MP3 Charlie Bommarito - Edge of Silence
Drawing on influences from ancient healing traditions around the world, and extended ambient meditation in sound.
4 MP3 Songs
NEW AGE: Ambient, NEW AGE: Meditation
Details:
About the Artist:
"Edge of Silence" is Charlie Bommarito''s newest CD, and especially demonstrates Charlie''s connection to the deep, resonant well of sound as a source for healing. Charlie''s lifelong dedication to the spiritual practice of creativity through music has fostered in him a melodious, expressive keyboard technique as well as an immersion in the uninhibited rhythms of world music from such cultures as Africa, India, and China. The result is an exquisite ability to deliver finely-tuned keyboard compositions and improvisations that range from soft and soulful to powerful and percussive. His compositions and improvisations are influenced by such innovators as Shakti, Keith Jarrett and Ralph Towner.
About Edge of Silence:
With "Edge of Silence," it was Charlie''s particular intention to create an ambient CD for quiet contemplation that could accompany massage, meditation, yoga practice or simply relaxing. The musical design was crafted by Charlie, then offered to co-collaborators Ela Lamblin and Eric Chappelle. In a single, candle-lit recording session, the trio improvised their musical meditation with clear intention and focused sensitivity. The result is a gem of quiet expression and subtle artistry that supports and sustains the listener without calling undue attention to itself.
Instrumentation:
Charlie''s studio near Seattle (which his son dubbed the "Bright Room") features a modified Yamaha Concert Grand, a Korg Triton Pro88 Workstation/Sampler, and an intriguing collection of handmade instruments from around the globe. "Edge of Silence" was recorded in the Bright Room Studio and features Charlie on theYamaha Grand, Korg Sequencer and a panoply of other selections: Ake Bono bass tone bars, tibetan bells, assorted bells, cymbals, gongs (including 4-sided gongs handcrafted by Greg Keplinger), chimes, xylophone, clay udu drum, buffalo drum and shakers.
About Eric Chappelle:
Eric Chappelle, acoustic and electric violins, is an improvising musician and composer with close ties to the dance and theater worlds. He has created music and sound design for over 50 theater productions, and is a frequent collaborator with modern dance choreographers. His "Music for Creative Dance" series of CDs is used by dance educators worldwide. On "Edge of Silence", Eric plays both acoustic and electric violin and employs various effects devices for creating unusual variations on his violin sounds. His gift for stirring, lyrical melody is especially evident on Track #2. For more info. visit https://www.tradebit.com./
About Ela Lamblin:
Ela''s art is a synthesis of sound and form. His musical-sculptures are one of-a-kind inventions that are as beautiful to behold as they are to listen to. Ela and his wife, choreographer Leah Mann, founded the "physical music" performance company Lelavision, and perform around the world, combining music, dance, and comedy with Ela''s musical inventions. On "Edge of Silence", you will hear Ela playing the Stamenphone, Rumitone, Bass Toe Flute and Singing Tubes, all of which are instruments designed and built by Ela. (He actually does play the "toe flute" with his toes!) The Stamenphone is a 6 foot high instrument strung with piano strings that are bowed to produce long sustained tones, a stunning visual as well as aural treat. For more info on Ela and his performing company visit: https://www.tradebit.com
Background on Charlie Bommarito:
Charlie''s early study of philosophy and spirituality awakened his sensitivity to the vibration of sound to effect the soul. Growing up in Detroit, Charlie heard plenty of Motown radio and began attending rock concerts at the age of ten, taking in the likes of Santana, Pink Floyd and Frank Zappa. By fifteen, Charlie had established a habit of slipping into the oldest jazz club in Detroit, Baker''s Keyboard Lounge, to hear innovators like Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Pharoah Sanders, Leon Thomas and Dizzy Gillespie. He was stirred by the dynamic Indian trio Alla Rakha, Ali Akbar Khan and Ravi Shankar. With his high school class he traveled to Jamaica and came back with two armloads of percussion instruments and a greater appreciation for Bob Marley.
Then, in 1975, Charlie began studying piano as if his life depended on it. He dove into piano studies, music history and ear training at Oakland University and also worked with private jazz instructor, Matt Michaels. While establishing a strong foundation in music theory, classical technique as well as jazz forms, Charlie found himself eager to be immersed in original sounds. He moved west and sought out Ralph Towner, Collin Walcott, Paul McCandless and Glen Moore of Oregon along with Art Lande as teachers and mentors. Charlie went on to further steep himself in ancient musical traditions of the world, allowing their cultural rhythms and resonances to become part of his being.
Performance Spectrum:
With an immediacy and candor that defies genre, Charlie has developed a unique improvisational style that expresses the depth of human experience. From his first performances as a teenager to his 2001 release "Moments of Grace," one can hear a range of expressions from intimate acoustic solos to raucous ensembles.
Throughout his years, Charlie has found alternative spaces to share his broad spectrum of musical worlds. As a teenager Charlie called together a six piece band which performed the music of Chic Corea, John McGlaughlin, and John Abercrombie as well as numerous improvised pieces arranged by Charlie. Presently, Charlie''s music is called upon to accompany experiences that range from meditation and relaxation to energetic parties, dramatic dance performances and ritual.
Background on the Trio:
Charlie, Eric and Ela all have the unique privilege of being married to women who are dancers and performers. They have their wives to thank for initially bringing them together to accompany an improvised evening of song, story and dance entitled "Mystics with Issues." Eager to continue exploring the fusion of mysticism and musicianship, Charlie re-united the trio for an evening of contemplation and creation: Edge of Silence.