They Slice the Air

Even as I was writing "They Slice the Air" I knew the poem was a gift from the ancestors, given to me to give away.

Slice the Air CD
The poem was commissioned by The Spirituals Project and first performed on May 16, 2006 at a special reception for the founders of their Balm in Gilead Society. Later that year, Dr. Arthur Jones ~ a man who has become a mentor and a dear friend ~ asked if I would share the poem again as part of The Spirituals Project Annual Gala concert event. On November 4, 2006, I stood on the stage of the Newman Center for Performing Arts. But when I opened my mouth, it was not my voice that spoke: the same ancestors were with me that evening, and it was their collective voice that flowed through me, reaching out to touch each person in that auditorium. To this day I feel humbled, honored, and grateful to have had such an experience.

Furthering the gift of this poem, I was honored when Dr. Jones asked if my poem could be included on The Spirituals Project Choir's newest CD. In August of 2007 in the Sawtelle Studio at the Swallow Hill Music Association we recorded "They Slice the Air" for posterity. It was not just included on the CD, it became the title cut on the CD! The entire album is a stunning complilation of the many different expressions of the spirituals, and I am beyond proud to be associated with it. I believe the ancestors are pleased as well!

AND THE GIFT OF THIS POEM CONTINUES!
My friend composer/pianist Pamela Weng has created an exquisite musical framework for "They Slice the Air" entitled "African Amber", included on her new CD Earthtones II. As I said to Pamela, she dressed my humble poem in a stunning new outfit that truly enhances its beauty. On April 24, 2008 we performed the music and the poem live in concert with a bevy of amazing musicians. By all accounts, it was another magical evening! You'll find a brief clip of "African Amber" on the jukebox.

You can ~ no you MUST ~ purchase BOTH of these CDs, as they are each completely distinct experiences of the poem. You can get them both through CD Baby: click here for The Spirituals Project: They Slice the Air ($15) and here for EarthTones II ($20). You should also visit Pamela's personal website as well as her site on MySpace Music. I think you'll fall in love with the rich tapestry of her music.



Spirit Rising

I am ever grateful that Dr. Bob Boyle found me twiddling my thumbs in a retail store one day. Just a few months later, he came across Pamela Weng wandering lost in the woods near Conifer. That was nearly 6 years ago and I think Pamela would agree that our lives have never been the same since. This was the first CD borne of the UNBELIEVABLE co-creative energy that erupts when Pamela, Bob, and I get together. Most precious to me is the very first poem I wrote to go with Pamela's music, "Metamorphosis." The music is exquisite, the poem is lovely, and the two of them together are nothing less than magickal! You can purchase this CD ($15) directly from me.

Spirit Rising CD

Solace: A Journey on the Path of Grief

Pamela, Bob and I created this CD to help comfort those who have experienced loss of any kind. Pamela Weng is an incredible composer and an amazing pianist. Her ability to paint beauty and promote healing with her music never ceases to amaze me, so with her permission I have included her piece "Grief Angel" in the jukebox. And if it wasn't for Pamela's skills as a motivator and a producer, Bob and I would probably just be sitting in his apartment fantasizing about making a recording someday. You can purchase this CD ($15) directly from me.

Solace CD