In the Odyssey, written by the Greek Poet Homer, there were a fabulous people who were visited by Odysseus on his wanderings.
These people were known as the Lotus Eaters.
And those who ate of the lotus plant forgot their friends and families and lost all desire to return to their native lands.
Thus Odysseus lost a few hands here.
The lotus also figures quite prominently in Buddhism, perhaps the first and foremost reference would be the White Lotus Sect.
Buddha was quite often portrayed as sitting on a lotus flower dressed in blue or white, and there is also the yoga position which is named for this myth ridden flower.
The music on this disc, with the exception of one track, is comprised of all original compositions by David.
The first track, "O Presul" was composed by Hildegaard von Bingen and arranged by David.
It sets the precedent for this soulful disc, as David leads us through India and gently teases at our imagination with cascades of notes.
Perhaps this disc is a new version of the Lotus which will allow us to forget everything around us for its duration.
David's skill with his recorders and flute show much practice and dedication.
Almost every note is pure and free from the next, with no unexpected flats or sharps.
As I said, he pulls at the
imagination with his quick cascades of notes, much like a babbling brook, or air currents teasing the petals of flowers.
"Radha Krishna" is the shortest track on the disc, but it is a concentration of energy of focus on behalf of the musicians.
The violin and the flute tease one another, each playing a piece of a main thread, until they finally entwine and speak as one.
This track is quick, and "dances" across the imagination evoking interesting sights and concepts.
The voice of a tabla also joins in this delightful harmonic blend.
"OM" treats us to the surf rolling in and sliding back out from the beach.
The music just insinuates itself into the surf, and then some Islamic chanting is added.
A song in quest of the spiritual truths humans have often sought with meditation.
A recorder intersperses the chanting with some haunting snippets of
sound
Leading the imagination to another place, another time. A quest for spiritual freedom is contained within this lengthy calming piece.
The final track on the disc, "Ether Bells" is a wonderful piece centering upon the ringing of bells.
Their harmonic echoes barely fading before the next bell is added, sound building upon sound.
The heavier sound of church bells blended with the lighter bells of shops and wind chimes, each with a distinctive tone.
The voices of the many blending into the voice of the one. A truly intriguing and thought provoking piece.
I wouldn't recommend listening to this disc when you have a heavy schedule ahead of you, for it is extremely relaxing.
After listening to it, I felt like just remaining a blob of human flesh
upon the floor, but I couldn't indulge in that desire.
This is the perfect disc to accompany one during yoga or tai chi, or even for just relaxing and meditating.
It won't disappoint you.
David's talents are soothing to the most troubled and stressed of souls.
Naomi De
Bruyn - Editor in Chief
Linear
Reflections (www.linearreflections.com)
