Part of the Sound Healing series from Soundings of the Planet, Tao of Healing teams flautist Dean Evenson with Li Xiangting, a professor from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and an authority on the guqin, an a... more »ncient seven-string zither from China. Their collaboration, with barely perceptible support from keyboards, acoustic guitar (Scott Huckabay) and percussion, is a hushed, serene, and inviting experience--as soft as the faintest breeze felt on a peaceful, sun-warmed afternoon. Evenson's meditative flute, which rarely strays from the instrument's comfortable low and middle ranges, is the disc's prevailing voice, with Xiangting's guqin discreetly supplying tasteful, angular accents to complement the Western vibe of Evenson's reflective improvisations. At times, in fact, this calming, slow-go disc (60 minutes in length) briefly conveys traces of jazzlike harmonics (largely Huckabay's contribution) that flavors the blissful proceedings with a nice touch of musicality. A slight soundalike quality might be detected in some tracks, but this is a minor quibble. This is Evenson's first recording where natural sounds are not included, though the liner notes assert the mix makes use of "earth resonance frequency" (7.8 hertz), all to enhance a listener's attainment of an alpha state. Actually, Evenson, Xiangting, and company do a commendable job of that on their own. A strong choice for supplementing massage or meditation. --Terry Wood« less
Part of the Sound Healing series from Soundings of the Planet, Tao of Healing teams flautist Dean Evenson with Li Xiangting, a professor from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and an authority on the guqin, an ancient seven-string zither from China. Their collaboration, with barely perceptible support from keyboards, acoustic guitar (Scott Huckabay) and percussion, is a hushed, serene, and inviting experience--as soft as the faintest breeze felt on a peaceful, sun-warmed afternoon. Evenson's meditative flute, which rarely strays from the instrument's comfortable low and middle ranges, is the disc's prevailing voice, with Xiangting's guqin discreetly supplying tasteful, angular accents to complement the Western vibe of Evenson's reflective improvisations. At times, in fact, this calming, slow-go disc (60 minutes in length) briefly conveys traces of jazzlike harmonics (largely Huckabay's contribution) that flavors the blissful proceedings with a nice touch of musicality. A slight soundalike quality might be detected in some tracks, but this is a minor quibble. This is Evenson's first recording where natural sounds are not included, though the liner notes assert the mix makes use of "earth resonance frequency" (7.8 hertz), all to enhance a listener's attainment of an alpha state. Actually, Evenson, Xiangting, and company do a commendable job of that on their own. A strong choice for supplementing massage or meditation. --Terry Wood
"I was recently diagnosed with a panic disorder that was brought on from the high stresses of my job. Since I'm unable to take medication, I need to find alternative ways at controling the anxiety attacks. I stumbled upon this cd and have recommended it to several friends who are equally as happy. Listen to this cd in the morning while doing light breathing excercies or even yoga and you will find that it will clear your mind and prepare you for the day. Listen to the cd at night, let the music wash over you while doing relaxing breathing excercises and you will find yourself in a state of deep relaxation. I recommend this cd to anyone who is under a lot of stress or suffers from anxiety, get this cd...it really does help and it does a body good!"
Calming to the Soul/Great for Massage
Dj | MI | 09/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm a massage therapist and I'm very picky about the music I play during a session and I searched long and hard to find the perfect combination of music that isn't just a misty melody, but takes you somewhere and this CD does it. I've always loved flutes and the zither and together it's shear beauty and peace. I've never bought anything from either of these composers but you can bet I will again. I myself sometimes have trouble sleeping at night and just relaxing and I just opening this CD last night and played it through and I just drifted away while doing affirmations, they include something called "Earth's Resonance Frequency" which supports relaxation, meditation, and 'superlearning', and it was incredible, a must have in any music collection! My highest praise! Recommended for any therapist in the healing arts!"
Highly relaxing
ladydiana9 | Hazelwood Park, SA Australia | 02/18/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was going thru a difficult time when I purchased this album. I listen to it at work when I am under stress and find it relaxes me almost instantly. The calming Asian influence touches a depth with the soul and connects me to peace with the universe."
Massage
Mimi | california | 05/02/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm a massage therapist and I find my clients falling asleep to the music (and I end up yawning, or getting heavy eyes!). Perfect for relaxing."
Good for pets as well as people
breezy0413 | 03/03/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I purchased this cd for myself, but noticed my Basenji seemed to relax a little whenever I put the music on. I often play it for her in repeat mode when I am going to be out. She is definitely "zen'd out" by the time I return!
I can best describe the music by saying that there are no loud instruments or uptempo arrangements to distract from the relaxation experience. The melody is soothing and uncomplicated, so it works well in many settings where a quiet mood is preferable (like doggie bath day). So do something nice for your pet...and yourself...and check out this cd. Alternately, I would recommend Dean Evenson's equally pleasant "Forest Rain" cd."