The Gaea Star Crystal Hour: Recent Episodes
Mariam Massaro
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 539 is an hour of improvised visionary music played live by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, dulcimer, mandolin, shruti box, Celtic harp, piano and 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars, Bob Sherwood on piano and acoustic guitar, Craig Harris on Native drums and congas and today’s special guest Cevher Demirel on hand pan, flute and djembe. Today’s show was taped at Singing Brook Studio on Worthington, Massachusetts at the end of August 2023 and begins with the meditative, hallucinatory “May We All Heal”, a sweeping, drifting piece underpinned by Cevher’s mystical hand pan work. “Blessed By Our Lives” is a gorgeous, open song sung beautifully by Mariam in conversation with Cevher’s jazzy flute above a rhythm section of Mariam’s dulcimer and Bob and Craig on piano and congas. “Dancing With The Goddess” is an exuberant race of mandolin, flute, congas and tense, suspended piano and “Feel It In The Wind (Hallelujah)” is a gorgeous, timeless raga embraced by Mariam’s alternate-tuned Martin 12-string a Cevher’s shaded, evocative hand pan rhythms that evolves and spirals through ever more energized iterations until it settles, at length, into a bittersweet rock groove build around Bob’s aching, obsessive piano figure. “Purple Fairy Mermaid Princess” is an enigmatic, minimalist groove scattered with shimmering Celtic harp runs from Mariam and “Fire In Our Bellies” is a “Vision Quest” track rendered as a gorgeous minor blues filled with longing, featuring Mariam’s powerful vocal and racing, virtuosic flute from Cevher. Today’s show wraps with the bracing rock workout “In The Darkness” with Bob on acoustic guitar and Mariam on piano.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 538 is an hour of improvised, visionary acoustic music played by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, acoustic guitar, ukulele, Native flute and kalimba, Bob Sherwood on piano, Craig Harris on congas and Native drums and special guest Nina Rossi on djembe and percussion. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in August of 2023, today’s show begins with the upbeat “Pele”, Mariam’s song to the Fire Goddess of Hawaii, sung in solidarity with those affected by the fires in Maui. Given a bright, driving reading with strong percussion from Craig and Nina, “Pele” is followed by another Island song, Mariam’s beautiful “Lead Me Down”, tightly rendered with fine contributions from the whole band. “The Wisdom Way” is a sparse, spacious prayer brought in with a Native flute fanfare from Mariam that resolves into a mysterious, evocative slow rock song with powerful piano from Bob and vocals and flute from Mariam. “It’s The Transformation” is a rich, swirling, upbeat piece of rock minimalism built on driving, tight percussion from Craig and Nina and “Restore” and “Shamiyaya” follow, both classic songs by Mariam, rendered powerfully and elegantly, the latter receiving overdubs including harmonies and more percussion from the ensemble.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #537 is an hour of improvised, acoustic visionary music featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, shruti box, Celtic harp, ukulele and acoustic guitar, Bob Sherwood on piano, Craig Harris on Native drums and congas and special guest percussionist Nina Rossi on djembe. Today’s show was recorded live in August of 2023 at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts and begins with the stately minor folk song “You May Touch Someone’s Soul”, featuring a powerful vocal from Mariam, before flowing into “Somaiyana, Rains Filling Up The Rivers”, a mesmerizing, mystical song of praise to the rain, powerful with Nina and Craig’s fundamental rhythm and Mariam’s soaring Native flute. “Between The Earth And The Sky” is a beautiful, gospel-tinged minor ballad filled with wonder and reverence and featuring a smooth, sedate vocal from Mariam. “Weave A Sweet Life” arrives as a coda of the prior piece as the band drops in to a sparse, swinging groove to support a powerful conversation between Mariam’s vocal and her Native flute. “If Only” is a lush, meditative raga built on Mariam’s shruti box drone and a driving rhythm section of djembe, Native drum and bass-heavy piano and the beautiful, floating “Life Is Just Right” closes today’s show with imaginative, open piano fanfares from Bob and chiming mandolin from Mariam.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 536 is an hour of compelling, visionary acoustic improvised music featuring Mariam Massaro and Bob Sherwood from The Gaea Star Band with Mariam on vocals, shruti box, acoustic guitar, mandolin, Celtic harp, Native flute and ukulele and Bob on piano, with special guest percussionist Nina Rossi featured on djembe. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts at the end of July, 2023, today’s show begins with the hypnotic raga “Orange Rays” featuring an evocative vocal from Mariam over Nina’s powerful djembe groove and Bob’s impassioned piano. “Like A Sweet One” is a beautiful, acoustic guitar-led pop-folk journey and “A Brand New Day” is a beautiful, aching, 50s-style ballad with a gorgeous vocal from Mariam. “There’s Only One Way” is an expansive, pretty tune with fine vocals from Mariam who leads on her chiming mandolin and “Oh Mana Kiya Hey” is a breathless, spiritual ballad with fine contributions from all the players and a gorgeous Native flute coda from Mariam. “Ryalia” is a driving, mystical song from the “Release” album given an energized performance here suspended over Nina’s syncopated, imaginative djembe groove. “Rail Train To Heaven” is a beautiful echo of “Ryalia”’s driving minor sensibility with an aching, emotional vocal from Mariam and we wind up today’s show with Mariam’s charming, swaying waltz “Rays Of Light”.
Gaea Star Crystal 535 is an hour-long visionary acoustic improvisation session with The Gaea Star Band featuring Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, Celtic harp, acoustic guitar, ukulele and dulcimer, Bob Sherwood on piano and tablas and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Today’s show is recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts at the end of July, 2023 and begins with the meditative, serene “Cooling Down The Earth” as a summer monsoon opens up right as we begin recording. Featuring mystical Celtic harp runs from Mariam and a pretty, minimalist piano concept from Bob, “Cooling Down The Earth” features a series of motifs and sections, each more serene and searching over which Mariam weaves a rich lyrical tapestry in conversation with her yearning Native flute passages. Mariam strums her austere, percussive dulcimer and sings evocative modal melodies for the surreal, floating “Blustery Winds” accompanied by jazzy, bittersweet piano and insistent congas. For the quiet, contemplative love song “Calling You” Mariam sets the stage with her acoustic guitar in a beautiful minor setting that evokes this lush, monsoon-like summer day. “Double-Winged Dragonfly” is an appropriately dancing, manic groove as Mariam’s vocals soar over the fields and forests of the music. Mariam plays her chiming 8-string ukulele for the skipping “May We All Appreciate Ourselves”, a light and upbeat folk song with rich, suspended waves of piano from Bob and we finish today’s show with the beautifully dark “Illuminate Like The Moon” a driving, mystical workout with fine contributions from the whole band and an energized, inspiring message from Mariam.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 534 is an hour of visionary, acoustic improv music performed by Mariam Massaro and Bob Sherwood of The Gaea Star Crystal Band with Mariam on vocals, acoustic guitar, ukulele, harmonica, native flute and Celtic harp and Bob on piano. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in mid-July of 2023, today’s show begins with the lovely, atmospheric “Brilliantly Shining”, a lush and spacious piece with a gorgeous vocal from Mariam before moving into “Are We Ready?” a powerful gospel folk song driven by Mariam’s chiming acoustic guitar and Bob’s bluesy piano. “I’m Going Down Deep” is a propulsive folk rock song with a fine vocal from Mariam and anthemic piano from Bob and “Let’s Just Open” is a whispering, spacious prayer defined by the lovely, languid conversation between Mariam’s vocal and Native flute. “Carry On” begins with bittersweet, whispering ukulele and piano commentary as Mariam’s vocal enters with a beautiful prayer to moving past conscious thought into pure gratitude and “Coming Home” is a yearning, driving modern gospel song from Bob featuring Bob and Mariam on vocals as well as fine, incisive flute from Mariam. Mariam’s classic “Reborn” song from the “Vision Quest” album is completely repurposed for today’s show, presented in the key of C minor and focused on Mariam’s bluesy, evocative harmonica. A beautiful, mysterious take of Mariam’s “Into The Mystery” from the “For The Children” album closes today’s show with a dancing, operatic flair supporting Mariam’s pretty vocal.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 532 is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music played live by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, mandolin, ukulele, acoustic 6- and 12- string guitars, Celtic harp and Native flute, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in mid-June of 2023, today’s show begins with shimmering, underwater textures of “Alive In The Beauty”, an exploration of the sea depths built around Mariam’s caressing Celtic harp. “If You Knew”, led by Mariam on mandolin, is a dancing gypsy ballad with beautiful piano figurations from Bob duetting with Mariam’s compelling vocal and “Oh May We Meet, Oh May We Greet”, another number featuring Mariam’s chiming mandolin, is a driving, compelling folk song with another fine vocal from Mariam. “Pacha Mama”, a classic track from Mariam’s “Gaea Star Goddesses” album in dusted off today for an energized run through and “Thistle In The Wind” from the “For The Children” album is a bluesy jam with a fine conga track from Craig supporting Mariam’s whimsical ukulele. We finish today’s show with the mysterious, evocative raga “Nurture Every Moment” an exploration of the Hindustani mode built on the rich, fiery drone of Mariam’s Martin 12-string acoustic tuned in DADGAD alternate tuning.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #531 is an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music played by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Celtic harp, Native flute, acoustic guitar, 12-string acoustic guitar, harmonica and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in May of 2023, today’s show begins with the lush, hallucinogenic “Every Time”, a jazzy, hypnotic piece that starts with lyric Native flute fanfares from Mariam before settling into swirling minimalism built around Mariam’s sweeping Celtic harp. Mariam’s open-tuned Martin acoustic 12-string brings in the lush, shaded raga “Let’s Step Aside For The Light To Flow Through The Portal”, a gorgeous, deeply spiritual exploration that culminates with evocative Eastern modes from Mariam’s flute trading off with her beautiful, surreal poetry. “Into The Realm Of The Night” is a hushed lullaby featuring chiming acoustic guitar from Mariam and “Let’s All Ponder Life” is a pretty folk song driven by Mariam’s dancing ukulele and Craig’s fundamental Native drum. “Blessed To Be Reborn” is a blues/ragtime piece featuring fine vocals and harmonica from Mariam and Bob’s stride piano and “Jophy The Monkey” is a playful story that reprises this song from several years ago powerfully and dynamically.
Today on Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #530 the Gaea Star Band presents an hour of acoustic visionary improv music featuring Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, acoustic guitar and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington Massachusetts in late May of 2023, today’s show begins with the mystical and energized “Rivers Running Pure”, a sprawling, ambitious and constantly evolving piece featuring three main movements. Part Two is as Native flute fanfare from Mariam above swirling piano and Part Three, or “What A Lovely Way” features a gorgeous vocal from Mariam above beautiful, evocative piano themes from Bob. “It’s Just The Time” is a brooding minor ballad led by Mariam’s ukulele that develops into a powerful prayer and “Every Day” is a lilting folk tune featuring a fine, simple melody from Mariam over imaginative backing from Craig and Bob with Mariam’s chiming 8-string ukulele dancing tirelessly. Mariam plays her hushed, intense acoustic guitar on “Treasures”, a mysterious, relentless song that rises to an intense crescendo with Bob’s assertive, hypnotic piano figures. We finish today’s show with the beautiful and classically formal “We Are The Ancient Ones” featuring beautiful, soaring Native flute passages from Mariam over a dusty, timeworn piano backing from Bob.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #529 is an hour of acoustic visionary improvisational music played live by The Gaea Star Band featuring Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, 4- and 8-string ukulele, harmonica, kalimba, sitar, acoustic guitar and shruti box, Bob Sherwood on piano and tabla and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show begins with the bucolic, spiritual “Express Yourself”, a gospel-flavored piece with a fine vocal from Mariam. “Oh Life, You Enrich Me” is a driving, funky blues with the band overdubbing tabla, low drum and more vocals and harmonica from Mariam to create a powerful, thick wall of sound. “Feel Mother Earth” is a beautiful, melancholy prayer to our home with powerful vocals from Mariam and “Let’s Share Wispy Words Of Wisdom” is a slowly developing, powerful minor groove with congas, piano and acoustic guitar weaving an evocative tapestry under Mariam’s affecting, plaintive vocal. “Let’s Keep On Dreaming” begins as a delicate whisper of piano and Mariam’s chiming kalimba that grows into an inspiring, open-hearted piece of minimalism. “This Is The Way” is a fine rock song from Mariam’s “Release” album, here given a psychedelic, driving reading with major-minor ambiguities and a fine vocal from Mariam. Mariam tunes up her sitar for the raga song cycle “The Easy Way”, a rich drone with tense, expectant piano, soaring Native flute, powerful vocals, lushly astringent sitar and Craig’s ever-present heartbeat.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #528 is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music performed by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, dulcimer, acoustic guitar, ukulele, Native flute, shruti box and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in April of 2023, today’s show begins with the uplifting spring ballad “Joly Joly”, a beautifully pagan-sounding air with a lovely vocal and steady dulcimer drone from Mariam. “Open Wide” is a Native prayer that opens with lovely flute from Mariam and slowly eases into a rich ballad with the addition of Bob’s piano cadences and “Keep Trying To Hold On” is a light, airy piece driven by Mariam’s ukulele and steady congas from Craig. The minor folk ballad “Blue Green Star” is a song of praise and devotion for the Earth built around Mariam’s languid vocal and acoustic guitar and “Life Unfolds So Sweetly” is a hypnotic, visually rich descriptive piece built on a Native drum pulse from Craig and rich piano cadences and ostinatos from Bob. “Listen To The Wisdom Of The Ancient Ones” is a rich, reverent raga in a Hindustani mode built around Mariam’s shruti box drone and closes today’s show with gentle beauty.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 527 is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music performed by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, dulcimer, acoustic guitar, ukulele, Native flute, shruti box and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in April of 2023, today’s show begins with the uplifting spring ballad “Joly Joly”, a beautifully pagan-sounding air with a lovely vocal and steady dulcimer drone from Mariam. “Open Wide” is a Native prayer that opens with lovely flute from Mariam and slowly eases into a rich ballad with the addition of Bob’s piano cadences and “Keep Trying To Hold On” is a light, airy piece driven by Mariam’s ukulele and steady congas from Craig. The minor folk ballad “Blue Green Star” is a song of praise and devotion for the Earth built around Mariam’s languid vocal and acoustic guitar and “Life Unfolds So Sweetly” is a hypnotic, visually rich descriptive piece built on a Native drum pulse from Craig and rich piano cadences and ostinatos from Bob. “Listen To The Wisdom Of The Ancient Ones” is a rich, reverent raga in a Near Eastern mode built around Mariam’s shruti box drone and closes today’s show with gentle beauty.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 526 is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music played by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars, ukulele and shruti box, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Today we feature special guests Nina Rossi on percussion, vocals and djembe and Cevher Demirel on handpan, flute and bongos. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in April 2023, today’s show begins with the stately, mystical “Into The Light Of The New Day”, a gorgeous, spacious ballad featuring a rich, mesmerizing vocal from Mariam and Cevher’s otherworldly handpan. Mariam provides the rich, mystical drone of “May We Be The Servers” with her Martin 12-string acoustic as Cevher’s handpan and Bob’s piano weave a rich harmonic tapestry above Craig and Nina’s hypnotic drum work. The tempo and intensity rise for “Receive Alll The Blessings”, an evocative, driving piece again featuring Mariam’s chiming 12-string and Cevher’s striking handpan that morphs from mystical into driving, raw Afro-Cuban rock with powerful, funky left hand work from Bob on piano. “Just Dance With Me” is a strikingly innocent, open love song built around Mariam’s gorgeous vocal and chiming 8-string ukulele, punctuated beautifully with Cevher’s flute and Mariam’s “Circle Of Light” is dressed in an Eastern gown with Mariam’s acoustic guitar and Cevher’s handpan forming a powerful modal center for a powerfully musical, reverent prayer. A delicate, beautiful, extended Native flute exploration from Mariam atop a percolating, compelling rhythm section and obsessive, aching, minimalist piano bring in today’s closing number, the drifting, bittersweet “Hail To The Wisdom Of The Glory”, a richly evocative piece featuring tight ensemble, top notch in situ composition and a lush and easeful vocal from Mariam.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 525 is an inspired hour of original, visionary acoustic music played by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, ukulele, dulcimer and acoustic guitar, Bob Sherwood on piano and bass guitar, Craig Harris on congas and Native drums and special guest drummer and singer Nina Rossi on djembe and background vocals, Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in April 2023, today’s show begins with the mystical, sparse, spacious “Let’s Illuminate The Glory Of Life”, a lilting tone poem with Mariam’s vocal and Native flute duetting seamlessly. “”Shamiyaya” is an island song from Mariam’s “Release” album given a powerful reggae workout by the ensemble and “You’re The One” from the “Gaea Star Crystal” album is starkly powerful with a fine vocal from Mariam. “What A Great Day” is a gorgeous, stately song distinguished by fine stream of April consciousness from Mariam over a circular, anthemic piano figure from Bob. “Calling Us Home” and “Flowers Of Delight” are both drawn from the “Release” album, the former mystical and powerfully driving, the latter relaxed and shrouded in a summer haze. “Vision Quest” from the “Vision Quest” album closes today’s show with echoes of Africa and of the forest over an ensemble of marimba, djembe, Mariam’s vocal and native flute and Bob’s restless, percolating piano.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 524 is an hour of improvised visionary, acoustic music played by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, dulcimer, acoustic guitar, 4- and 8-string ukulele and shruti box, Bob Sherwood on piano, Craig Harris on Native drum and congas, and today’s special guest percussionist Nina Rossi on djembe. Today’s show was recorded live at the beginning of April 2023 and begins with the uplifting, punchy “Hello Spring”, an upbeat folk song carried by Mariam’s 8-string ukulele and a strong, tight bed of percussion from Craig and Nina. “One Step At A Time” is a powerful rock song featuring a powerful vocal from Mariam above her chiming dulcimer and “You Rise Me Up” is a gorgeous folk epic that visits the blues through folk and driving rock sections. “Thank You For It All” steers the band straight into a melancholy, beautiful, stately piece with powerful percussion and virtuoso flute pirouettes from Mariam. “Beautiful Rays” is a gorgeous, meditative raga with Mariam’s shruti box as drone as Bob explores a veiled, mysterious Hindustani mode in a varied dance with Mariam’s lush melody. “Oh The Sound Of The River” is a deep, jazz fusion piece with funky left-hand basslines from Bob over the powerful beat of Craig and Nina and “It’s a Gentle Way” closes today’s show with a gorgeous piece that visits understated baroque and rock modalities.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 523 is an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music brought to you by Mariam Massaro and Bob Sherwood of the Gaea Star Band. Recorded in March of 2023 at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show begins with the compelling “May We Remember All The Ways Of Love”, a rockish piece featuring overdubbed vocals and harmonica from Mariam and piano from Bob over a live track of Mariam on vocals and acoustic guitar and Bob on congas. “Luminous Full Moon In The Night” is a hypnotic, psychedelic, impressionistic piece featuring a lovely, wintery vocals and plaintive Native flute from Mariam and “There's Always A Beginning To The End” is a beautiful, deep folk song driven by Mariam’s bouncing ukulele and Bob’s playful, bright piano figures. “Living In Harmony With Nature” is a drifting, impressionistic tale of the woodlands featuring beautiful, hypnotic Native flute and Celtic harp from Mariam that grows and blooms into a rich, gorgeous, evocative tone poem and Mariam’s droning shruti box becomes the basis for the beautiful, peaceful, surreal “Fire, Fire, Burning Bright”, a romantic, evocative piece with stately piano from Bob and a fine vocal from Mariam. “Oh Heavenly Mother Earth” is a gentle, lilting folk song driven by Mariam’s chiming acoustic guitar and “She” is a playful blues featuring barrelhouse piano from Bob and sprightly 8-string ukulele from Mariam.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 521 is an hour of unique visionary acoustic improvisational music played live by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, Celtic harp, ukulele, shruti box, acoustic guitar and kalimba, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drum. Recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in late February of 2023 today’s show begins with the fundamental, hypnotic “Just Step on Through”, a poem by Mariam delivered to a sparse Native groove with expressive Native flute interpolations. “Thank You For The Melody” is a sweet, meditative ballad underpinned by Mariam’s chiming, celestial harp and lovely vocals and “Alive, Awake And Aware” is a stately, majestic ballad driven by powerful rock gospel piano from Bob as Mariam provides color with her kalimba to accompany her inspiring lyrics. “Peace Walkers” is a lush, expressive, minimalist drone driven by Mariam’s shruti box that expesses a breathless, sweeping quality and electronic touches to underpin Mariam’s powerful prayer. “As We Grow Up Now” is a pretty folk song driven by Mariam’s taut, rhythmic ukulele, Craig’s steady conga work and Bob’s minimalist, trancelike piano and “Manifesting Goals” is a crisp, tight, skipping meditation driven by Mariam’s acoustic guitar and inspiring lyric. We close today with a powerful, casually virtuosic take of Mariam’s “Queen Of Heaven” from the “Gaea Star Goddesses” album, a mystical waltz that honors Earth’s first Goddess.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #520 is an hour of inspired, visionary acoustic improvised music played by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, acoustic guitar, ukulele, Native flute, shruti box and Celtic harp, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in mid-February of 2023, today’s show begins with the peaceful, flowing “In Your Sacred Life”, a beautiful with a powerful, inspired vocal from Mariam over a hushed, gently flowing rhythm section and “Magnificence Of Nature” follows with minor key Eastern European folk overtones as Mariam lays the foundation with her acoustic guitar for this blossoming, mystical song. “Transformation Has Arrived” begins as a playful, skipping folk song led by Mariam’s chiming 8-string ukulele and gradually assumes its final shape as an epic, widescreen gospel piece, inspiring and elegiac. “Misty Clouds Sailing” is a bittersweet, droning tone poem led by Mariam’s shruti box and evocative lyric and “Mountain Of Love Rising So High” concludes today’s show with a hypnotic, whispering character that seduces with its soft, poetic melody and imaginative harmonic touches.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #519 is an hour of improvised visionary acoustic music played by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, 12- and 6-strong acoustic guitars and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and tabla and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in early February of 2023, today’s show starts with Mariam leading the meditative raga “Let’s Unravel As We Serve Our Soul’s Deepest Longing And Light” on her chiming acoustic 12-string guitar “Gonna Take My Time” begins as a conversations between Mariam’s Native flute and her inspired vocals, deployed over a backdrop of Native drum and tabla until Bob’s piano soars in in a series of evocative arpeggios and “Always Listen” is a sprawling, elegiac gospel folk song featuring more fine Native flute from Mariam over Bob’s circular, expanding piano figures. Special guest vocalist Eve Cristoph joins us for the evocative minor folk of “Bring It Forth” and “Winter’s Glory” is a mesmerizing, trancelike blues piece driven by Mariam’s chiming ukulele over a rhythm section of pulsing Native drum and imaginative, energized piano. Today’s show concludes with the mystical, understated “Calling In The Beauty”, a drifting, lushly repeating song that steadily grows in energy until it floats gently away on clouds of celestial piano.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 518 is an hour of visionary acoustic improvised music played live by the Gaea Star Band in early January of 2023. Recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show features Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, ukulele, shruti box, harmonica and percussion, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. We begin today’s show with the driving, energized, inspiring “At Last”, a dramatic, bright song featuring fine work from the whole ensemble built on Craig’s powerful heartbeat. Mariam ushers in the beautiful, mystical “Cradle Me” with Native flute and shruti box and Bob takes up a circular gospel figure as the song settles into a hushed yet powerful prayer. “Earth Dwellers In The Rain” is a hushed, intense song built on an unsettled, stormy piano cadence from Bob that recalls rain, mist and shifting winds. “All Float Away On A Moonlight Night” is a rocking, evocative take on that most iconic subjects of Mariam’s lyrical interest, namely the Moon. This beautiful, hypnotic song features a gorgeous vocal, driving rhythm from the band and imaginative, mesmerizing piano figures from Bob that pull the song ever deeper into the vortex of funk. “Eternally Trusting” is a delicate, wintery, drifting piece with a frosty piano ostinato from Bob woven through Mariam’s precise, chiming ukulele and Craig’s heartbeat congas and “Open Wide To Receive” is an aching, beautiful nursery rhyme of a song distinguished by a lovely, drifting vocal from Mariam We finish today’s show with a powerful, tight reading of Mariam’s classic island song “Pele”, delivered with fire and assurance from the whole group, built around Mariam’s tight, punchy soprano ukulele.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 517 is an hour of visionary improvised acoustic music played by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, harmonica, Native flute, ukulele, acoustic guitar, shruti box and piano, Bob Sherwood on piano, bass guitar and vocals and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in early January of 2023, today’s show begins with the uplifting “Happy To Live With Grace”, a bluesy celebration of a simple life that leads into the sweet, minor exploration “Oh To Be Alive” which features Mariam on piano and vocals and Bob on bass guitar. Bob takes over on lead vocals and piano for his new song “It’s Just The Rain” and “Ever Higher Bridging The Realms” comes in two parts, the first a beautiful, somber folk song led by Mariam on acoustic guitar and vocals and the second a swirling, evocative piece with an inspired, beautifully surreal lyric from Mariam. Mariam’s sprightly island song “Shamiyaya” receives an upbeat, tight reading featuring harmonies from Bob and “Spirit Of The Forest” from the Release CD is presented in a stately, elegant and deeply spiritual context. We conclude today’s show with the rich, detailed “Gathering Our New Stories”, a lush raga that is treated to overdubs of Mariam on vocals and Native flute, Craig on Native drums and Bob on bass guitar.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #516 is an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, acoustic guitar, ukulele and dulcimer, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show begins with the driving yet meditative “We All Want The Same”, a prayer from Mariam and a fine conversation between voice and Native flute. “As We Gather Around” grows from the same roots as the first piece before easing into an elegiac, gospel ballad and “Melody Of The Night” is an evocative, minor folk ballad led by Mariam’s plaintive vocal and crisp acoustic guitar. “Hear Me Now” is a beautiful waltz ballad with a gorgeous melody from Mariam and fine shuffling congas from Craig and “Blessed By Life” is a sweet, poignant reading of one of Mariam’s most affecting songs, a piece built around Mariam’s propulsive dulcimer. “Alohahey” takes us far from the New England winter to the islands and is a most welcome reminder of sunshine led by Mariam’s Hawaiian ukulele and vocal vibe. “Celebrate Diversity” is a celebratory acoustic rock song with an inspired lyric from Mariam. Mariam’s classic ritual song “We Call In The Elements” is given a rich, stately reading today and we close the show with the beautiful, skipping “La Luna”, an ode to the new moon featuring fine playing from the whole band.
Gaea Star Crystal 515 is an hour of sublime visionary acoustic improvised music played by The Gaea Star Band featuring Mariam Massaro on vocals, acoustic guitar, ukulele, Native flute, Celtic harp and shruti box, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded live in December 2022 at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show begins with the lush, drifting “Reconnect”, a rich song cycle distinguished by a fine vocal from Mariam over imaginative, unusual chordal constructions. “Great Healing” is a driving rock devotion song built on a metronomically tight low drum from Craig that builds in intensity through racing blues piano solos into a percolating, celestial trance. “The Snow Queen” welcomes winter with an icy, crystalline groove defined initially by an interweave of Celtic harp, piano and low drum, followed by drifting flute fanfares from Mariam, followed by a slowly, slowly developing, beautiful, melancholic air adorned with Mariam’s inspiring prose. “Grateful” is another pensive, aching, wintry melody set to Mariam’s capoed acoustic guitar, warm, affecting piano and tart congas from Craig. “I Feel The Glory” is a deeply spiritual lyric that connects the cosmos and the soul, all in a playground of modal acoustic guitar and piano interplay, and “Oh, The Way” is an elegiac gospel song with lyrical flute passages atop piano figures that evoke vast spaces. “Oh Sun” is a standout track from November’s Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 510, a fine, driving folk song featuring Mariam’s silvery 8-string ukulele, again with Mariam’s gorgeous vocal in conversation with Cevher Demirel’s percussive flute.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 514 is an hour of improvised acoustic music played live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, shruti box, acoustic guitar, kalimba, ukulele and Native flute, Craig Harris on congas, Native drum and balaphone and Bob Sherwood on piano. Recorded in early December of 2022, today’s hour begins with the epic sound journey of “Snow Queen” which begins as a pretty, soulful ballad with a fine vocal from Mariam and shifting, rhythmic piano from Bob. The second section, “Rise Up To Meet It” finds Mariam moving to kalimba and Native flute to accompany a powerful vocal lifted higher by Craig’s Native drum heartbeat. Rising subtly like a sunrise from the final strands of the piece before is the celebratory, chiming “Sweet Home”, a compelling folk song with a gospel pull from Bob’s circular, rich piano and a gorgeous, swirling melody from Mariam. “Room Of Doubt” comes from the 2009 CD “Gaea Star Crystal: Awakening The Tribes Of Light” and the band gives it a powerful, confident reading with Mariam setting the tone on chiming acoustic guitar. “As Far As We Can See” is a beautiful, hypnotic, rhythmic ballad built on Craig’s fundamental Native drum work, low, angular piano figurations from Bob and an Eastern melody from Mariam as she plays her shruti box. “She Is The River” begins with an extended call-and-response between Native flute and piano to set up a deeply moving, elegiac melodic poem from Mariam as the song settles into a beautifully fragile, light, shifting mix of shade and brightness. We conclude today’s show with the bluesy “Reflecting The Setting Moon”, a clever blues rock song with a bending, sinuous melody from Mariam.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 513 is an hour of visionary acoustic musical improvisation featuring the versatile, multi-talented Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, acoustic guitar, Native flute, ukulele and percussion, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Today’s show was recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in early December of 2022 and begins with a tight, jazzy version of Mariam’s classic “Reflect The Light” built around Mariam’s ukulele and sinuous vocal and a Gershwinesque piano accompaniment from Bob. “Passage Of Time” begins as a bittersweet folk ballad, spacious and mournful, a prayer to nature in each of Mariam’s elegant couplets and culminates with a gorgeous, languid conversation between Mariam’s vocal and her Native flute. Stepping into a languid blues mode with the shuffling “Oh The Silvery Rays” the band drifts into a Beatlesque groove as Mariam weaves 21st century melodies into the psychedelic brew. “Ancient Formations” is an unusual, haunting air with an airy, gossamer vocal from Mariam and “Welcome In Peace” spins an unusual, retro jazz R&B groove from a sparse Native flute and drum intro that culminates in a powerful series of gospel choruses. The band gives Mariam’s “Circle Of Light” a brisk, airy runthrough with a fine vocal and solid rhythm from all as we finish this week’s installment.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 512 is an hour of dynamic, visionary acoustic improvisational music played live by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, acoustic guitar, 4- and 8-string ukuleles, dulcimer and Celtic harp, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts at the end of November 2022, today’s show begins with the mystical, trance rock of “Inside”, a spacious song driven by Mariam’s dulcimer, inspired vocal and Native flute passages. “In The Court Of Light” is an eccentric folk song featuring Mariam’s skipping ukulele and fundamental Native drum from Craig and “Calling All Of Me Home” is a gentle, wistful ballad with a fine vocal from Mariam and evocative piano from Bob. “Brilliant Rays Of Light” is a tightly rhythmic folk song built around Mariam’s compelling minor chord cadences and a lovely melody, and “Original” carries some rhythm and blues and gospel influences as it unwinds in an infectious, leisurely series of tempos and feels. “Cultivating Happiness” is a light, eccentric, innovative piece with Mariam’s 8-string ukulele and Bob’s piano ostinatos forming the basis of this rich, detailed song.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #511 is an hour of visionary improvised acoustic music played and recorded live by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, 4- and 8-string ukulele, shruti box, acoustic guitar and dulcimer, Bob Sherwood on piano, Craig Harris on Native drums and congas and Cevher Demirel on flute and bongos. Today we feature very special guests Nina Rossi on drums and percussion and Robin Rooney on vocals and percussion. Recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in November of 2022, today’s show begins with the lush, Mediterranean vibe of “Begin A New Day”, a gorgeous, sunny song driven by Mariam’s chiming ukulele, fine flute work from Cevher and a driving rhythm from Craig and Nina. “Middle Of The Night” comes in as a hushed midnight ballad with minor chords from Mariam’s acoustic guitar and racing runs from Bob on piano and builds slowly into a driving but sparse Native groove beneath Mariam’s inspired vocal. “Calling In Their Beloveds” recalls an ancient forest with Mariam’s fundamental dulcimer and fine echoing vocals from Robin and “Water Tiger Year” is a gorgeous, skipping song defined by Mariam’s silvery 8-string ukulele and imaginative, upbeat accompaniment from the whole ensemble. “Embrace The Silence” tells the story of a walk in the emerald forest as a slow, mystical raga built around the drone of Mariam’s shruti box. The song grows and expands in intensity as Mariam spins her mysterious sacred faery tale.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 510 was recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in November of 2022 and is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, 8- and 4-string ukuleles, acoustic guitar, Nashville-tuned guitar and sitar, Bob Sherwood on piano, Craig Harris on Native drums and congas and Cevher Demirel on flute and bongos. Today’s show begins with the lush, jangling folk song “Healing Ways Are Rising”, driven by Mariam’s delicate Nashville guitar and inspired vocal, decorated by evocative flute passages from Cevher. “Oh Sun” is another fine, driving folk song featuring Mariam’s silvery 8-string ukulele, again with Mariam’s gorgeous vocal in conversation with Cevher’s percussive flute. “Life Is Love, Love Is Life” begins as a sedate meditation built around Mariam’s acoustic guitar and grows in intensity until taking wing as a driving, powerfully percussive medicine song, a lush melody surrounded by powerful drumming from Craig and Cevher. “It Will Always Make You Smile” is a whispering, minor folk ballad that again picks up in intensity and drive with a powerful rhythm section and “May The Waters Bubble Up From The Depths” is an ever-changing, gorgeous improvisation driven by percussion and Bob’s deft, improvising piano supporting a powerful vocal from Mariam and “To Keep In The Oneness” complete’s today’s powerful journey as a beautiful raga featuring Mariam’s lush, mystical sitar and fundamental shruti box drones from Cevher.
Today on Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 509 we present an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, ukulele, acoustic guitar and shruti box, Bob Sherwood on piano, Craig Harris on congas and Native drums and Cevher Demirel on bongoes and flute. Recorded live at Singing Bridge Studio in Worthington Massachusetts in early November 2022, today’s show begins with the lilting, gentle “Gate’s Opening”, a peaceful song featuring an inspired lyric from Mariam and fine backing from the band. “Warm Fire” is a sprightly folk song with an Andean flair featuring fine flute work from Cevher and a beautiful melody from Mariam and “Spontaneously Express Your Special Gifts To Be All That You Can Be” is a mystical, unusual melodic workout with a message of inspiration from Mariam and a full, driving rhythm from Craig on congas and Cevher on bongos. “Morning Memories” is a rollicking folk blues driven along by Mariam’s acoustic guitar and Bob’s rolling blues piano. “Just Walk Away” is a fine folk rock original from Mariam from the “Release” album, here given a rich, elastic treatment that brings out the message of freedom and non-attachment. “Alayasontaro’s Basic Needs” creates a long journey that dominates the second half of today’s show as it moves from raga to driving Afro Cuban grooves. Mariam’s Native flute excels above a gradually shifting tapestry of drum and piano rhythm. We close the circle with the dramatic and largely instrumental “Releasing”, a showcase for Mariam’s excellent Native flute work and Bob’s imaginative, ever-shifting piano over Craig and Cevher’s rich percussion backdrop.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 507 is an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music performed live by The Gaea Star Band at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in October of 2022. With Mariam Massaro on vocals, Celtic harp, Native flute, ukulele, kalimba and acoustic 6- and 12-string guitars, Bob Sherwood on piano, Craig Harris on congas and Native drums and Cevhar Demirel on flute and bongos. Today’s show begins with the stately “For The Greatness” a fine meditative groove decorated with Mariam’s elemental Native flute and vocals, “Every Moment” is a blustery, tonally ambiguous folk song that evokes motion and mystery and “The Portal” is a gorgeous raga driven by Mariam’s chiming Martin 12-string and a powerful rhythm section from Craig and Bob. Mariam forms the outline for the mysterious, evocative “The Portal” with steady guitar chords as Bob arrives at an ostinato in fourths that creates a floating, meditative mood. Mariam again creates the structure for the arriving piece with the beautiful, deep “A Beautiful Treasure”, this time with her kalimba, outlining a mode that Bob spins into a series of bittersweet chords beneath Mariam’s gorgeous melody of deep longing. “Spirit Calling” is a piece powerfully influenced by indigenous American music, a mesmerizing piano motif, driving congas and Mariam’s flowing vocals and Native flute create a lush cloud of sound. “Let’s All Be Free” arrives in flute fanfares from Cevhar as Bob establishes a hypnotic, circular, never-changing piano raga beneath Mariam’s beautiful, melancholic melody. Today’s show finishes with the slow burn of “Just Being”, a powerful Native-Afro-Cuban piece that presents each player’s strengths in a fiery instrumental and vocal display.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 506 is an hour of acoustic visionary improvisational music played by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, Celtic harp, acoustic guitar and 4- and 8-string ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, in October of 2022, today’s episode begins with the meditative “Witness”, a gorgeous, languid piece built on Bob’s circular chords and Mariam’s evocative poetry and soaring Native flute. “In The Comfort Of The Stillness” is a lovely minor folk ballad built around Mariam’s acoustic guitar and flowing lyrics and “Brilliant In The Light” segues into a sparse, bittersweet tone poem that floats in stillness, filled with gentle space and Mariam’s hypnotic vocal. Mariam plays her chiming 8-string ukulele for the gorgeous, spiraling “The Open Window”, a pretty, delicate love song and “Visitation From Heaven” arrives on a cloud of swirling piano and ukulele until it solidifies into a pretty, open groove with Craig’s steady conga work. “Celebrate The Forest” is a gentle, mystical prayer of gratitude, full of striking images of nature and “Angels And Eagles” closes today’s hour with a sparse, evocative, whispering tone poem built around Mariam’s caressing Celtic harp.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 505 is an hour of compelling musical improvisation by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, Celtic harp, acoustic guitar, ukulele and shruti box, Cevher Demirel on congas, Celtic harp, vocals and flute and Bob Sherwood on piano, vocals and tabla. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in October of 2022, today’s show eases into being with the meditative “Fire Transforms”, a hypnotic piece featuring an inspired poem from Mariam above a spacious groove of piano and congas. “Listen To The Trees” is a delicate, drifting ballad based around Mariam’s journeying acoustic guitar and featuring lyrical flute from Cevher and “Reborn” from Mariam’s “Gaea Star Crystal” album is given a singularly powerful airing with a powerful vocal from Mariam. Bob then leads the band through an airtight, driving rendition of his new song “Coming Home”, featuring Mariam’s excellent native flute. “We’re Rising” is a delicate raga built on a foundation of Cevher’s gently propulsive Celtic harp and Mariam’s foundational shruti box. The band stretches and morphs until arriving at “May We All Realize Our True Colors”, a lush and expressive song that Mariam brings to life with her chiming ukulele and evocative vocal as Bob teases a gospel framework into the arrangement.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 504 is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, in early October 2022. Today the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, dulcimer, Celtic harp and shruti box, Bob Sherwood on piano, Craig Harris on Native drums and congas and Cevher Demirel on flute and bongos are joined by two special guests, from Vermont Elishalom Adama on vocals and 6- and 12-string acoustic guitar and from Boston, Marty Levin on harmonica and vocals. Today’s show begins with the sprightly raga “Sweet Place Of Love” featuring a fine vocal from Mariam, lovely harmonica from Marty and fine acoustic guitar playing from Adam. “Dive Into Your Dreams” is a lush, eastern drone piece driven by Mariam’s shruti box with imaginative contributions from Adam on guitar and Bob on piano. This evocative, sprawling piece incorporates jazz and funk as it develops and Adam adds a fine contribution on vocals sung in Hebrew. “Breath In Life By The River” is a mystical ode to the forest featuring lyrical flute from Cevher, and “Cultivate Your Rhythm” is an intense raga honoring nature and plant medicine with fine vocals from Marty and Mariam.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 503 is a vibrant hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, Celtic harp, acoustic guitar, harmonica, dulcimer and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano, Cevher Demirel on flute and bongos and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in late September 2022, today’s episode begins with the beautiful, atmospheric “You Are At Peace”, a delicate piece built around Mariam’s Celtic harp strums and spiritual poetry decorated with evocative flute runs from Cevher. “Dream On” is a mystical journey built on racing, delicate piano ostinatos, gorgeous, leaping melodies from Mariam, dramatic Native drum and compelling flute work and “Oh Let’s Renew” is a lovely, shaded folk ballad that drifts like an autumn reverie on pillows of Native and Western flute runs from Mariam and Cevher. Mariam drives the powerful “Misty Clouds Sailing By” with minor chords from her ukulele as Cevher and Craig set up a driving, powerful groove with dark, elemental Native drum and sharp, syncopated bongos. “Castle In The Sky” is the centerpiece, the high point of today’s show and creates a celestial tonal language with Bob’s piano setting up a pleasantly obsessive series of parallel major chords as Mariam outlines the ensuing melodies with Native flute fanfares. Craig and Cevher again provide a full, driving rhythm from stereo left and right respectively. Today’s final piece is the lush, sprawling, unhurried raga “Gonna Let It Go”, a loose framework that supports a long, expansive conversation between Mariam’s vocal and harmonica and Cevher’s lush, modal flute passages.
Gaea Star Crystal 502 is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, 4- and 8-string ukulele, harmonica and Celtic harp, Bob Sherwood on piano, Craig Harris on congas and Native drums and Cevher Demirel on flute and bongoes. Recorded live in mid-September 2022 at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s installment begins with the impressionistic, floating tone poem “Pot Of Gold”, an abstract meditation driven by Mariam’s gently flowing Celtic harp and beautiful vocal. “I Am The Fire” is a gorgeous, Eastern European flavored song with evocative flute from Cevher and a lovely vocal from Mariam and “Sweet Serenity” is a beautifully chorded song with fine contributions from the whole band supporting Mariam’s mysterious, inspired lyric. “May Miracles Unfold” begins as a blues driven by Mariam’s chiming 8-string ukulele before taking an unexpected turn into gorgeous, floating balladry with more lyrical flute work from Cevher above Craig’s steady conga work. “Rising” keeps the blues promise teased at in the former song with down home harmonica work from Mariam over Bob’s uptown blues turnarounds. “May We All Be Ready To Greet The Day With Love” concludes today’s show in a sprawling, bucolic raga underpinned by Mariam’s shruti box and lovely flute passages from Cevher in a piece that ranges far and wide, visiting myriad styles and moods to end today’s show on a creative highpoint.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 501 is an hour of compelling, visionary acoustic improvisational music brought to you by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flutes, dulcimer, acoustic 6- and 12-string guitars and Celtic harp, Bob Sherwood on piano and percussion and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Joining us today is special guest flautist and percussionist Cevhar Demirel who provides beautiful flute passages and percussion work throughout today’s episode. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in mid-September 2022, today’s show begins with the gorgeous, slowly-unfolding “Flower Of Life”, a stately, lyrical ballad featuring a soulful vocal from Mariam over a lush, unhurried backing. “Manifestation” features the first of several flute duets between Mariam and Cevher and features Mariam on her chiming Celtic harp as Craig provides a deep and driving Native drum pulse. “To The Places In Need” is a mystical raga, a bittersweet farewell to summer, underpinned by fine percussion work from Craig and Bob and sparse, rich open-tuned 12-string from Mariam and “Just Wispy Pillows In The Boundless Beauty” is a simple, pretty folk song with a fine vocal from Mariam and flowing flute work from Jafar. “All Aboard” is based around Mariam’s driving dulcimer and is a fine, British Isles-favored reel with driving drums from Craig and lush, modal piano from Bob. Next up is an energized take of Mariam’s “I’m The Full Moon” from the Gaea Star Goddesses album featuring fine acoustic guitar from Mariam and piano from Bob on this classic Goddess rock song and we finish the show today with the richly mystical and hallucinogenic raga “Salinah”, a journey built around Mariam’s beautiful sitar drones and percolating percussion.
Today the Gaea Star Band celebrates their 500th episode of The Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour with a special hour of vibrant, visionary acoustic improvisational music and songs by Mariam Massaro. Featuring Mariam on vocals, native flute, ukulele, acoustic guitar and shruti box, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas, today’s show was recorded live in mid-August of 2022 at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts. Today’s episode begins with the mystical “Goodbye Glory To August” featuring a poetic vocal from Mariam and lyrical ukulele and piano above Craig’s steady conga work. “I Love The Way” is a gorgeous love ballad with a ‘50s feel and long, lush Native flute passages and “You Pull Me Through” explores another variation with a softer, more classical feel. “At The End Of The River” is a raga built around Mariam’s shruti box drone and a minor eastern key on the piano. Somber and evocative, the piece swirls around Mariam’s mystical lyrics. We complete today’s very special show with two of Mariam’s songs, the “Smooth Sailin’ Love Songs” ballad “When You Touch Me” and from the “Vision Quest” album, the mesmerizing minor blues “Standing Ones Of Peace”.
Today on Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #499 Mariam Massaro and Bob Sherwood of the Gaea Star Band present an hour of improvised visionary acoustic music featuring Mariam on vocals, Native flute, 12-string and 6-string acoustic guitars, Celtic harp and ukulele and Bob on piano. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington Massachusetts in early August 2022, today’s show begins with the raga-like “Celebration Of The Magnificence” a mysterious piece underpinned by Mariam’s sitar-like 12-string. “Surrender” begins with Native flute fanfares from Mariam before easing into a beautiful meditation featuring Mariam’s lyrical Native flute and “Coming Home” is a beautiful folk song framed by Mariam’s acoustic guitar and Bob’s piano. “Galina Goddess Grove” is a mystical minor-key Goddess ballad with gorgeous Native flute interjections from Mariam and “May I Always Remember” features Mariam strumming her chiming Celtic harp to underpin this beautiful, dramatic meditation. “Oh Yeah (Part One)” is a drifting, lush mantra with imaginative chord progressions from Bob and “Part Two” is a pretty, groovy folk song mantra with a fine vocal and driving ukulele from Mariam.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #496 is an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music sung and played by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, dulcimer, 4- and 8-string ukuleles and acoustic guitar, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Recorded live in July of 2022 at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, we begin today’s hour with the lovely, percolating “Sweep On Your Dreams”, a pretty, driving summer ballad led by Mariam’s chiming 8-string ukulele. “Coming Around” follows, a stately ballad featuring rich piano work from Bob in consort with Mariam’s dulcimer, and “Hitch On A Star Of Light” is an evocative, sparse tone poem featuring Craig’s steady conga work and a fine vocal from Mariam. “Revel In Nature’s Glory” is a driving minor jazz-folk song full of fiery flute ostinatos from Mariam and racing, lit-up piano work from Bob. A pair of mystical folk songs follow, Mariam’s mysterious “Ryalia” and the gratitude prayer “One More Day” from the “Release” album. We finish today’s hour with a solemn, impassioned take of Mariam’s anthem “Freedom”.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #495 is an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music played live by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, kalimba, dulcimer, ukulele, acoustic guitar and Native flute, Craig Harris on Native drums and congas and Bob Sherwood on piano. Recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in July of 2022, today’s show begins with the languid, groovy “As We Hold Steady” a melodically rich piece constructed around Mariam’s kalimba and smooth vocals. The band eases into a second movement called “Let The Circle Begin With You”, an intense prayer with lush Native flute passages from Mariam and circular piano figures from Bob above Craig’s fundamental Native drum groove. “Sweet Healing Herbs” is a raga built around Mariam’s rhythmic dulcimer drone and “Just Flowing With The River” is a pretty, evocative folk ballad with a gorgeous, lilting melody from Mariam above a shifting, beautiful, bittersweet accompaniment from the band. Mariam strums her baritone ukulele to set the foundation for the misty, veiled minor folk ballad “Star Rays”, a simple, sparse meditation with a midnight vibe. “Freedom To Be Me” is a driving, rolling folk song with enormous energy and a lovely vocal from Mariam and “Butterfly Life” closes today’s show with a slow, ambitious build in intensity around a mystical chord change and fine Native flute soloing from Mariam.
Today on the Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #494 we present an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, acoustic guitar, Celtic harp and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in June 2022, today’s show begins with the lithe, dancing “Summer Solstice Time”, a gospel tinged folk number using one of Mariam’s most charming chord progressions. “She’s Coming Up” is a languid, mystical ode to the rising summer moon featuring a fine tone poem from Mariam, and “Accentuate The Positive” is a spacious, trance-like piece that moves through several evocative spaces and features Mariam on Celtic harp and lyrical Native flute. Mariam continues with Native flute and Celtic harp on the fundamental funk of “Fountains Of Love”, a sparse, bluesy piece driven by Craig’s low end Native drum and jazzy piano from Bob. A large contrast is provided by the light, delicate “Hitch My Dreams On A Star”, a gorgeous, celestial ballad fashioned around Mariam’s lightly chiming acoustic guitar and Bob’s cloudy, echoing piano. “I Am Free” is a compelling tale of a brave chimpanzee released from captivity and we conclude today’s show with the lilting “Mighty Are The Wings Of Love”, a pretty ballad driven by Mariam’s bittersweet acoustic guitar chords.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #493 is an hour of inspired, visionary acoustic improvisational music recorded by the Gaea Star Band, featuring Mariam Massaro on vocals, acoustic guitar, ukulele and Native flute, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Tracked live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington Massachusetts in June of 2020, today’s show begins with the mystical, grooving “Into The Realm Of Serenity”, a jazzy jam with imaginative grooves and an inspiring lyric from Mariam. “Keep On Walking” is a lovely minor ballad that expresses unity and mutual support, and “Standing In The Rain” is a driving, pretty folk song carried along by Mariam’s chiming ukulele. “Manekayo” is an upbeat Hawaiian flavored song to the night sky that builds on piano climaxes and Mariam’s sparkling eight string ukulele with a bed of steady congas from Craig. “Just Walk Away” is a classic song from Mariam, presented here as a staid folk rock ballad, and “Everywhere The People Are Changing” frames the Covid 19 pandemic as an opportunity for unity and change set to a minor folk groove and “Thank You For The Year” rises out of a lovely, plaintive native flute solo above lush piano to grow into a majestic gospel ballad.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #492 was recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, in early June of 2022 and consists of live acoustic improvisational music played and sung by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, Celtic harp, acoustic guitar and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Today’s show begins with the peaceful, beautiful “Fireflies”, an affecting summer ballad featuring a moving vocal from Mariam atop a lovely, delicate backing from the band. “Fawn In The Forest” is another gorgeous nature journey with a beautiful vocal from Mariam over an inspired series of piano figures from Bob and “Revel In The Glory” is a deep minor folk ballad featuring chiming acoustic guitar from Mariam and rich, steady native drum work from Craig. “Reborn” is a classic song of Mariam’s from the “Release” album and is given a tight, driving, masterful reading here by the band and “Let The Rains Come” celebrates a summer rain squall with a trancelike and faintly classical motif supporting a fine bit of poetry from Mariam. We conclude today’s show with a trio of original songs from Mariam’s albums with an impassioned take of the love song “Twin Flame”, an energized and deeply felt reading of the activist anthem “Sing Down The Walls” and a powerful, masterful, tight reading of the island folk song “Pele”, driven with high energy by Mariam’s vocal and Hawaiian themed ukulele part.
Today on Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #491 we present an hour of live visionary acoustic improv music featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, acoustic guitar, ukulele and Celtic harp, Craig Harris on congas and Native drums and Bob Sherwood on piano. Recorded in early June at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, the hour begins with the deep, hypnotic “When I Wake Up”, a trance-like, driving piece featuring a fine vocal from Mariam over Craig’s powerful Native drum backbeat and Bob’s active, jazzy piano. “For The Children” is a somber, affecting prayer for the victims of Uvalde driven by Mariam’s compassionate poetry and “Love From The Heavens” is a drifting, meditative tone poem centered around Mariam’s swirling Celtic harp and abstract vocal. “Oh, The Sweet Mother Earth is a delicious, intoxicated summer ballad featuring a gorgeously unwinding piano motif from Bob and “Oh, The Rain” finds Mariam back on acoustic guitar to lead the band through a lovely minor ballad featuring a fine vocal. “Peaceful Arms” concludes today’s show with an affecting vocal from Mariam as the band spins a slow, evocative minor ballad around Mariam’s chiming acoustic guitar.
Today on Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #490 we present an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, dulcimer, acoustic guitar, 4-and 8-string ukulele, Native flute and harmonica, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in May of 2022, today’s show begins with Mariam on her dulcimer singing the sweeping, evocative “Cooling Rain Storm”, an energized ode to summer rain that features driving congas from Craig and funky, bassline-centered piano from Bob. “Happy I Am” is a beautiful dulcimer song from Mariam’s “For The Children” album and is expressed here in an intoxicating series of polyrhythms beneath Mariam’s lovely vocal and Native flute. “Whispering Moon” is a gorgeous, cloudswept midnight song featuring lilting poetry from Mariam leading the band on here ukulele, and “The Essence Of Life” begins with a flurry of expressive Native flute and settles into a pretty, open gospel waltz driven by Bob’s unfolding arpeggios on the piano. “Feeling Like A Queen” is a slow, driving blues with a fine vocal punctuated by sharp harmonica over a rock-solid rhythm section and “Oh Life How It Changes” is a mystical minor ballad driven along by Mariam’s acoustic guitar and “Dance In Sweet Delight” closes today’s show in a shower of fantastical images from Mariam and a rhythm section imbued with the magic of Mariam’s iridescent 8-string ukulele.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #489 is an inspired hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music played live by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Celtic harp, harmonica, ukulele, dulcimer, acoustic guitar and Native flute, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in May 2022, today’s show begins with the mystical, spacious “As We Rise Up”, a compelling song that begins with lilting Native flute fanfares before gradually building to a powerful chant. “To Where We Dwell Eternally” is a bluesy folk song led by Mariam’s plucky ukulele and “Oh May We Find Our Way Through The Passage Of Life” is a minor ballad with a fine vocal from Mariam across a tight, emotional framework from the band. “Castle In The Sky” is a whispering, stately ballad led by Mariam’s silken acoustic guitar locked with Craig’s conga groove and “Rail Train” is a beautiful epic that features overdubs from the band adding vocals, harmonica, percussion and bass guitar to bring depth to this jazzy exploration. Today’s show finishes with the chiming “Woody”, an ode to a friendly woodpecker showcasing Mariam’s silvery 8-string ukulele.
Singing Brook Studio in Worthington brings you another live studio recording of the Gaea Star Band performing visionary acoustic improvisational music with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, acoustic guitar, ukulele and shruti box, Bob Sherwood on piano and tablas and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded in early May of 2022, Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #488 begins with the sweet, blossoming, meditative “Oh May The Waters Bless You”, a fundamental groove featuring fine Native flute fanfares and a beautiful vocal from Mariam. “Let Your Life Sail Along” is a strangely mystical creation evocating mystery and wonder, bouncing on waves of ukulele, congas and imaginative, dancing piano. “Sailing Through The Flowers” is a profound and deeply affecting raga with the drone provided by Mariam’s shruti box. Craig and Bob create a mesmerizing framework of congas and tablas for Mariam’s gorgeous Eastern creation. The band gradually evolves the theme into a series of alternately beautiful and psychedelic variations before shifting into the simple, sedate folk of “I Only Want To Serve In The Light”, a pretty, gospel-influenced air given shape with Mariam’s steady acoustic guitar chording. “Tiny Slipper In The Sky” is a beautiful midnight moon song with fine vocal work from Mariam and “Open My Heart”, a classic gospel song from Mariam, concludes today’s show on a high note.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #487 is an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music recorded live by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica, ukulele and Native flute, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Tracked on May 2, 2022 at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show begins with the lovely, sedate “In The Glory Of The May”, a travelogue of early spring from Mariam with chiming acoustic guitar. “Follow Your Bliss” is a slinky jazz blues workout featuring wailing harmonica from Mariam and rolling barrelhouse piano from Bob and “The Planets Are Aligning” is a driving minor key folk song carried along by Craig’s steady congas and Mariam’s fiery ukulele. “Like A Fountain Of Light” is a Native raga featuring flute fanfares from Mariam that gathers into a beautiful, stately ballad with gospel piano from Bob beneath Mariam’s powerful vocal. “There’s Always Time” is a powerful, mid-tempo song that begins in a very Eastern mode before rolling Westward and “Just Around The Bend” closes today’s show with orchestral flourishes as Mariam strums her 8-string ukulele for this powerful, elemental epic.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #486 is an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music recorded by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, dulcimer, ukulele, acoustic guitar and shruti box, Bob Sherwood on piano and tabla and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts and mixed at Dragonfly in Cummington, Massachusetts in late April of 2022, today’s show begins with the Earth Day raga “I Hear The River”, a sparse, percussion-rich piece featuring flute fanfares and dulcimer from Mariam. Mariam strums her baritone ukulele and delivers a fine and evocative vocal on “The Avenue Of Radiance” above a fine rhythm section of piano and congas from Bob and Craig and “We Are Free When We Open Our Eyes” is a lovely, open, naïve piece featuring Mariam’s chiming 8-string ukulele and a sweet, mesmerizing piano figure from Bob. Mariam provides the drone for “I Remain At Peace” on her shruti box for this Eastern-influenced piece that evolves into a bluesy mantra with heartbeat Native drum from Craig. “Are You My Angel?” is a folk blues number driven along by Mariam’s acoustic guitar and a rolling bass line from Bob, and Mariam’s “Spirit Of The Forest”, an engaging, open and driving song from the “Vision Quest” CD closes today’s show with a fine, relaxed groove and a fine vocal from Mariam.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #485 is an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music recorded live by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, acoustic guitar, harmonica and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington Massachusetts in April of 2022, today’s show begins with the staid, mystical “All Good Things Take Time”, a lovely minor air featuring a fine lyric from Mariam and compelling piano inventions from Bob. “Flowing Fountain” is a beautiful, deeply felt spiritual ballad led by Mariam’s poetry of gratitude to nature as well as her deeply lyrical Native flute work and “Luminous Light” is a sprawling, hypnotic series of musical motifs taken at a quick clip with excellent conga work from Craig supporting Mariam’s moon poetry. “I’m Here, I’m Listening” begins with harmonica fanfares from Mariam against call-and-response piano from Bob before developing into a steady, majestic gospel ballad and we close today with Mariam’s driving “I’m The Full Moon”, characterized by fine ensemble work by The Gaea Star Band.
Today on Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #484 the Gaea Star Band presents an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, harmonica, ukulele, kalimba, acoustic guitar and shruti box, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in mid-April of 2022, today’s show begins with the buoyant folk tune “Golden Sun”, a song of praise for Spring led by Mariam’s playful vocal and ukulele. “Life Is Like A River” is a pretty ballad featuring a fine vocal from Mariam in conversation with her folky, bittersweet harmonica and “Thankful” is a gorgeous, spacious minor ballad with languid, sensuous piano from Bob and lovely Native flute fanfares from Mariam above Craig’s Native drum heartbeat. “For The Rain” is a profound, aching reflection built around Mariam’s plaintive kalimba with piano filigrees from Bob and steady, fundamental congas from Craig. Bob shares a new song of his today, the gospel rock “Coming Home” that features fine work from the ensemble under Bob’s deeply felt lyric. Mariam’s acoustic guitar holds down her classic song “Trust” with authority and power, and the lovely celestial waltz of “Twin Flame” is gorgeously presented here with strong work from the ensemble accompanying Mariam’s beautiful vocal. We conclude today’s show with the playful “Keeping It Light”, something of a children’s song featuring Mariam’s chiming 8-string ukulele and a buoyant rhythm section from Craig and Bob.
Today on Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #483 we present an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, acoustic guitar, ukulele and shruti box, Bob Sherwood on piano and bass guitar and Craig Harris on congas, Native drums and shakers. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in early April 2022, today’s show begins with the sparse, stately “Let’s All Dance Together”, a hypnotic, grooving song with a fine vocal from Mariam and an insistent, infectious piano figure from Bob. “Oh Salinia, Spirit Beneath” is a lush, sprawling prayer with an evocative vocal from Mariam and “Cinnamon Sky” is a bittersweet folk ballad with an affecting lyric led by Mariam on acoustic guitar. Mariam holds down the drone on “Mariupol” with her shruti box beneath a beautiful lyric devoted to the spirit of Ukraine with fine work from the whole band. We play out today’s show with a driving, varied medley of classic “Gaea Star Goddesses” tracks, the sprightly, danceable “Pachamama” and the dark, fundamental funk of “Amaru Machay”.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #482 is an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music played and sung by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, acoustic guitar and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drum and congas. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in late March of 2022, today’s show begins with the skipping, pretty song for Ukraine “Grateful For My Life” before the band moves into the mystical minor ballad “Precious” led by Mariam’s chiming acoustic guitar and a driving conga groove from Craig. A Native flute fanfare brings in the staid, solemn “The Golden Sunlight”, a gorgeous Native-classical hybrid decorated in Mariam’s mystical melody and lyrical Native flute passages. Mariam plays her baritone ukulele for the beautiful spring song “The Birch Maiden”, another evocative minor key ballad with alternately authoritative and playful piano from Bob. The band raises the intensity and tempo to a driving, climactic jazzy coda before moving into “All I Want To Do Now Is Go Deep Within”, a whispering, evocative prayer to the healing power of being engulfed in creativity and “Listen To The Wise Ones” is a modern spiritual that begins with an extended Native flute showcase before moving into a mystical, hypnotic piece featuring bittersweet piano figurations from Bob beneath Mariam’s flute passages. Eve Cristoph joins us on vocals for this imaginative, extended exploration that eases through several movements and vibes seamlessly.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #481 is an hour of visionary acoustic improvised music played by The Gaea Star Band featuring Mariam Massaro on vocals, ukulele, acoustic guitar, shruti box and Native flute, Bob Sherwood on piano and tabla and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in March of 2022, today’s show begins with the meditative raga “Beautiful Rays” led by Mariam’s shruti box before easing into the mystical, mysterious “Precious Is The Day”, a languid piece with a fine vocal from Mariam in honor of Ukraine. “Say Hello To Spring’s Light” is as skipping, ‘50s-influenced song with an evocative vocal from Mariam and imaginative piano work from Bob and “All I Want To Do Is Live In A Pool Of Love” is a lovely, languid meditation characterized by a conversation between Mariam’s inspired vocal and Native flute work. “Sunset Moonlight” is a beautiful ballad led by Mariam’s chiming 8-string ukulele and “May We Live In Harmony” is a foundational prayer underpinned by Craig’s elemental native drum heartbeat and a trance-like piano ostinato from Bob. “A Hello To Humanity” today’s closer, is a deeply uplifting folk ballad in a skipping waltz time with a leaping melody from Mariam above Bob’s playful piano.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio #480 is a series of visionary improvised songs and pieces played live by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, schruti box, ukuleles and percussion, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas. Recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in early March of 2022, today’s show begins with the striking, powerful “All Hail”, a spiritually rich and deeply evocative song with a fine vocal from Mariam. “I Am Alive” is a Native meditation dedicated to the people of Ukraine and “Keep On”/”Free To Be” grow from the extended coda, flowering into gorgeous movements of their own. “Underneath The Clouds” is a bluesy ode to a blustery day with a mesmerizing ragtime piano part from Bob. We finish today with a take of Mariam’s beautiful “Into The Mystery” an evocative song from the “For The Children” album.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 479 is an hour of inspired, visionary acoustic improvisational music played live by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, harmonica, Native flute, shruti box, banjo, acoustic guitar and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in early March of 2022, today’s show begins with the bouncing, folky “Prayers For The Families”, a gesture of support for Ukraine with inspired lyrics and rustic banjo chords from Mariam. “It’s Coming Down” is a late winter meditation with driving congas from Craig and an imaginative harmonic framework set up between Mariam’s ukulele and Bob’s question piano and “Ribbons Of Love” is a native meditation decorated with beautiful Native flute passages from Mariam as it grows and develops into a powerful, prayerful raga. “Silver Lining” is a fine minor ballad to the moon built upon Mariam’s guitar chords and Craig’s foundational conga groove and “Vision Of Peace” is an expansive, peaceful prayer of release with a lush vocal from Mariam. “Down By The River” is a fine folk song led by Mariam’s ukulele and a foundational piano figure from Bob and we complete today’s hour with the deeply spiritual, mystical raga “The Portal Of Awakening”, a celebration of eastern harmonic modes built on Mariam’s shruti box and lyrics that honor the divine.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #478 is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music recorded live in January 2022 by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, acoustic 6- and 12-string guitars, Native flute, 8-string ukulele and shruti box, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show begins with the drifting, hypnotic “Yay For This Brand-New Day”, a gorgeous ballad with a fine vocal from Mariam. “Spiral Rock Formation” is a Native groove that begins with plaintive flute fanfares from Mariam and settles into a hypnotic tone poem built around an aching circular piano figure from Bob and “This Is The Moment” is a mystical raga built around Mariam’s open-tuned acoustic 12-string Martin guitar. “Gather In Love” is a lilting, beautiful air built on a steady rhythm meditation from Craig and Bob as Mariam paints vibrant word images through speech and song. “I Want To Let It All Go” shifts into a driving, open folk groove as Mariam picks up her 8-string uke and we finish today’s show with two of Mariam’s classics, the driving Hawaiian number “Pele” and the mysterious, gorgeous, cosmic love ballad “Twin Flame”.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #477 is an hour of improvised visionary acoustic music played by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, acoustic guitar and 4- and 8-string ukuleles, Bob Sherwood on piano and bass guitar and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. The show is recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts at the end of December 2021 and begins with the gorgeous “Oh The Silvery Moon”, a prayer for the world with a funk vibe with the group overdubbing bass guitar, Native drums and more vocals and flute from Mariam to achieve a deep and danceable track. “Oh The Rain” begins as a Native groove with lyrical native flute from Mariam and grows into a lush, psychedelic trance piece and Mariam picks up her ukulele to give “Roses By My Bedside” a bouncing groove that Bob wraps in various harmonic contexts. “The Golden Ray” wraps the listener in mystical fascination with warping, swirling echoes and a trance-like vocal from Mariam. “Rushing River” forms around a ukulele drone groove into a deep and evocative rocker and then fades away as a minimalist musical figure supporting Mariam’s prayer-like vocal. “Sweet Passion” features Mariam on her chiming 8-string ukulele as she sings a powerful, open, direct love song to life and vistas of native flute circle above swirls and waves of piano to form the lush, impressionistic “Slowing Down To What Matters”, a gospel song with a powerful rhythm section accompanying a powerful vocal from Mariam.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #476 was recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in December 2021 and is an hour of imaginary, visionary, otherworldly improvised acoustic music by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, acoustic guitar, sitar, shruti box, Native flute and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Today’s series of songs and tone poems begins with the kinetic, energized “It’s Never Too Late”, an inspiring song with powerful acoustic guitar and vocals from Mariam. “Dancing On The Wings Of Light” begins with a compelling Native evocation and slowly builds into waves of lyrical Native flute, minimalist jazz piano and low heartbeat drums. “Strong Winds” is a delicate, gorgeous and skipping song with a picturesque lyric from Mariam, and “May I Be The Reflection” is a lush, somber ballad with an aching, dancing vocal and chiming acoustic guitar. Mariam sits at her sitar for the ragas “Lotus Queen” and “Sri Padma Lakshmi”, two expansive, open pieces that find Mariam playing various combinations of sitar, native flute and shruti box to accompany her mystical lyrics.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #475 is an hour of visionary improvisational acoustic music played by Mariam Massaro and Bob Sherwood of The Gaea Star Band. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, with Mariam on vocals, Native flute, schruti box, Celtic harp, acoustic 12-string guitar and 4- and 8-string ukuleles, and Bob on piano and bongos. Today’s first number is the deeply mystical, ethereal “Praise For The Rain” a lush tone poem as Mariam’s Celtic harp runs coalesce into Bob’s rich, evocative tapestry. We bring in an extended flute and piano exposition for the second half featuring virtuosic playing from both Mariam and Bob. Acoustic open-tuned !2-string forms the drone for “The Voice Of Creation”, a patient, slowly opening raga with a questing, deeply spiritual vocal from Mariam. Mariam plays the open drone of the schruti box and Bob accompanies on percussion for the lush, subcontinental “Slip Through The Portal Of Light”. A shift to piano leads to a mystical exploration that races through Western and Eastern modes to an extended flute coda. “Oh Mother (Oh Madre)” is a glorious, chiming folk song made even more energized and rocking by Mariam’s dancing 8-string uke. Today’s show concludes with evocative takes of Mariam’s “We Call In The Elements” and “Oh Holy Ground”, the first a driving, fundamental jam with fine vocals, the second a steady, prayerful minor blues ballad.
Today on Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #474, The Gaea Star Band presents an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music with Mariam Massaro on vocals, harmonica, Native flute, shruti box, Celtic harp, 4- and 8-string ukulele and acoustic guitar, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show begins with the languid, floating prayer “Unfolding”, a soft, mystical journey that slowly settles into a gentle groove supporting Mariam’s lovely melody and harmonica work. “Freedom To Fly” is a lovely, acoustic-guitar driven folk song with a beautiful, simple melody from Mariam and “Stand Strong” is a lush raga underpinned by Mariam’s drone on the shruti box and imaginative, dynamic piano from Bob. Mariam strums her chiming 5-string ukulele for the delightfully icy, evocative “Ice Crystals”, a celebration of winter with a gorgeous, hopeful melody from Mariam. “Bubbling Up From Deep Within” returns today’s show to the mystical realm and features a wintry exposition from Mariam over her ukulele and Craig’s skipping, playful congas. Today’s closer is the epic “Rail Train/Let The Music Guide You On And On”, a musical adventure liberally decorated with Mariam’s masterful native flute.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #473 is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music performed live by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, acoustic guitar, 12-string acoustic guitar, percussion and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded on a cold early winter day in 2021 at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show begins with the relaxed, soft groove of “Oh, The Wind”, a whisper of a minor key ballad with a lovely, focused vocal from Mariam over the band’s unrushed backing. Leading on from “Oh, The Wind” as something of a second movement, “I Awoke” is a beautiful, prayerful musing from Mariam scattered with beautiful Native flute passages over a hypnotic series of piano figures from Bob. “The Floodgates Of Our Hearts” is a somber, whispering prayer given shape by Craig’s steady conga work and “Sing Down The Walls” is a classic song from Mariam’s “Gaea Star Crystal” album, here given a rich, emotional treatment with fine vocals and acoustic guitar from Mariam. In honor of the tenth anniversary of the Gaea Star Goddess Show at Northampton’s Academy Of Music the band presents a tight rendition of “Isis” that hits all the right points as well as a virtuosic take of the beautiful Goddess song “Queen Of Heaven” with fine playing on all sides.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #472 was recorded on a cold, still November afternoon at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts and is an hour of visionary improvised acoustic music played live by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on Native flute, vocals, acoustic guitar, Celtic harp and 4- and 8-string ukuleles, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Today’s first song is the gentle, powerfully contemplative “Through The Open Window”, a wistful, beautiful farewell to November built on Mariam’s chiming Celtic harp and a bittersweet, persistent piano figure from Bob. “The Portal Is Waiting” is a deeply mystical, swirling, pleasantly disorienting piece with an inspirational lyric from Mariam over Craig’s heartbeat pulse and Bob’s dancing piano, and “Let The Voice Of Creation Sing” is as powerful folk song of unity and connection driven by Mariam’s steady, driving acoustic guitar. The band picks up the intensity and tempo for the lovely “Treasures” led by Mariam on her baritone ukulele. “Dance It” remains in the folk vein, a chiming song with a powerful underpinning from Craig on congas under Mariam’s dancing ukulele. Mariam deploys the delicate, chiming tones of her 8-string ukulele for the lovely, musically naïve “Are You Following The River Of Life?”, a gorgeous, powerful and fundamental song decorated with Mariam’s Native flute.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #471 is an hour of dynamic, visionary acoustic improv music played live by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, acoustic guitar, 4- and 8-string ukuleles and shruti box, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in November of 2021, today’s show begins with the driving, mystical “Your Eyes Shine”, a powerful and elemental love song driven by Mariam’s powerfully played acoustic guitar and Craig’s fundamental Native drum. “Here There and Everywhere” is a drifting, floating meditation evoked from a series of flute fanfares from Mariam and icy, tumbling winter piano figures from Bob. This lush, unwinding, mystical ballad unwinds slowly into the upbeat “To The Happy Place In My Heart”, a tropical Mediterranean piece with a beautiful, dancing melody from Mariam and bright piano arpeggios from Bob. “Strands Of Beauty” is a somber, rich raga layered over Mariam’s shruti box with lithe congas from Craig and dramatic Eastern piano from Bob. “A Radiant Star” is a gorgeous, sweeping ballad with impassioned acoustic guitar and an open, expansive melody from Mariam. “Here’s To All Those Places” is a mystical, swirling piece with evocative vocals from Mariam and detailed, circular piano from Bob that drives to a powerful climax.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #470 is an hour of improvised acoustic visionary music recorded live by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, acoustic guitar, ukulele and Celtic harp, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in November 2021, today’s show begins with Mariam’s compelling anthem “Sing Down The Walls”, here given an impassioned and upbeat reading with driving acoustic guitar and an inspiring vocal from Mariam. “Transforming More” is a jazzy number driven by Mariam’s ukulele and a heavily rhythmic piano track from Bob over Craig’s rocking congas. This epic sound exploration moves through 3 more movements, “Galloping Horses”, “Oh The Sun” and “Transformation”, taking the listener on a journey through Western and Eastern musical directions and pollinations. “All Is Well” is a beautiful, spacious folk song taken at a brisk clip, featuring imaginative, precise piano from Bob under Mariam’s impressionistic and gorgeously open vocal journey. “Wonderful Feeling Within” is a mystical prayer built on Mariam’s chiming Celtic harp and “We Are All Light” closes today’s show with a deeply dramatic stream of conscious journey driven forward with Craig’s fundamental Native drum track.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #469 was recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts on a blustery November day and is an hour of inspired, visionary acoustic musical improvisation presented by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, dulcimer, ukuleles, native flute and acoustic 12-string guitar, Craig Harris on congas and native drums and Bob Sherwood on piano. Today’s show begins with the lovely, light and very creative “Let’s Sail Into The Essence Of Love”, a driving and upbeat piece heightened by exemplary contributions from the whole ensemble. “Just Put Down Your Day” is a skipping, Hawaiian-inflected folk song and “Cast Aside” brings in a mystical, reflective mood with swirling piano figures and a reflective vocal from Mariam. “Oh Let’s Rise” is a rousing anthem to positive unity that gives way to a series of ragas led by Mariam’s sitar-like 12 string guitar; the mystical, spacious “Grateful” features an inspired improvised vocal and lyric from Mariam and “Ganesha” is a song of reverence and praise to the Indian deity. Today’s show completes with an extension of this lovely tone poem to include Lakshmi and Saraswati.
Today on Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #467 the Gaea Star Band presents an hour of acoustic visionary improv music featuring Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, acoustic guitar and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington Massachusetts in the beginning of November 2021, today’s show begins with the mystical and energized “Rivers Running Pure”, a sprawling, ambitious and constantly evolving piece featuring three main movements. Part Two is as Native flute fanfare from Mariam above swirling piano and Part Three, or “What A Lovely Way” features a gorgeous vocal from Mariam above beautiful, evocative piano themes from Bob. “It’s Just The Time” is a brooding minor ballad led by Mariam’s ukulele that develops into a powerful prayer and “Every Day” is a lilting folk tune featuring a fine, simple melody from Mariam over imaginative backing from Craig and Bob with Mariam’s chiming 8-string ukulele dancing tirelessly. Mariam plays her hushed, intense acoustic guitar on “Treasures”, a mysterious, relentless song that rises to an intense crescendo with Bob’s assertive, hypnotic piano figures. We finish today’s show with the beautiful and classically formal “We Are The Ancient Ones” featuring beautiful, soaring Native flute passages from Mariam over a dusty, timeworn piano backing from Bob.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #466 is an hour of acoustic visionary acoustic improv music featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, Celtic harp, acoustic guitar, ukulele and dulcimer, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, in October of 2021, today’s show begins with the lovely, meditative “Make The Best”, a soft folk ballad with a fine melody and Native flute passages from Mariam. “It’s Just That Way” picks up the tempo and continues the folk theme, this time with Mariam on ukulele over a skipping groove from Craig, and “Sweet La Luna” is something of a Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour staple, and ode the the moon, this time presented in a gentle folk frame with gospel piano from Bob and a deeply affecting melody from Mariam. “Jofi Swinging In The Banyan Tree” is a pretty, melodic representation of a joyful monkey driven by Mariam’s acoustic guitar and the steady, earthy pulse of Craig’s Native drum. “May I Embrace Every Moment With Grace” is a gentle, lilting prayer to acceptance with a lush, Eastern melody from Mariam over a stately rhythm from the band and “Oh, May We All Be Grateful” is a sprawling, adventurous raga with gorgeous Native flute passages from Mariam and mystical piano figures from Bob. We finish today’s show with “Oh, Sweetly”, a deeply peaceful meditation from the band featuring fanfares from Mariam’s lyrical native flute.
Today on Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #462 the Gaea Star Band is joined by a favorite guest, New York blues and jazz singer Ptah Brown for an hour of improvised music and songs featuring Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, acoustic guitar, celtic harp, ukulele and harmonica, Bob Sherwood on piano, Craig Harris on congas and Native drums and Ptah contributing her powerful voice. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in September of 2021, today’s show begins with the dramatic “Green Dancing Trees”, a driving gypsy autumn song from Mariam with powerful backing from the band and fine countervocals from the singular Ptah. “Rialiya” from Mariam’s “Release” album is given a powerful reading with driving percussion from Craig and powerful vocals from Mariam and Ptah before the band eases into the classic “Tracks Of My Tears” to support a powerful, affecting vocal from Ptah. Mariam begins the next exploration with a plaintive, extended fanfare on Native flute as Bob sets up a compelling fusion framework for what slowly collects into the lush, mystical “Luna”, a swirling, majestic piece that features fine work from each member of the ensemble. Mariam’s classic “I’m The Full Moon” from her 2012 album “Gaea Star Goddesses” is expressed with power and precision before the band slides into Mariam’s beautiful, tropical song “Islands”, a funky Hawaiian groove featuring Mariam’s 8-string ukulele. Blues is the game for the last segment of today’s show with Ptah cutting loose on two powerful, improvised blues vamps as Bob digs deep into the 20th century to bring a powerful authenticity to Ptah’s vocal adventures.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #461 is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music brought to you from Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts. Featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, Celtic Harp, harmonica, shruti box, acoustic guitar and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drums and congas, today’s show begins with a bucolic flute fanfare that leads into the plaintive “Hold The Light”, a drifting, hypnotic piece amply decorated with Mariam’s lyrical flute passages. “As The Days Unravel” is a bittersweet, jazzy goodbye to summer with a fine vocal from Mariam and imaginative, dynamic piano from Bob and “Restore You Vision Within” is a somber, intense raga with a visionary vocal from Mariam in praise of self-restoration. “Fireflies” is a nighttime ballad to Mother Nature that feels like a dark walk in an August forest, driven by Mariam’s insistent guitar and fine, hypnotic congas from Craig. “To The Healing Force” is a triumphant gospel song with soulful vocals and harmonica from Mariam and bluesy, ragtime piano from Bob and we conclude today’s hour-long journey with the plaintive love ballad “If Only”, a drifting, trancing summer dance with a gorgeous lyric and melody from Mariam over her dancing ukulele.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #460 is an hour of improvised acoustic music played live by Mariam Massaro on vocals, celtic harp, shruti box, Native flute, 8-string ukulele and acoustic 12-string guitar and Bob Sherwood on piano and tabla. Recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s unusually relaxed and subtle series of songs begins with the relaxing and evocative “Oh The Rain”, a whispered tone poem underpinned by Mariam’s floating Celtic harp and expressive piano from Bob. “Resonation” is a raga driven by Mariam’s alternately-tuned 12-string guitar, an exploration of peace and truth, and “Slip Through The Portal Of Light” is another drone-based exploration, this time built upon Mariam’s shruti box and Bob’s minimalist, subcontinental piano. “Oh Mother (O Madre)” is a simple, beautiful folk song underpinned by chiming 8-string ukulele from Mariam and Bob’s open, expressive piano. Featuring an intuitive, lovely melody from Mariam, this charming piece gives way to “We Call In The Elements” from the “Vision Quest” CD, presented powerfully and with a driving, elemental edge.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #459 is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music featuring Mariam Massaro and Bob Sherwood on vocals, Native flute, celtic harp, 12-string acoustic guitar, shruti box and ukulele and piano respectively. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in August 2021, today’s inspiring show begins with the expansive, hypnotic “A Fine Mist Of Melodies” a drifting journey featuring beautiful vocals and native flute from Mariam and evocative piano from Bob. “Let The Voice Of Creation” is a mystical raga underpinned by Mariam’s acoustic 12-string guitar and “Blue Moon” is another drone-based piece with Mariam on shruti box as Bob weaves a darkling, shaded piano motif around Mariam’s lovely vocal and Native flute runs. Mariam drives “Oh Mother”, a beautiful and expansive folk song, with her chiming 8-string ukulele on this inspiring and gorgeous little song. Today’s show completes with Mariam’s Earth anthem, “We Call In The Elements”, here given a spirited and driving reading driven by Mariam’s insistent, tight ukulele.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #458 is an hour of live visionary acoustic improv music recorded by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, dulcimer, Native flute and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in August 2021, today’s sultry hour begins with the mystical raga-like “In A Beautiful Way”, an evocative piece wishing peace for the world distinguished by Mariam’s soaring vocals, lyrical native flute and the steady drone of her dulcimer. A second movement follows, releasing the energy to make space for a hypnotizingly lovely vocal from Mariam. “My Divine Sojourn” is a pretty period piece, a bouncing ragtime song with a bluesy vocal from Mariam and “Pillars Of Light” is a whispering gospel ballad led by minimalist piano from Bob and Mariam’s chiming ukulele. Following a beautiful flute segment we ease into the gentle “I Am With All This Wonderful Serenity”, an expansive ballad held in place by a sedate, steady conga groove from Craig. We slowly slide into a second, again more laid back movement, “Twilight Transformation”, to showcase Mariam’s gorgeous melody before bringing today’s varied, rich show in for a landing with the dancing, shifting “To The Moon”.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #457 is an hour of live visionary improvised music and songs by Mariam Massaro that was recorded by Mariam and Bob Sherwood of the Gaea Star Band with Mariam on vocals, celtic harp, kalimba, ukulele, native flute and acoustic guitar and Bob on piano and congas. Taped at Singing Brook Studio in late August of 2021, today’s show begins with the expansive, lovely, meditative “Awakening” which is led by Mariam’s prayerful, evocative vocal over an insistent gospel piano from Bob. Opening into a roomy, echo-laden coda, the piece segues into a lush instrumental featuring flowing, virtuousic native flute from Mariam and intertwining classical piano motifs from Bob. “Passion In The Sky” is a rollicking ragtime piece with fine ukulele work from Mariam and bluesy piano from Bob beneath a joyful tale of rain in the night from Mariam. “Flower Of Life” is another expansive piece featuring overdubbed congas and percussion from Bob and a duet from Mariam as well as extensive vocal-and-native-flute call-and-response sections from Mariam. We finish with two fine renditions of Mariam’s recorded songs from the “Smooth Sailin’ Love Songs” album- the mystical, celestial love story “Twin Flames” and the altogether more earthy “Waiting For You”, a misty country tale of desire and longing.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #456 is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music recorded by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute, ukuelele, acoustic guitar and dulcimer, Craig Harris on congas and native drums and Bob Sherwood on piano. Recorded on a lush August afternoon at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show begins with the dreamy, sedate “Thank You For The Joy”, a drifting, lovely thing led by Mariam’s pretty stream-of-consciousness lyric and languid vocal. “Carry On” follows with a native flute fanfare from Mariam and evolves into a hushed, meditative piece and “Happy Times” is a summer celebration led by Mariam’s chiming ukulele draped on a bluesy piano bassline from Bob. Mariam continues strumming her ukulele for “Come Into My Heart”, a simple folk song that quickly evolves in a lovely, minimalist prayer with entrance of Bob’s beautiful piano motif and Craig’s round, steady congas. Mariam picks up her dulcimer for the next two pieces, the gorgeous, detailed “Blessed By Our Life” and the ragaesque “Treasures To Behold”. We finish today with a spirited reading of Mariam’s classic “I Was Wondering” from the 2012 CD “Smooth Sailin’ Love Songs”.
This week on Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #455 we present an hour of visionary improvised acoustic music with the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, ukulele and Celtic harp, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in August of 2021, today’s show begins with the serene, flowing “Growing Tall And Strong”, a lovely, evocative prayer featuring a fine vocal and gorgeous native flute passages from Mariam. This compelling piece moves through several moods until the band alights on the groovy folk gospel epic “Open To The Mystery” featuring another exemplary vocal from Mariam, deeply felt congas from Craig and imaginative, mobile piano work from Bob. Moving into a faster ragtime vibe, the band launches into “Oh To The Rain”. A slow, deliberate transition to modern minimalism underpinned by Bob’s obsessive piano provides a stage for a compelling conversation between Mariam and her Native flute. “Oh To The Moon” is another hypnotic, dreamlike contemplation featuring Mariam on her sweeping Celtic harp, and we finish the show today with the beautiful, stately ballad “La Luna”, a gorgeous and prayerful piece that expresses the openness of the night sky.
Today on Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #453 the Gaea Star Band welcomes very special guest, singer/songwriter AJ Kiernan who presents some of her brilliant, poignant songs and helps the band ace some versions of Mariam’s songs. With Mariam Massaro on vocals, ukulele, acoustic guitar and Native flute, Craig Harris on congas and Native drums, Bob Sherwood on piano and AJ on vocals, acoustic guitar and ukulele, today’s show begins with a driving, tight, precise take of Mariam’s song “Distant Star” featuring fine acoustic guitar from AJ before she sings her beautiful, powerful “Find Me” with the band providing a whole lot of character. Back to Mariam for her lush song “One More Day” here delivered with a relaxed, inviting confidence as Mariam drives the groove with her acoustic guitar and AJ syncopates on her six string ukulele. The band then kicks into a gorgeous, reggae-folk powerhouse of a version of Mariam’s “Shamiyaya” that features a fine rhythm section and a great vocal from Mariam. AJ presents her heavily swinging “There’s Got To Be” with a gorgeous vocal and bluesy native flute and piano from Mariam and Bob. AJ sings her incredibly affecting “Just Like You” next, an exquisite country-gospel ballad that features AJ’s gorgeous vocal, harmonies and fine Native flute from Mariam, stately gospel piano from Bob and a heartbeat pulse from Craig. Next up is Mariam’s mystical “Feast In The Forest”, a midnight tale told ‘round a fire with a myth beautifully sung by Mariam over a fundamental, earthy groove. AJ’s driving protest song “Right Or Wrong” is given a powerful treatment by the band to wrap up today’s varied and deeply evocative show.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #452 was recorded on a hot, humid July afternoon in 2021 at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington Massachusetts, and is an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals and today playing shruti box, ukulele, Native flute and acoustic guitar, Craig Harris playing congas and Native drums and Bob Sherwood playing piano and bass guitar. The band begins with the unusually lovely and evocative “In The Ways Of Light”, a brisk minor vibe with a gorgeous melody from Mariam. “Listen To The Rain” is a beautiful, mysterious raga with imaginative Hindustani figurations from Bob on piano over Mariam’s solemn shruti box drone. Mariam’s vocal is deeply spiritual and impassioned, punctuated by ghostly Native flute melodies. “Bless Your Life” is again underpinned with prayerful shruti box from Mariam as well as Native flute in this beautiful, percolating love song to Mariam’s celestial twin flame Ashento. “Unravel” is a lilting, gorgeous summer ballad with a beautiful, prayerful vocal from Mariam over a steady, veiled rhythm section and “Sail Into The Universe”, taken from the “Smooth Sailin’ Love Songs” CD is a beautiful love song here given a precise, polished reading. We finish today with one of Mariam’s finest environmental anthems, the stately “Restore” from the “Vision Quest” album.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #451 is an hour of acoustic visionary improvisation music recorded by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, shruti box, Celtic harp, acoustic 6 and 12 string guitars and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and bass guitar and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio, Worthington Massachusetts in July 2021, today’s show begins with the pretty, brief folk pop song “Round And Round We Go” and quickly moves into “As We Sail”, a lovely, somber minor key ballad that features a lovely vocal from Mariam. “Mandavia” is a spacious piece of flowing modern minimalist music that provides a backdrop for Mariam’s folk tale. Interspersed with lyrical Native flute and imaginative piano motifs, “Mandavia” eventually gives way to the drifting, raga-like “Sea Of Love” featuring Mariam’s dronetuned Martin 12-string acoustic. For the groovy “Mermaids”, Bob picks up the electric bass guitar to provide a low end mantra to support Mariam’s exotic shruti box and Craig’s tribal Native drum. “Move On” finds Mariam moving to the piano for a lovely, meditative piece underpinned by Craig’s steady congas and more bass guitar from Bob. A brisk, percussion-rich take of “Thunderbeings” from the “Vision Quest” CD closes the show today with a burst of stormy energy.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #450 is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music recorded by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, harmonica, shruti box, ukulele and sitar, Bob Sherwood on piano and tabla and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington Massachusetts in July 2021, today’s show begins with the grooving rainy summer celebration “For The Cool Down”, a rocking workout driven by Craig and Bob on Native drums and tabla supporting Mariam’s evocative lyric and fine, energized native flute. Bob moves to the piano to lay down a simple funk left hand as Mariam steps into the space with ever-more assertive flute passages. Pretty, open piano and bluesy harmonica introduce the lovely “I Am That I Am”, a gorgeous ballad underpinned by Mariam’s droning shruti box and “Wind Whistling Through The Window” is a peaceful study of a drifting day with a lovely vocal from Mariam over a fine backdrop of piano, congas and ukulele. “Day Lilies Rising High” is another summer celebration, this team featuring rolling, bluesy piano from Bob and a lovely tale of magic realism from Mariam. “I Am Healed by the Peaceful Morning” is a drifting, psychedelic dream with an insistent gospel motif from Bob underpinning a lovely lyric of praise from Mariam. Mariam plays her beautiful 8 string ukulele for the dreamy “Golden Sun” is a celebration of Mother Earth in high summer, and drifts along with pretty piano ostinatos under Mariam’s evocative vocal. We finish today’s show with an expansive raga called “The Mystery Of Life” as Mariam plays her sitar at the center of a percussion-rich dancelike piece.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #449 is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music created by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on lead vocals, Native flute, Celtic harp and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded live in June 2021 at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show begins with the hypnotic summer raga “Reweaving A New Life”, a lush, trance-like mantra featuring lovely vocals and Native flute from Mariam. “Returning To Radiance” begins as a playful, psychedelic ragtime featuring a narrative vocal from Mariam before shifting into a mystical, hypnotic Arabic mode expressing reverence to nature and to source. “Sultry Days” maintains the tempo while moving into a lush, evocative, romantic theme before morphing into the endless, circular, intoxicating “Lessons Of Divine”. “Ancient Ones” serves as a centerpiece to today’s exploration and is a rapturously extended piece that explores and morphs with gorgeous, generous Native flute passages from Mariam over classical and Eastern piano cadences. We finish today with the midsummery, hazy “Dehileea”, a gorgeous, dramatic, jazz-influenced art song led by Mariam’s beautiful vocal and 8-string ukulele.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #447 is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, celtic harp, Native flute, acoustic guitar, harmonica and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano, Craig Harris on congas and Native drums and today’s very special guest, NYC-based blues/jazz singer Ptah Brown. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in June 2021, today’s show begins with the epic “Weaving”, an ambitious and multifaceted improvisation featuring imaginative contributions from everyone in the band. “Diamond Eyes” is a gorgeous, mystical meditation and “Happy To Let It Flow” is a driving, buoyant, joyous piece of folk with a lovely vocal from Mariam and fine contributions for Ptah on vocals. “Reborn” is a classic song of Mariam’s, and the band give it an intense, driven, focused treatment with great vocals from Mariam and Ptah. “Queen Of Love” is another song of Mariam’s from the “Gaea Star Goddesses” album and is also treated to an intense reading with the band today. We finish with a classic blues, “Standing On The Sand Dunes”, giving Ptah a chance to stretch her muscles on this energized show.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #446 is an hour of improvised visionary acoustic music played by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, ukulele, Native flute and shruti box, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s episode begins with the sprightly, upbeat “If You Believe So”, an uplifting folk songs driven by Mariam’s chiming ukulele. “Oh The River Is Calling” is a compelling psychedelic groove with an Indian flavor and “What A Way” is a bluesy song driven by a steady piano figure and driving congas from Craig. “Every Time” is a sweet, Beatlesque ballad with a gorgeous vocal and lyrical Native flute from Mariam, a rich song with several directions and permutations. “Ryalia” is a mystical folk song from Mariam’s “Release” album, here given a powerful, tight rendition. Also from the “Release album”, “Distant Star” is presented with a sparse, gorgeous steady groove underpinned by Mariam’s steady ukulele. “This Is The Way” blooms from the ending tendrils of “Distant Star” and “Beyond The Realm” is a gorgeous, sprawling raga epic built around the drone of Mariam’s shruti box and featuring a beautiful melody from Mariam.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #444 is an hour of improvised visionary acoustic music featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, acoustic guitar, ukulele, shruti box and Native flute, Robin Rooney on vocals and djimbe, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Today’s show begins with the lovely minor key folk of “Golden Rays” a soft reverie of early summer. “They’re Coming Off” is a reverent, gospel-inflected piece that celebrates the end of the pandemic and the coming of summer and “Good To Be Home” is a whisper of a piece, evocative and mysterious, praising nature. Mariam plays her droning shruti box and soaring native flute for the raga-like “Lilac Moon”, a gorgeous eastern piece with imaginative piano from Bob. “Lilac Moon” moves through several configurations from Afro-Cuban to jazz and returning to raga. “Inspire Me” find Mariam moving to her gorgeous, silvery-sounding 8-string ukulele to spin a cloudlike, floating piece full of wonder and innocence. The country rock “I Was Wondering” is given an energized showing with fine harmonies from Mariam and Robin and we close today with an uptempo rendition of “Flowers Of Delight” from Mariam’s new “Release” album.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #443 is an hour of visionary improvisational acoustic music recorded live by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute, ukulele and acoustic guitar, Robin Rooney on djimbe, celtic harp and vocals and Bob Sherwood on piano. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in mid-May of 2021, today’s show begins with the gentle folk ballad “There’s Only One Way”, featuring lovely harmonies from Mariam and Robin. “Trust” from the “Gaea Star Crystal” album is given a driving rock treatment hear with a powerful rhythm backing from Robin and Craig. “Every Moment” is another subtle, soft ballad featuring a deeply sensitive vocal from Mariam and “Calling In The Rain” is a driving, powerful piece with blues and rock flavors and propulsive djimbe from Robin. Next up we present “No Place Like Home” follows with a skipping, light feel. “Into The Dark” is a breathless invocation of nature and night set to a deep and beautiful musical backing with a bravura piano performance from Bob. “Listen To The Elders” is a swirling, dizzying piece with exceptional vocals from Mariam and Robin and we close today with the classic “Oya Thunderqueen” from the “Gaea Star Goddesses” CD.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #442 is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music played live by The Gaea Star Band at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts. Featuring Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, acoustic 6- and 12-string guitars and celtic harp, Robin Rooney on djimbe and vocals, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums, today’s show begins with the relaxed minor key folk ballad “Sailing On The Wings Of Love”, driven by Mariam’s acoustic guitar and featuring lovely call-and-response vocals from Mariam and Robin. “Blue Jay On A Windy Day” is a May song and a prayer to nature and birds featuring an animated vocal from Mariam over a rhythm-heavy backing from the band and a once-in-a-lifetime crow impression from Bob. “Just Walk Away” is a fine country-rock song from Mariam’s new “Release” album and “In The Skies, In The Grass” is a dramatic piece featuring top-notch Native flute from Mariam and interconnected vocals from Mariam and Robin. “Red Orange Yellow Light” is a mystical, psychedelic raga underpinned by Mariam’s open-tuned Martin 12-string acoustic and featuring hypnotic rhythm from the drummers and Bob’s subcontinental configurations. “Arise”, from the “Vision Quest” album, is given an upbeat, detailed treatment with a fine vocal from Mariam and we finish today’s show with an intense, driving, deeply felt rendition of Mariam’s “Reborn” from 2009’s “Gaea Star Crystal” album.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #441 is an hour of intrepid visionary acoustic improv music played live by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, Celtic harp, acoustic guitar, sitar and ukulele, Craig Harris on congas and Native drums, Bob Sherwood on piano and Robin Rooney on djembe, percussion and vocals. Recorder at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington Massachusetts on an afternoon in May 2021, today’s show begins with the delightful folk ballad “May Day”, a bouncing, energized song driven along by Mariam’s ukulele and buoyant melody. “Mighty River” continues the folk feel as it moves into a minor key and Mariam establishes a flowing melody over a powerful, gradually developing theme from Bob on piano. “Breath In The Sweetness” is a harp-led fantasy featuring beautiful call-and-response vocals from Mariam and Robin and a smooth, narrative feel with imaginative piano. “Harmonize” is today’s centerpiece, distinguished by powerful vocals from Mariam and Robin and a simple and unusually powerful gospel piano motif from Bob. “Believe You Can Change” is a bluesy, afro-cuban-derived jam featuring evocative vocals and Native flute from Mariam over a rocked out backbeat. “Purify” echoes the powerful “Harmonize” with granitic piano from Bob and Mariam’s excellent flute, and “Set Your Wings In Flight” is a serene minor trance piece with fine vocals from Mariam and Robin. Mariam plays her sitar for today’s final song, the mystical raga “All We Have Is Our Hearts”, an evocative piece that features shining performances from the whole band and a beautiful vocal from Mariam.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #440 is an hour of live visionary acoustic improv music featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, celtic harp, Native flute, acoustic guitar, ukulele and dulcimer, Robin Rooney on vocals, djembe and percussion, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington Massachusetts in April 2021, today’s show begins with the lovely, buoyant “Warm Sun Springtime” a song by Mariam with a gorgeous, evocative vibe. The track sprawls through various movements for 18 minutes, most notably the “I Hear The Rain” section and the funky, flute-decorated afro Cuban section “Through The Golden Temple”, always maintaining interest and evolving with an upbeat, organic confidence. We take a breath with the hushed, minor ballad “Nanaynano” which again gradually changes its clothes into the driving “Shikaya Latoya” featuring a fine series of vocal duets from Mariam and Robin. “Spirit Of The Forest” and “We Call In The Elements” are elemental, foundational songs of reverence for nature and her elements that originally appear on Mariam’s “Vision Quest” LP. “Your Eyes Shine” is a striking, impassioned love song from Mariam’s “Smooth Sailin’ Love Songs” album and for today’s closer, the driving, bright “Smile” from Mariam’s “For The Children” album.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #439 is an hour of acoustic visionary improv music played live by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, acoustic 6- and 12-string guitars, Native flute and ukulele, Robin Rooney on djembe and vocals, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on Native drum and congas. Recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in April 2021, todays show begins with the epic, dramatic “Listen To The Call Of Spirit”, a song with a series of movements that take the piece from nursery rhyme to strikingly progressive and dynamic, to funked-out jazz and bossa nova. Highlights are Mariam’s Native flute passages and Mariam and Robin’s inspired vocals. “Return” is a song in prayer of the spring and the return of the light led by Mariam’s chiming, silvery 8-string ukulele and “In The Stillness Of My Heart” is a dramatic, beautiful, powerful piece built around a dancing piano motif from Bob. “Children Of The Stars” and “I’m So Happy I’m Alive are songs from Mariam’s “For The Children” album and are rendered beautifully here with fine vocals from Mariam and Robin. Mariam strums her chiming 12-string in DADGAD tuning for today’s closer, the deeply meditative raga “Lift Your Spirit Higher”.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #438 is an hour of live acoustic visionary improv recorded by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, ukulele and acoustic guitar, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drum. Recorded on a spring afternoon in April 2021 at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show begins with the mystical, peaceful “Dream On” which highlights Mariam’s beautiful native flute passages and vocals. “Oh, You Are Light Crystalline Blue” is a jazzy minor folk waltz with imaginative vocals and piano and the beautifully-named “Sailing In The Clear Blue Oceans Of Love” is a lush, whispering track led by Mariam’s acoustic guitar full of wonder and the magic of repetition. “Hello April Flowers” is a dancing spring anthem driven along by Mariam’s chiming ukulele and skipping, rapid-fire piano filigrees from Bob and “I’m Happy I’m a Dog” is a love song to dogs and their amazing spirits and resilience from a band that loves dogs. The song has a calm, centered steadiness that recalls the nature of a dog. We finish today with a smoldering rendition of Mariam’s song “Open Every Day” that is given a propulsive rock groove to support Mariam’s powerful vocal.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #437 is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music played by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, shruti box, acoustic guitar, ukulele and celtic harp, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drum. Recorded live in late March of 2021 at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show begins with a drifting, lilting promise of Spring led by Mariam’s ethereal celtic harp, the meditative “Spring Has Sprung”. Mariam leads the band into “Place Of Peace” with her strumming ukulele and we built a faintly Eastern sounding folk raga with imaginative vocals from Mariam and a steady, syncopated rhythm from Bob and Craig. “Stand So Strong” digs deeper into the Indian tradition with a drifting, mysterious soundscape and a meditative lyric from Mariam over her droning shruti box. Bob gradually introduces a dramatic, compelling piano figure that adorns throughout in the minimalist style. We shift without pause into an even deeper, more dramatic mode with the driving, mystical “Going Home To The Beauty”. “There Are Many Ways” is a beautiful, prayerful hymn with an affecting lyric from Mariam and excellent, imaginative accompaniment from all the players as Mariam creates the heartbeat with her acoustic guitar. The piece gathers slowly in intensity and variety and drives to a dramatic climax. We finish today with a lovely, gentle, waltz-time rendition of Mariam’s environmental anthem “Restore”.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #436 is an hour of inspirational, visionary acoustic musical improvisation featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, harmonica, acoustic guitar and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and vocals and Craig Harris on Native drum and congas. Recorded live in March of 2021 at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show opens with a tight, driving version of Mariam’s “Vision Quest” song “Standing Ones Of Peace”, a minor blues prayer to the trees with fine blues piano from Bob and beautiful, rocking Native flute from Mariam. “The Trail Of Light” is a light, steady folk ballad powered by the tight mesh of Mariam’s acoustic guitar and Bob’s piano, and “Pretty Pink All Around” is a swirling, mystical, psychedelic high point with a mesmerizing piano figure from Bob below Mariam’s surreal, prayerful lyric and assertive blues harp. “Layers” begins with minor Indian implications and cleverly slides into a major folk vamp with a hypnotic, dancing rhythm from Craig as Mariam enumerates the elements of bliss. “Castle In The Sky” stumbles over an amusing false start before arriving fully formed as a percolating rock ragtime with clever clockwork piano from Bob and an insouciant, bluesy melody from Mariam. “You’re A Radiant Star” is a deeply affecting, minor key love song with an impassioned, diving melody from Mariam. Bob delivers his new song “Meaning” with a somber, deeply felt vocal, and also featured are Mariam’s beautiful Native flute passages. Today’s show finishes with the majestic but understated “I Am The Now”, a tribute and a loving farewell to Mariam’s llama Marona.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #435 is an hour of live visionary acoustic improv music recorded live by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, acoustic guitar, ukulele, celtic harp, Native flute and shrudi box, Robin Rooney on vocals, djembe and percussion, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in March 2021, today’s show begins with the meditative “Ides Of March”, a floating, flowing piece built around Mariam’s celtic harp. “In The Stillness” is a fun, groovy folk song with chiming ukulele from Mariam over Bob’s bluesy, psychedelic piano. “In The Darkness” is a night time meditation built around Mariam’s droning shrudi box featuring rich piano passages from Bob and lovely countermelodies from Robin. “I Hear The River Running” is a majestic minor tone poem driven by Mariam’s chiming acoustic guitar and a hypnotic piano motif from Bob, and we finish today’s show with the evocative and deeply meditative “From The Crystal Blue”.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #434 was recorded in early March of 2021 and is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, ukulele, acoustic guitar and shrudi box, Robin Rooney on vocals, percussion, kalimba and djembe, Craig Harris on congas and Native drums and Bob Sherwood on piano and percussion. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show begins with the sprightly, hopeful spring anthem “Aphrodite Rising” featuring fine vocals from Mariam and Robin. “Goddess Of The Light” is a sparse, lovely folk ballad with dancing piano figures from Bob and “The Passage of Time” is a powerful Native raga with powerful flute from Mariam and evocative piano from Bob. Mariam strums her lustrous 8-string ukulele to form the backbone of the lovely ballad “Deliver Me” and “Welcome From The Forest” is a powerful, elemental dance with a syncopated rhythm section and fine native flute from Mariam. We conclude today with the lush, evocative minor tour de force “The Crystalline Temple”, a mystical piece that supports an adventurous and otherworldly story from Mariam.
Today on Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #433 we present an hour of compelling acoustic improvisational music with the Gaea Star Band. Recorded in early March 2021 at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show features Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, dulcimer and acoustic guitar, Robin Rooney on percussion, djembe and vocals, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. We begin the show with the raga-like exploration “Crow Calling Moon”, a mystical night song underpinned by Mariam’s dulcimer and a hypnotic piano motif from Bob. “Sweet Life Force” is a gorgeous, triumphant gospel song with fine vocals from Mariam and Robin and a moving, elegiac piano part from Bob. “Oh I Feel The River” is a beautiful minor ballad with a rock ‘n’ roll heart featuring sweeping acoustic guitar from Mariam, and “La Luna Heals In Every Way” is a spacious, evocative moon song with lovely vocals. We finish today with a trio of renditions of songs from Mariam’s new record “Release”; the lovely and lilting “Into The Mighty Waves” the country rocker “Just Walk Away” and the mystical, gorgeously mysterious and romantic summer song “Flowers Of Delight”.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #431 is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music recorded live by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, Native flute, acoustic guitar and ukuleles, Robin Rooney on djembe, percussion and vocals, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in February of 2021, today’s show begins with the positive, propulsive “A New Beginning”, an energizing piece with an inspiring lyric from Mariam. “Higher And Beyond” follows and is a spacious, driving trancelike number driven by Mariam’s acoustic guitar and fine vocals from Mariam and Robin. “Freedom” is one of Mariam’s classics, here given a driving, intense treatment and “”Freedom Part Two” extrapolates Mariam’s melody into a lovely, jazzy minor coda with an impassioned message from Mariam and powerful interjections of Native flute. “Surrender Me” is an uptempo folk song with a beautiful, naïve spirit and fine vocal and instrumental work from the combo and “Ruby Golden Slippers” is an epic tale from Mariam supported by an ambitious, wide-ranging musical backing. Today’s show concludes with the hypnotic native prayer “Mandia Viyahey” a beautiful, solemn tale featuring minimalist piano and powerful Native drum backing from Craig.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #430 is an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music and songs by Mariam Massaro, featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam on vocals, Native flute, harmonica, acoustic guitar and ukulele, Robin Rooney on vocals, percussion and djimbe, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and Native drums. Recorded in February 2021 at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show begins with the country blues of “Filled With Glowing Love”, a swinging western song driven by Mariam’s acoustic guitar and blues piano from Bob. “Hallelujah Can You See It In The Mist”, is a spacious, peaceful reverie with steady, compelling percussion from Craig and Robin and lovely vocals from Mariam and Robin. The piece breaks down into a sparse, psychedelic jam with powerful native flute from Mariam before drifting away on a carpet of lush piano chords. “Wake Up Humanity” is a hip little folk song with a simple message from Mariam and “You Can Feel The Light” is a shimmering, drifting reverie with beautiful piano passages beneath Mariam’s compelling melody. “Do You Ever Hear” begins as a simple, intimate country ballad and grows into a beautiful, aching prayer before drifting away. “Memories Of Serenity” closes today’s show with a lovely melody from Mariam over a quasi-Broadway soundtrack and punctuations from her harmonica.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #429 is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music played by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute and acoustic 6 and 12 string guitars, Robin Rooney on djimbe, percussion and vocals, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on native drum. Recorded live on a freezing January afternoon, today’s show begins with the rich, entrancing “Now Is The Moment To Be All That You Are”, a plaintive song of encouragement driven by Mariam’s chiming 12-string acoustic guitar. “Golden Rays” is a beautiful minor folk ballad with rich Eastern European overtones and “Have A Lovely Life” is a powerful rock song expressing awareness and power of self, led by Mariam’s powerful acoustic guitar and expressive, jazzy piano phrases from Bob. “Little Bitty One” belies its name with a sprawling, 23 minute footprint, and is a powerful, steadily intensifying journey through rock, native music, classical and spoken word. We finish today with Mariam’s goddess song “Isis” to honor the 33rd anniversary of WiseWays Herbals.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #428 is an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music played by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, schrudi box, ukulele, native flute and dulcimer, Craig Harris on congas and native drums and Bob Sherwood on piano. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in January 2021, today’s show begins with the driving raga “There’s Always Another Way”, a kinetic song driven by Mariam’s chiming dulcimer. “Thank You For The Grace” is a gorgeous, evocative prayer of gratitude and peace featuring gorgeous native flute passages from Mariam and “Count Your Blessings” is an energized, hypnotic piece with distinctive piano shapes from Bob. The band flows into “May We Heal Each Other” seamlessly with driving blues improvisation from Bob and a fiery rhythm track from Craig. “Appreciate All Of Creation” mesmerizes with its minimalist, hypnotic repetition and gradual increase in energy and “In The Currents Of Life” is a spacious, unhurried meditation made mesmeric by Mariam’s droning, mystical shrudi box. We finish today with the baroque-by-way-of-native-American “Always The Night Follows The Day”, a gorgeous piece that features more fine flute playing from Mariam and a gradual, patient journey towards a distant horizon to end today’s show.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #424 is an hour of live, improvised visionary acoustic music played by The Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute, acoustic guitar, 12-string acoustic guitar and ukulele, Robin Rooney on vocals, djimbe and percussion, Bob Sherwood on piano, Craig Harris on congas and native drums and special guest Dagen Julty on bass and flute. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show begins with the meditative raga “Oh Manakiyahey” featuring a prayer of reverence from Mariam and compelling rhythm from the band. “The Snow Day” is a jaunty winter folk song driven by Mariam’s ukulele and featuring fine flute from Dagen and “In The Forest Of The Trees” walks an ambiguous line between major and minor modalities to deliver its message of reverence to nature. Next up is an excellent rendition of “Pele”, a song in praise to the volcano goddess of Maui and “Carry Me Into Your Heart” is a lilting, beautiful love ballad decorated by more lyrical flute from Dagen and a lovely lyric from Mariam, supported by Robin’s impassioned harmonies. “Brightly Does It Shine” is a driving folk rock song to gratitude featuring driving bass guitar from Dagen and Mariam’s soaring native flute. Today we finish the show with a beautiful track from Mariam’s “For The Children” album, the mysterious and mysteriously catchy “Into The Mystery”.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #423 was recorded on a snowy December day at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, and is an hour of visionary improv music featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute, ukulele and 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars, Bob Sherwood on piano, Robin Rooney on vocals, djimbe and percussion and Craig Harris on congas and native drums. Today’s show begins with the mystical raga “Into The Boundless Beauty”, a lush and swirling piece held aloft by Mariam’s DADGAD tuned, modal 12-string acoustic guitar. Following this hypnotic epic is the skipping folk ballad “Brightly Does It Shine” featuring Mariam’s chiming 8-string ukulele. This upbeat piece features 2 further movements, a funky Afrocuban workout with excellent flute from Mariam and a final sparse, lovely celebration of winter held aloft on Bob’s classical piano figures. “Many Seeds Have Fallen” is a track from Mariam’s “For The Children Album”, here given a deep and varied improvisatory treatment before it segues seamlessly into the “Vision Quest” track “Spirit Of Water”. We finish today with another medley of Mariam songs, the driving Andean folk of “Pachamama” and a dark, funky jazzed-up take of Mariam’s tribute to a mystical cave in Cuzco, Peru, “Amaru Machay”.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #422 is an hour of visionary acoustic musical improv featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute, acoustic guitar, dulcimer and kalimba, Robin Rooney on djimbe, percussion and vocals, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and native drums. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington Massachusetts in December of 2020, today’s show begins with the lovely, expansive “Let’s Open Our Eyes”, a folk ballad with a gospel flair, before moving into a moon song from Mariam, the mystical “In The Cool Of The Evening”, featuring a gorgeous vocal from Mariam and floating countermelodies from Robin. A beautiful, dramatic piano coda from Bob brings us into “To Watch The River”, a compelling, floating piece of music characterized by Mariam’s chiming dulcimer and gorgeous native flute. Mariam leads the next number, “Cathedrals In The Forest” with earthy kalimba plucks that set the tone for a somber, minimalist groove on this trancelike number. Ever morphing and expanding through a series of movements, some driven and energized, some retiring and gentle, “Cathedrals In The Forest” sprawls languidly, a floating trance experience to manifest peace.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #421 was recorded live in December, 2020 at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, and is an hour of live visionary musical improvisation featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute, ukulele and acoustic guitar, Robin Rooney on djembe, vocals and percussion, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and native drums. Today’s first piece is the somber, mysterious ballad “Alaymayatia”, a deeply mystical song with an inspired vocal from Mariam and a series of dancing piano ostinatos from Bob. This hypnotic tone poem moves through a series of compelling movements before yielding to the equally misty “For The Grace”, a gorgeous night ballad praising the Golden Red Star in the southern sky. “I Am the Silver In The Moonlight” is a gentle, open, ballad with a deeply generous spirit with Light Language from Mariam, pretty nature sounds from Robin, a steady, grounded groove from Craig and hypnotic, compelling piano motifs from Bob. “Shamiyaya” is a full, spirited take on the reggae song from Mariam’s upcoming “Release” album, and we finish the show today with “Grandmother Moon”, a funked-up, driving afro Cuban jazz piece with classical underpinnings and excellent, racing flute from Mariam and exciting percussive piano from Bob.
This week on Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #420 we are celebrating Mariam’s musical Gaea Star Goddess stage show from the mid 2010’s with selections from the live songs. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington Massachusetts in November 2020, today’s show features the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute, shrudi box, ukulele and acoustic guitar, Robin Rooney on vocals and djembe, Craig Harris on congas and native drums and Bob Sherwood on piano. We begin with the beautifully icy, reverent “Isis”, featuring a fine vocals from Mariam. “Crystal Ice Queen features some great harmonies from Robin over a track driven by Mariam’s chiming acoustic guitar. “Aja” is a somber, lovely, moody tale of an African queen featuring lyrical native flute from Mariam and a swinging percussion section. “Pele” is the volcano goddess of Hawaii, and her song is one of Mariam’s finest, a tight structure and arrangement features a Hawaiian reggae sound. “Amaru Machay” is a jazzy, afro Cuban groove, as infectious as it is mysterious, featuring hip jazz piano from Bob. Today’s last piece is in and of itself, the lovely, anthemic gospel song “There’s Always Another Way”. A vast and evocative track, “There’s Always Another Way” is underpinned by a hypnotic, emotional, peaceful 4 bar piano phrase from Bob.
This week on the Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #419 we present the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute, acoustic guitar, Tibetan bowls and ukulele, Robin Rooney on vocals and djembe, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and native drums. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, MA, today’s show begins with Mariam’s classic “You’re The One” from the “Gaea Star Crystal: Awakening The Tribes of Light” album. Next up is a powerful, kinetic take of Mariam’s song “Reborn” before the band launches into the “To Open The Door To Bliss”, a lovely, hypnotic piece with a compelling narrative from Mariam. Mariam plays Tibetan bowls for the mysterious, mesmerizing “The Rain, She Is Coming”, a prayer that features fine vocals from Mariam and Robin. Next up is the sprightly, energized “Like A Bolt Of Lightning”, a gorgeous minimalist piece driven along by Mariam’s silvery 8-string ukulele. Gorgeous native flute liberally decorates today’s last piece, the compelling minor air “This Sacred Ground”, a languid journey from minor folk to majestic gospel.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #418 was recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, MA, in November of 2020 and is an hour of visionary improvisational music featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute, acoustic guitar and ukulele, Robin Rooney on djimbe and vocals, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and native drums. Today’s first piece is the uplifting folk round “Feel The Goodness Rising” featuring a driving drum section from Craig and Robin and an inspiring lyric from Mariam. Next up is the swirling, mystical “Come Let’s Fly Away”, an intoxicating, surreal tone poem with an imaginative lyric from Mariam and portentous piano from Bob. “The River Soothes My Mind” is a lush ballad decorated with an unusual, compelling piano figure from Bob and gorgeous native flute fanfares from Mariam, and “In The Silence Of The Silvery Night” is a beautiful minor exploration that grows in intensity until it releases in a powerful native groove. Mariam plugs in her dulcimer for the classic “All Life Unfolds”, here given a driving, powerful rendition with muscular percussion and quick, nimble piano. “May We Embrace Every Moment” closes today’s show and is a bittersweet, ancient sounding dulcimer air decorated by Bob’s Bach quotations on the piano.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #417 was recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in October 2020 and is an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on lead vocals, ukulele, native flute, piano and acoustic guitar, Robin Rooney on vocals, djimbe and percussion, Bob Sherwood on piano and acoustic guitar and Craig Harris on congas and native drums. Today’s first piece is the joyful “If You Knew What Was In Your Heart”, and bouncing folk song driven by Mariam’s energized ukulele. “It’s Time For Peace” is a sprawling, epic tone poem dedicated to holding a vision of peace between all. Evolving slowly into a driving, powerful prayer, “We Are Stars And As Stars We Shall Return” grows from the first piece with a compelling piano figure from Bob, supporting Mariam’s lyrical native flute. “Just Walk Away” is a country rock song from Mariam from her forthcoming “Release” album and “Kiyawey” is a super-energized blues workout with a native heart, featuring a driving rhythm section and inspired piano from Bob. “May We All Remember” is a beautiful, floating ballad expressing a sense of wonder and a Far Eastern vibe and “Flowers Of Delight” is another lush ballad featured on the upcoming “Release” album. We finish today with a final rendition of a “Release” song, the driving, mystical “Calling Us Home”.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 416 was recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in October 2020 and is an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on lead vocals, ukulele, native flute, piano and acoustic guitar, Robin Rooney on vocals, djimbe and percussion, Bob Sherwood on piano and acoustic guitar and Craig Harris on congas and native drums. Today’s first piece is the joyful “If You Knew What Was In Your Heart”, and bouncing folk song driven by Mariam’s energized ukulele. “It’s Time For Peace” is a sprawling, epic tone poem dedicated to holding a vision of peace between all. Evolving slowly into a driving, powerful prayer, “We Are Stars And As Stars We Shall Return” grows from the first piece with a compelling piano figure from Bob, supporting Mariam’s lyrical native flute. “Just Walk Away” is a country rock song from Mariam from her forthcoming “Release” album and “Kiyawey” is a super-energized blues workout with a native heart, featuring a driving rhythm section and inspired piano from Bob. “May We All Remember” is a beautiful, floating ballad expressing a sense of wonder and a Far Eastern vibe and “Flowers Of Delight” is another lush ballad featured on the upcoming “Release” album. We finish today with a final rendition of a “Release” song, the driving, mystical “Calling Us Home”.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 415 is an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music and songs by Mariam Massaro, featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam on vocals, native flute, celtic harp and ukulele, Robin Rooney on vocals, percussion and djimbe, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and native drums. Recorded in October 2020 at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show begins with the hypnotic, stately minimalist folk of “Let It Fill You”, featuring a driving groove set down by Craig’s congas and Robin’s djimbe. “You May Never Know” is a multi-movement epic that whispers in on a wave of mystical eastern scales and a portentous vocal from Mariam over her chiming celtic harp. Transforming into a swirling, psychedelic trance groove, the piece finds it’s final release in a classical motif with polychordal jazz chord injections. “One More Day” is a solemn, lovely reading of Mariam’s song from her forthcoming “Release” album featuring fine harmonies from Robin over a shifting, mystical soundscape. “Fire Fire Bright” is a mystical ballad that presents classical one moment, ragtime blues the next before settling into a hypnotic, shifting, evocative cloud surrounding Mariam’s midnight musings. We complete the show today with another of Mariam’s upcoming songs, the stately, reverent “Gather Together”
Today on Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #411, we feature the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, acoustic guitar, ukulele, native flute and sitar, Robin Rooney on djimbe, percussion and vocals, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and native drums. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show begins with the mystical and understatedly powerful “Fire, Fire, Fire” before yielding to the gentle and lovely folk ballad “Let Your Love Flow”. “To Ruth” is a rousing tribute to Ruth Bader Ginsberg, another soft yet powerful folk song. “Let’s Swing And Sway To The Rain” is a compellingly mysterious groove led by Mariam’s languid ukulele and “Star Covered Door” is an epic song cycle tied together by Mariam’s virtuosic native flute passages and imaginative piano from Bob. We finish today with the bouncing, joyful “Shamiyaya”, a Hawaiian reggae tune from Mariam’s upcoming “Release” album.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #404 is an hour of visionary, inspired acoustic improvisational music featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on lead vocals, acoustic guitar, ukulele, native flute and sitar, Robin Rooney on djimbe, percussion and vocals, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and native drums. Taped live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, in August of 2020, today’s show begins with the pretty, vibrant “Cast Your Net”, a lush, wonder-filled summer song driven by Mariam’s silvery 8-string ukulele and a driving drum track from Craig and Robin. Mariam picks up her acoustic guitar to lead the mystical, drifting “Jupiter”, a gorgeous minor meditation with powerful vocals from Mariam and evocative piano motifs from Bob. “As You Walk Along” takes a deep breath and floats in on waves of Mariam’s native flute and delicate piano figurations before yielding to a compelling vocal-and-native-flute dialogue and inspired lyrics from Mariam. “Illuminated By The Rain” carries a slow-burn Afro Cuban by way of Eastern Europe vibe with it’s bittersweet harmonic minor and compelling vocal from Mariam. We finish today with the epic raga “Song Of Creation” built around Mariam’s lush, otherworldly sitar and Bob’s insistent eastern motif.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #403 was recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, MA, in August of 2020 and is an hour of visionary improvisational music featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute, acoustic guitar and ukulele, Robin Rooney on djimbe and vocals, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and native drums. Today’s show begins with the lush, drifting “Into The Mighty Waves”, a bittersweet and deeply emotional piece featuring a lovely vocal from Mariam. “Pray For The Trees” is a hypnotic, minimalist minor piece in praise of the trees of the forest and “Just The Simple Way” is a deep and fundamental jam with a heavy native influence and a driving afro Cuban groove. “Oh The Rains Came” is a gorgeous, sprawling anthem, an epic journey across the rainy sky, and we finish today with “Yellow Black Spiders” reprises the skeletal funk of “Pray For The Trees” with a reggae tint and an imaginative lyric from Mariam.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #402 was recorded on a hot August afternoon at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, and features the Gaea Star Band performing original, visionary acoustic improv music with Mariam Massaro on lead vocals, native flute, dulcimer, twelve string guitar and ukulele, Robin Rooney on djimbe, percussion and vocals, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and native drums. Today we begin with the languid, prayerlike mantra “Turn The Golden Knob”, a psychedelic, evocative piece with a compelling vocal from Mariam. Next up is the gorgeous “In The River”, a bittersweet summer song with a perfect folk melody from Mariam and a metronomic and lovely piano motif from Bob. Mariam strums her open-tuned 12 string guitar for the mysterious, modal “Mist Is Rising In The Meadow”, accompanying an eldritch, ancient melody, and “Yanayo” is a drifting minor ballad led by Mariam’s ukulele featuring a wandering melody of deep mystery. Bob picks up the bass guitar for the groovy “We Are Going To Change Our World”, a driving rock groove with an assertive, inspiring vocal from Mariam, and “Ruby” is a fearie country song with a Nashville undertone and a whimsical lyric from Mariam. Today’s final song is “All Life Unfolds” from the “For The Children” album, here featuring excellent flute work from Mariam and a steady, pulsing drum groove from Robin and Craig.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 401 was taped live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in August 2020 and features live acoustic improvisation with the Gaea Star Band, featuring Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute, ukulele, acoustic guitar and harmonica, Robin Rooney on djimbe and vocals, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and native drums. Our special guest this week is Robin’s song Randy, who features some of his original music as well as adding to the Gaea Star Band tapestry. We begin today’s show with “Owl’s Song”, a lovely, chiming summery folk song driven forward by Mariam’s 8-string ukulele. “Hear It In The River” begins with a native flute fanfare from Mariam and a drum-accompanied poem that builds into a jazzy, progressive groove. Next up we feature a trio of excellent original songs from Randy Rooney, the groovy pop song “You Belong”, the beautiful and stately southern rock of “Cold Breeze” and the funky, upbeat “Something New”. Mariam returns to the lead vocal mic with the deeply mystical trance groove “I Am With The Light” before Randy presents a final song, the progressive-rock “Peak”, a fine performance lit up by Randy’s fiery acoustic guitar work. “Lets Climb The Mountains Of Life” closes the show with a hopeful, assertive raga rock groove that features an inspiring lyric from Mariam.
Today on Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #399 we present an hour of improvised visionary music with the Gaea Star Band featuring Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute, acoustic guitar and ukulele, Robin Rooney on vocals and percussion, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and native drums. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in July 2020, today’s show begins with the sprawling, ambitious “In The River”, an epic improvisation featuring an outstanding series of melodies by Mariam set to a shifting, imaginative musical soundscape that showcases all of the musicians in turn over it’s half hour length. The second half of the show features a lovely, deep song cycle that begins with the evocative, mesmerizing “Merrily We Sail Along”featuring a hypnotic, repeating, circular piano motif from Bob supporting a series of imaginative lyrics from Mariam. A lengthy instrumental passage yields to the shifting, alternately relaxed and driving “The Cauldron Of Life” and ultimately to the rocking, uptempo, afrocuban flavored “Never Give Up”, a song of resilience featuring lyrical native flute from Mariam and frenetic native drum figures from Craig and Robin.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 398 is an hour of visionary acoustic improvisational music recorded live by the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on acoustic guitar, vocals, native flute, ukulele and harp, Bob Sherwood on piano and percussion, Robin Rooney on djimbe and vocals and Craig Harris on congas and native drums. Taped at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, in June of 2020, today’s show begins with the lush, hazy summer ode “Locust Flowers”, an gorgeous and hallucinogenic song featuring an evocative vocal from Mariam and deeply emotional piano from Bob. “To The River” is an upbeat folk song led by Mariam’s driving acoustic guitar that morphs through mystical variations and “Luminous Light” brings a veiled and lovely minor key into play with alternately drifting and jazzy piano statements from Bob over Craig’s relentless heartbeat. “We All Live Under The Blue Sky” is a powerful song of unity driven forward by Mariam’s ukulele and a groovy wall of rhythm from Craig, Robin and Bob. “To The Way It Was” is a powerful, gospel-influenced rocker with a fine vocal from Mariam and “Sweet Nia Sails Away” is a solemn, evocative tone poem that wafts along on waves of celtic harp from Mariam, a song of praise for the passing of her beloved cat.
Today’s edition of the Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour, number 399, features the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, acoustic guitar, ukulele, native flute and sitar, Robin Rooney on djimbe, percussion and vocals, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and native drums. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s visionary improvisational excursion begins with the energized “Oh There’s Always Hope”, a powerful song of hope and unity featuring an impassioned vocal from Mariam. Next is “Tommy Tammy”, a song of love and gratitude with a pretty ukulele and vocals from Mariam and Robin and rolling, gospel-inflected piano from Bob. “Smooth Me Down” is a gospel ballad with a mesmerizing piano figure from Bob and an inspired vocal from Mariam, and “Lady Slipper Day” is a lush, hallucinatory ballad of summer beauty framed in delicate piano filigree and Mariam’s sweet vocal. “To The Castles Of Our Dreams” is a gorgeous, mystical ballad and “I Am Renewed” is a free, expansive epic featuring lush passages of native flute and piano. We finish today’s show with “Stars Upon The Earth”, a raga carried by Mariam’s mystical sitar and a dark, expressive piano figure from Bob.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #396 is an hour of visionary acoustic improv music featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute, acoustic guitar and shrudi box, Bob Sherwood on piano, Craig Harris on congas and native drums and Robin Rooney on vocals and djimbe. Recorded live at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in May 2020, today’s show begins with the relaxed and very evocative “I Love You So”, a powerful and plaintive song of praise and love. “Peaceful Harmony As You Open Your Wings” is a stately, gospel-influenced piece with fine vocals from Mariam and Robin and “Right Before Our Eyes” is a driving rock song about transformation in our time with dramatic piano from Bob and compelling vocals from Mariam. “Go Deep” is a little swiss watch of a song with call and response vocals from Mariam and Robin and an expansive piano figure from Bob and “Andaya Nayana” closes the show with a beautiful, meditative groove built on Mariam’s beautiful vocals and shrudi box.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #395 was recorded at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, on a warm May afternoon and features the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute, ukulele, harmonica, piano and acoustic guitar, Bob Sherwood on piano and acoustic guitar and Craig Harris on congas and native drums. Today’s first piece is the driving, fundamental “Let’s All Go Down Deep Within” a blooming, growing piece that begins in an austere native mode and grows into a lush ballad decorated by gorgeous native flute from Mariam. “All Hail To The Glory” is a pretty, sprightly ballad hung upon Mariam’s chiming ukulele and Craig’s driving congas that grows into a driving Afrocuban groove with ambitious, imaginative and jazzy piano figures from Bob. Next up, “Queen Moon” is a gorgeous, impassioned ballad featuring acoustic guitar and inspired, visionary lyrics from Mariam. Today’s final piece is “So Many Shades Of Green” and features Mariam’s piano as Bob moves to the acoustic guitar.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour 394 was recorded in May 2020 at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, and is an hour of live improvised acoustic music featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, acoustic guitar, ukulele, shrudi box and native flute, Bob Sherwood on piano, Craig Harris on congas and native drums and Robin Rooney on vocals and djimbe. Today’s show begins with the lovely mystical raga “I Am Expressing My Soul’s Deepest Passion”, an eastern piece with a deeply spiritual flow featuring fine vocals from Mariam and Robin. “Let’s Sail Along” continues the mystical mood with more great vocals and an imaginative piano backing from Bob. “Jophy The Monkey” is a whimsical tale set to a varied, energized musical backing and “Rialia” is a lush and mysterious take of a classic song by Mariam. “Let’s Sing To The Coloratura” is a relaxed, meditative folk song and today’s closing number is a sprightly folk tune to a spring morning called “Ah The Morning Oh Yeah”.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour #391 is an hour of visionary acoustic improvisation featuring the Gaea Star Band with Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute, acoustic guitar, ukulele and dulcimer, Bob Sherwood on piano and Robin Rooney on djimbe and vocals. Recorded on an April afternoon at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts, today’s show begins with the gorgeous “Oh Rose”, a simple and yet rich, romantic song in praise of the flower. “Did You See The Moon Last Night?” elevates the mood of simple praise and gratitude to the night sky with an energetic vocal from Mariam set to a driving folk groove. The band opens into a spacious, evocative soundscape that sets the stage for a gorgeous conversation between Mariam and her native flute. “Tucked Inside The Glory” continues today’s theme of simple reverence and appreciation, couching an individual prayer for humanity in a mystical, spacious musical context and “Letting Go” is a mysterious raga driven by Mariam’s dulcimer and Robin’s steady djimbe and soaring background vocals. Driving to a powerful peak, the song releases into a beautiful coda with the introduction of an unusually evocative piano figure from Bob and more of Mariam’s voice and flute dialogue. We conclude today’s show with Mariam’s “Rialia”, a deeply beautiful and simple minor folk ballad full of suggestion and mystery.
Gaea Star Crystal Radio Hour is an hour of visionary acoustic improvised music recorded live with the Gaea Star Band at Singing Brook Studio in Worthington, Massachusetts in February 2020. Featuring Mariam Massaro on vocals, native flute, kalimba, shrudi box acoustic guitar and ukulele, Bob Sherwood on piano and Craig Harris on congas and native drums, today’s show begins with the jazzy, meditative “Every Time”, a celebration of the coming of spring featuring beautiful vocals and native flute passages from Mariam. We follow with the sprightly “Morning Star Is Rising”, driven by Mariam’s ukulele and steady conga work from Craig. Mariam moves to her acoustic guitar for “Happy Day”, a lush and mystical minor ballad decorated with a lovely vocal from Mariam and imaginative piano figurations from Bob. “Reborn” is a driving classic from Mariam’s “Vision Quest” album, a powerful song about transformation, death and rebirth presented in a driving, intense minor key rock groove. “Yidiyayhehho” is a pretty piece of music built around a Native American song, preceded by Mariam’s Indian raga song “Lotus Queens” and an imaginative turn from minor to major modes with a sweet, insistent piano figure from Bob. We conclude with another classic from Mariam, the mystical “Distant Star”, presented here with a relaxed, Latin feel.