Search - Maya :: In The Spirit

Simply Lovely - The Perfect Holiday CD

Robert Paterson | New York, NY, USA | 12/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a composer, conductor and percussionist, I pay particular attention to the finer details of recordings I acquire. This is a spectacular first release from this unique, New York City based trio. Overall, this recording has a pristine, luscious sound that is entirely addictive. It's one of those recordings that you can't imagine not having on-hand at all times. It's also versatile: since it's not strictly just for Christmas, I can give it to everyone I know for the holidays.



The players are all first rate. Ms. Moughalian has a warm, smooth, silky sound that is enrapturing and the angelic Ms. Kerrod sounds like two harpists playing at once. The percussionist on this recording, John Hadfield, is very sensitive, which you obviously have to be when you play in a trio with flute and harp, but he also grooves--and grooves hard. Hadfield obviously chose his exquisite collection of instruments carefully, and they are perfectly blended throughout the recording. His rhythm is impeccable: I almost feel like I am being drawn into some sort of wild, polyrhythmic vortex when I listen to him play, particularly in American Dervish, a colorful composition that demonstrates the world of timbral percussive possibilities. If I had to choose one track in my whole collection that demonstrates percussive "cool," this would be it.



The engineering by Grammy award-winning engineer Steve Epstein is also beautifully done, and this is no small feat, particularly when you add percussion to the mix and record without overdubbing. The CD itself is very pretty, and is something you would actually leave out on your coffee table for others to see--it's that beautiful. My only quibble--and this is very minor--is that there is no information on the CD itself. This is not an issue if you have the CD booklet and case, or if you have all of the tracks on your portable music player, but I know some folks who only keep the CDs and get rid of the packaging, so for them, that would be a little frustrating. But hey--that's an extremely minor issue.



I can honestly say that I love all of the tracks on this CD, but I especially enjoy I Wander as I Wander, the Bolgar Gypsy Horo, and the Arab Dance from the Nutcracker Ballet. The entire recording is beautiful, engaging and thoroughly enjoyable. All in all, I give this recording five stars. I hope they come out with a new release soon.



(One final note: I reviewed this recording on iTunes, but I am including a review here on Amazon since I purchased a bunch of physical CDs to give to family and friends during the holidays.)"

A Pure and Wondrous Sound

Armen Markarian | Los Angeles, CA, USA | 02/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're looking for an innovative, melodious and accessible piece of music, then look no further then this new release by Maya. Titled "In the Spirit," this eclectic collection of classical and familiar (and some not so familiar) melodies has a truly distinctive and layered sound -- a sound that is readily accessible, yet reveals new and sensual depths upon repeated play. Maya, in case you haven't heard (and trust me, you'll be hearing more about them soon enough), is an exceptional trio comprised of the most seamless blend of flute, harp and percussion instruments you've ever heard. The resulting sound is best described as smooth and hypnotic, jazzy almost, punctuated by a vibrant classicism. Although some of the pieces are holiday-themed, the arrangements and the original compositions make for great listening throughout the year. They've been ensconced on my iPod and have shuffled nicely with Bach, Brahms, The Shins and Sonic Youth. Oh, and as a bonus, you won't find a more distinctively artistic CD case. Maya's In The Spirit is truly a matchless and rewarding listening experience."

Stunning debut CD!

Daniele Doctorow | New York, NY | 02/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a stunning CD! Listening to MAYA's debut album, In the Spirit, is an exciting, serene, and deeply satisfying experience. Expert and loving performances by each musician individually and as an ensemble make this a recording well worth having and to give as a gift for any special occasion or just as an expression of appreciation for someone you care about personally or professionally! The selections include beautiful interpretations of familiar tunes and fascinating renditions of new music. Who would have thought that a flute-harp-percussion combination could be so rich and lush? Well, these talented musicians Ms. Moughalian, Ms. Kerrod and Mr. Hadfield did. And we are the richer for it."