimed "Druid" trilogy. His reputation was further recognised with three phenomenally successful music albums, "Way of the Dolphin" and "Great Spirit" for which he was awarded Gold Disc status with each album selling in excess of 100,000; and "Medicine Woman" which was awarded Gold, Platinum and a coveted 'Best Album Ever' award in 2002 for selling in excess of 300,000.

Amongst his early credits are 'Earth Healer' which was voted leading instrumental album of 1992, and the acclaimed 'Druid' trilogy of 1990.

Medwyn's skill was further recognised in 1993-4 with three phenomenally successful music albums 'Medicine Woman', 'Way of the Dolphin' and 'Great Spirit' for which he was awarded gold disc status with each album selling in excess of 100,000 copies in the United Kingdom. 'Medicine Woman' has since turned platinum seeling in excess of 450,000.

In 1994-6 Medwyn continued to entertain and amaze his fans with best sellers such as 'Nazca', 'Dolphin Quest', and the ever-popular 'Arthurian Series'. now re-released as a special 3 CD pack entitled KING ARTHUR

More recently Medwyn captivated his audience with the launch of the 'Clan' series. He was also awarded '1999 Best Album of the Year' award for the groundbreaking album 'Millennium' and a nomination for a prestigious Indie award, for the no1. NAV chart album 'Comet'. Further success came with the no-1 UK album 'Rhythm of the Ancients' and 'Medicine Woman III'.

Inspired by nature, ancient mysteries and cultures, his music magically blends many acoustic instruments. Medwyn writes and records his music in his private studio in rural Cornwall. He plays over a dozen instruments and has evolved unique styles of instrumental music, which are highly melodic, deeply expressive and very inspiring. His music connects to your soul and his melodies can haunt you for days.

Medwyn is the owner and director of MG Music with his wife Wendy Goodall.

Medwyn Goodall Discography

  • (1987) Innocence
  • (1987) Emergence
  • (1988) Paradise Moon
  • (1988) Kindred Spirits
  • (1988) In the stillness of a moment
  • (1989) Angel Sleep
  • (1989) Gifts of comfort and joy
  • (1990) Druid
  • (1990) Excalibur
  • (1990) Merlin
  • (1991) Earth Healer
  • (1991) Medicine Woman
  • (1992) Kingdom of the Sun God
  • (1992) Great Spirit
  • (1992) Way of the Dolphin
  • (1993) Coral Sand
  • (1993) Antarctica
  • (1993) Leo
  • (1993) Eagle Spirit
  • (1994) Mozart
  • (1994) Purple Dream
  • (1994) Green Dream
  • (1994) Alpha and Omega
  • (1994) Return to Eden
  • (1994) Siesta
  • (1994) Beethoven
  • (1994) Bach
  • (1994) Goddess from the Sea
  • (1994) Nazca
  • (1994) Golden Dreams Forever
  • (1994) The Four Horsemen
  • (1995) Where Angels Tread
  • (1995) Pagan Dawn
  • (1995) Guardian Spirit
  • (1995) Tintagel
  • (1995) Moon Goddess
  • (1995) Grail Quest
  • (1995) The Gift of Excalibur
  • (1995) Visions
  • (1996) Shoshone Dream
  • (1996) Priestess
  • (1996) Alcazar
  • (1996) Guinevere
  • (1996) The Round Table
  • (1996) Winds Across the Pacific
  • (1996) King Shaman
  • (1996) Spirit Of Christmas
  • (1997) Christmas Tapestry
  • (1997) Ancient Nazca
  • (1997) All Good Things
  • (1997) Clan
  • (1997) Way of the Ocean
  • (1998) Medicine Woman 2 the gift
  • (1999) The Scroll
  • (1999) Millennium
  • (1999) Best of Medwyn Goodall
  • (1999) RSPB - Peaceful Garden
  • (1999) Comet
  • (2000) Timeless
  • (2000) The Essence of Magic
  • (2000) Lightstream
  • (2000) Sacred Medicine
  • (2000) Dragon's Keep
  • (2001) Anam Cara
  • (2001) The Snows of Kilimanjaro
  • (2002) Rhythm of the Ancients
  • (2003) Chronicles
  • (2004) The Dragon's Breath
  • (2004) King Arthur
  • (2004) Land of the Inca
  • (2004) The Eye of the Wolf
  • (2004) Medicine Woman 3 the rising
  • (2005) Tribal Nation
  • (2006) The Sorcerer's Daughter
  • (2006) Medwyn's Cornwall - CD soundtrack
  • (2006) OM
  • (2007) Earth Goddess

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Medwyn Goodall Official Site

www.mgmusic.ltd.uk

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Oystein Sevag

Oystein Sevag Biography

Oslo, Norway in 1957, beginning piano lessons at age five. As a teen he played bass in a rock band but returned to his classical roots in time to study piano, flute and composition at a private Music Conservatory in Oslo; by the 1980s, however, Sevåg had become fascinated by the possibilities offered by the development of the synthesizer, and he plunged into electronic music with his self-released 1989 debut LP Close Your Eyes and See.

The product of five years in the studio, the album slowly crept into Billboard's New Age charts in the Usa, and it landed Sevåg on the Windham Hill label to issue the follow-up, 1993's Link. He returned two years later with Global House, a record reflecting a newfound interest in acoustic sounds and worldbeat textures, including didjeridoo and string quartet; the ambient album Visual, a collaboration with guitarist Lakki Patey, followed in 1996. Signing to the Hearts of Space label, Sevåg resurfaced in 1997 with the acclaimed Bridge, now including the Philharmonia Orchestra (London), winning the Indie Award in USA for the best new age recording of the year.

From 1999 to 2005 he lived in Freiburg, South Germany, where he among other things has been working with music therapy together with Maria Sevag and the psychologist Kathartina Martin.

In april 2005 Sevåg's new album Caravan was released, 8 years after his previous album Bridge. The new material was introduced on a consert in Oslo in March. In June one of his new compositions in the classical erea - a string trio - had its first performance on Casa dei Mezzo Music Festival on Crete, Greece. In october he had 2 concerts in Norway with his "Global House Band" - followed up by 10 small solo concerts at the Vigeland Mausoleum in Oslo.

In the spring 2006 Oystein Sevag moved to Oslo.

Oystein Sevag Discography

Albums

  • (1989) Close Your Eyes And See
  • (1993) Link
  • (1994) Visual [with Lakki Patey]
  • (1995) Global House
  • (1997) Bridge
  • (1999) Pearl Collection
  • (1999) Private Collection
  • (2001) Early Works
  • (2002) Amor Fati [with Kristin Flood]
  • (2005) Caravan
Videos
  • (2001) Language of the Heart [DVD]
  • (2001) Brobyggeren [norwegian only, VHS]

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Official Oystein Sevag Site

www.sevag.com

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Adiemus

Adiemus Profile

Concept

Each Adiemus album is a collection of song-length pieces featuring harmonised vocal melody against an orchestral background. There are no lyrics as such, instead the vocalists sing syllables and 'words' invented by Jenkins. However, rather than creating musical interest from patterns of phonemes as in scat singing, the language of Adiemus is carefully stylised so as not to distract the listener's attention from the pitch and timbre of the voice—for example, as in African languages, syllables ending in consonants are rare. The core concept of Adiemus is that the voice should be allowed to function as nothing more than an instrument, a post-modern approach that has become something of a trend in recent choral writing, for example Vangelis's score for the film 1492: Conquest of Paradise (1992). The word Adiemus itself resembles a Latin word meaning 'We will draw near', though incorrectly formed; Jenkins claims to have been unaware of this.

Instrumentation and performers

Miriam StockleyThe session singer Miriam Stockley performed the vocal parts on the first four albums. Additional vocals were provided by Mary Carewe on all but Dances of Time, which saw the introduction of the Finnish Adiemus Singers (who would later reappear on Vocalise). Extra vocals and the chorus effects were created by overdubbing multitracked recordings of the singers (in some cases up to forty times) and varying the speed of the tape. Stockley was described by Jenkins as central to the Adiemus project due to her range and intonation, however for reasons that remain unclear she was not re-engaged for Vocalise.

The Songs of Sanctuary orchestra consisted of a string section augmented by various ethnic percussion instruments, with occasional further additions such as bells, a recorder and a quena. Mike Ratledge, with whom Jenkins had played in Soft Machine, contributed to the first album as well. Jenkins added brass and woodwind for Cantata Mundi, and continued to add more diverse instruments such as acoustic guitar on later albums. From Songs of Sanctuary to Dances of Time, the London Philharmonic Orchestra was used; Jenkins later formed his own Adiemus Orchestra to perform on The Eternal Knot recordings, returning to the LPO for Vocalise.

Musical style

Adiemus IV: The Eternal Know coverThough there has been considerable evolution over the course of the project, the musical language of Adiemus draws heavily on classical and world music. Jenkins follows conventions of tonality up to a point—his harmony is derived from gospel and African music, decorated with functional dissonances such as suspensions and with greater freedom of movement between loosely related key areas. The percussion section, when used prominently, typically gives the pieces an upbeat, tribal-like rhythm.

The underlying mood of Adiemus is energetic and uplifting, complemented by pieces with what Jenkins describes as an ecclesiastical mood. Many listeners identify the sound of Adiemus with New Age or Celtic music; indeed The Eternal Knot is an explicitly Celtic-themed album that formed the sound-track for the S4C documentary The Celts. In classical music circles Adiemus has struggled to distance itself from the chill out quasi-genre, but the earlier albums are considered important crossover works nonetheless.

Audience

Songs of Sanctuary was a huge commercial success, topping classical album charts. It is considered by critics to be the quintessential album, on which Jenkins' vision succeeds to the greatest extent with the fewest resources. Though none of its successors has achieved the same critical acclaim, Adiemus acquired a cult following and maintained a place in mainstream consciousness through its use in TV commercials, in particular the track Adiemus in a Delta Air Lines commercial (for which the project began), and Cantilena from Cantata Mundi in a recent Cheltenham & Gloucester commercial. The Adiemus track was used at the beginning and end of James Brandon's magic show "Imagine" which played at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas in the late 1990s, and is currently used as the soundtrack behind the Kubla Khan pillar show at the end of the big room cave tour in Kartchner Caverns State Park in Arizona. Additionally, Adiemus was used in the trailer to Invisible Children's documentary movie. It is also used in the New South Wales Tourism TV commercials (Australia). The Adiemus track was also used as an unofficial soundtrack to the Italian tv program Stargate, a weekly La7 and former TMC documentary on archaeology and mystical topics. In South Korea, Adiemus was used to showcase the world phone service of SK Telecom in 2004.

Adiemus Discography

  • (1995) Songs of Sanctuary
  • (1996) Adiemus II: Cantata Mundi
  • (1998) Adiemus III: Dances Of Time
  • (2000) The Journey: The Best Of Adiemus
  • (2001) Adiemus IV: The Eternal Knot
  • (2001) Adiemus Live
  • (2002) More Journey... Adiemus New Best & Live
  • (2003) The Essential Adiemus
  • (2003) Adiemus Vocalise
  • (2006) Karl Jenkins & Adiemus: The Essential Collection

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Unofficial Adiemus Fan Site

www.adiemus.f2s.com

Adiemus Videos

Monday, October 1, 2007

Govi

Govi Biography

Every so often, a musician emerges who is quite unlike any that have come before; a musician that reflects not an imitation of styles and tones, but who embodies the entire spectrum of styles in such a unique way that "categorizing" is impossible. Guitarist Govi (go' vee) is one of those artists.

A native of Germany, Govi spent eight years living in India. "My approach comes from the meditative and creative environment I experienced while living in India as well as playing with musicians from many different cultures and backgrounds," he says. It was there that Govi started playing the mandolin, mandola cello, sitar, bouzouki, charango and the 8-string ukulele. While in India, he also established a friendship with prominent German new age artist, Deuter. Their mutual admiration and respect led to Deuter co-producing Govi's debut album Sky High throughout which Deuter can be heard playing flutes and keyboards.

Govi became fascinated with the guitar very early in life when he simply walked past one in a store window and decided that was the instrument he wanted to play. In his teens, Govi performed as the lead guitarist in bands that played everything from rock to blues, including early Beatles and Pink Floyd. These experiences led to his first professional gig as a member of a group that played original material and won a national band competition and a recording contract which allowed them to tour throughout Germany.

Your Lingering Touch, 7th release from Real Music, represents the spectrum of Govi at his most romantic, while the 6th No Strings Attached is a celebration of Govi at his exuberant best -- on Billboard’s New Age Chart for over a year. Guitar Odyssey was his fifth release for Real Music, another chart favorite, following the highly successful Passion & Grace, Heart of a Gypsy, Sky High and Cuchama.

Govi describes his compositions as "the natural and inevitable result of moving deeply into the wellsprings of my creativity. My music is a reflection of my vision of life rather than mere notes on a sheet," he adds. The result is a deeply mystical quality that is both jubilant and pensive, music that ultimately reflects the dimensions of the human spirit in all its complexity and simplicity.

Judging from the accolades, fans are being taken to new heights of their own by Govi's uplifting melodies. Currently living in Hawaii, Govi contends that the overwhelming response he has received from listeners worldwide is heartening and keeps him going.

© RealMusic.com

Govi Discography

  • (1988) Sky High
  • (1989) Heart of a Gypsy
  • (1993) Cuchama
  • (1995) Passion & Grace
  • (1997) Guitar Odyssey
  • (1999) No Strings Attached
  • (1999) Andalusian Nights
  • (2000) Seventh Heaven
  • (2001) Your Lingering Touch
  • (2002) Mosaico
  • (2004) Saffron & Silk
  • (2005) Havanna Sunset

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Official Govi site

www.govimusic.com