World Music
by Kathryn Sargent

     Musical musician Llewellyn has released his latest work in Moonlore (release date Oct. 10), a haunting, atmospheric collection of music to celebrate The Triple Goddess of Druidic lore. Three special “working” tracks, “The Maiden,” “The Mother,” and “The Crone,” are intended for use during ritual at the appropriate phases of the moon. English ritualist Carolynn Clare Townsend's excellent liner notes include explanations of the energies associated with each moon phase and suggestions as to how to work with these three tracks, whether one is solitary or in coventry.

     Of Moonlore, Llewellyn writes that he wanted to further explore the idea of the Druidic wild hunt, a passage rite for young Druids to test their skills by working on the elements around them. He suggests that this rite took place on the full moon nearest Samhain (pronounced Sow-en, also known as All Hallows E'en-Evening-or Halloween). Moonlore is the musical tale of such a young student, featuring some of these activities and the chants and vocalizations that might have accompanied them.

     In true Druid spirit, Llewellyn has even included hidden meanings and teachings in the songs, “The Chill Wind” and “Echoes of Ancient Stone.” The song “Skyfire” incorporates the natural elements of wind, sea, fire and stone as it tells the tale of a young maiden facing the challenges of the wild hunt. Llewellyn augments his keyboard mastery with Uilleann pipes, guitars, piano, Irish whistles, and Celtic skin drums. Tori Donovan plays recorder and the ethereal voice of Juliana adds to the delight and wonder of the music. Moonlore is history, mystery, secret teachings, and bewitching music all woven into one powerful charm. Don't miss it!

    Some of the best known names in New Age and World Music have contributed to a benefit album for the Cousteau Society and the EarthSea Institute. Cousteau's Dream will raise funds to continue Cousteau's work, educating and exposing people to nature's wonders so that they will realize how important it is that they conserve earth's resources and protect natural environment. Artists represented on this outstanding collection include: Yanni, Kitaro, Vangelis, Kenny G, Richard Burner, Kamal, Kevin Kern, Tim Wheater, Michael Hoppe, and Frederic Delarue, among others. Cousteau's Dream is sure to be a people-pleaser; there's something here for everyone. It's bright, hopeful, upbeat and uplifting.

     By buying this album, you'll help to fund projects like: land reclamation; preserving and replenishing groundwater supplies in third world countries, and protecting marine habitat. Trees are being planted in the land reclamation area in the Cosumnes River Nature Conservancy in Northern California after the land was depleted by agriculture. Groundwater is crucial to the survival of poor families who farm for their survival; if groundwater supplies are good, families can even grow surplus produce to sell. And marine habitat preservation is vital to the continuation of marine species and to life on earth for all of us. Enjoy Cousteau's Dream and protect what you love.

     Prayer for Peace is another benefit album, this time for the World Peace Prayer Society. This beautiful music is a collection of tracks by Silver Wave Records' Native American recording artists, featuring: Alice Gomez, Joanne Shenandoah, Carlos Nakai, Peter Kater, Lawrence Laughing, Mary Youngblood, Robert Mirabal, and Michael Cusson. These artists are some of the finest in Native American music today. My favorite song, “Surrender,” by Carlos Nakai and Peter Kater, features exquisite choral singing and a sophisticated arrangement with a sense of deep reflection.

    Although we have come to expect lots of flute and drum parts with Native American music, Prayer for Peace shows the wide range, technical expertise, choral harmonies, symphonic arrangements, and modern edge present in the work of these leading recording artists of their field. They keep tradition alive and vibrant, and make it accessable to all of us. Listen to Michael Kott's cello dance magic into “Painted Caves,” from Robert Mirabal's Taos Tales album. Or, melt into the delicious sound of Joanne Shenadoah's voice on “Peace and Power.”

    The World Peace Prayer Society is a non profit, member-supported, non-sectarian organization which spreads the message and prayer “May Peace Prevail on Earth.” Through various initiatives, they work to carry the universal message of peace to communities worldwide. For information and free membership, contact them at: The World Peace Prayer Society, 800 third Avenue, 37th floor, New York, NY, 10022 or email peacepal@worldpeace.org. Prayer for Peace is packaged with a free 2001 mini-calendar.

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