Soundscapes for the soul
R. KESHAVAN | 09/04/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Offering is a powerful CD offered by three musicians inspired, or perhaps a better word would be bothered, by a powerful and controversial time in our nation's history, the Iraq Gulf War. The three of them pulled together as many instruments of power as they could, headed to the Prism Coffeehouse in Charlottesville, Virginia, and played an impromptu set which resulted in a set of soundscapes which evoke peaceful images on the outside, but when listened to with eyes closed and meditated upon, can conjure up images of conflict within the inner eye. Tibetan bowls, clay flutes, pianos, synthesizers, electric and acoustic guitars, rainsticks, and other percusive insturments from around the world, created by people of different cultures, thought patterns, and times, all combine together to form a tapestry of sounds which provide a source of peace, as well as provide a structure for thoughts to form and dance around in. This is the type of music I love, in that when music is open, and masterfully played, it can provide that structure for spontaneous thoughts to arise. These thoughts come from a deep place within the structures of our being, and seems to parrallel a release of stress, a release of thoughts captured by some hidden locks. When these thoughts are released, just as in meditation, they leave you with a cleansed soul, and your life is better for that. I, for one, am deeply thankful for Michael Sokolowski and his friends for sharing this deeply personal set of soundscapes they created on May 24, 1991 for the rest of us to hear. This snapshot of his music, and the other CDs he has available, have provided for me a set of music that I can put on when I wish to have an open, peaceful, thoughtprovoking set of sounds swirling around the corriders of my house. I recommend this CD to all who would find such things enjoyable. I personally find them neccessary and vital. Offering is a vital part of my music collection, amongst my favorite."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1