Band of Spirit Blog

Jivan Gaparyan Reveals the Soul of Armenia

The soulful sound of the Duduk is so sad and beautiful when played by Jivan Gasparyan.

I first heard this Armenian music on the album  " I Will Not Be Sad In This World"

 

"Djivan Gasparyan is unquestionably one of Armenia’s greatest musicians, a living legend. He is the foremost virtuoso of the duduk, an ancient oboe-like instrument that is made of apricot wood and capable of sustaining drone notes for long periods of time." Amazon
 

I Need Durga Today and Tomorrow

I'm looking for some Durga energy these days - patience but not giving up the quest, a sense of humor to see me through and an unlimited amount of compassion so I don't loose my feelings for people who don't see things my way and I need to find Durga's warrior spirit to gain further strength in my spiritual journey. Durga

Devendra Banhart Says "Love it would be Much Better"

Devendra Banhart troubadour for an age of emotional discontent sooths the rough edges and sours past the garde.

"Singer-songwriter Devendra Banhart is often associated with the subgenres known as freak folk, psych folk or New Weird America. Essentially his music is gentle and twee and a little bit strange, with latest album Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon (2007) being especially experimental."

Samples from "Smokey Rolls Down the Mountain" Amazon  and check out his new album, "What Will Be" 

Good God! Born Again Funk is What My Soul Needs This Sunday

I'm lovin' this collection of gospel tunes that can shake the negativity right out of me. The album is available at "Other Music" a very cool record store in NYC or from their online store. Here are some samples from, Good god! Born Again Funk

This is one of the gospel groups on the album, "The Victory Travelers" singing live.

Bill Callahan Sings of Memory and Longing

"All Thoughts are Prey to Some Beast" is a beautiful, penetrating song which takes nature and turns it into human emotions of loss and remembrance, written and sung by Bill Callahan from his album of the same name.

John Coltrane's A Love Supreme is a Vehicle of Spiritual Discovery

 

 

John Coltrane wrote " A Love Supreme" as a testament to his devotion to god. It was, as if, Coltrane's higher power played through him and he was no longer playing his saxaphone - Music as Spirit.

Varied musical sounds have the ability to help me transcend my everyday life. I can go to a place past my logical self and ego -  a spiritual territory within myself, that does not judge but acknowledges life with more understanding.

Willie Nelson and Emmylou Harris bring The Maker to Mind

When the holidays roll in and a New Year comes upon the horizon, there is a tendency to judge my life - finances, relationships, family, my emotional state and come up on the negative side.

I can think I walk this earth alone and there is no comfort.  

In moments of deepest despair, there is always "The Maker" to guide me if I allow him.  I wait for his guidance and where I will be led.