Songs of faith, songs of transformation, songs that blaze a journey back to the heart and seed "the vision of a new dream" - this is the gift of "The Circle of Fire," the debut CD by singer-songwriter Cari Cole, inspired by the teachings of don Miguel Ruiz (NY Times best-selling author of "The Four Agreements") and released on Amber-Allen Publishing. An oasis of hope and healing that reflects a passion for life and the power of love, "The Circle of Fire" is like the voice of an angel lighting the depths of our soul through song.
A musical alchemy of classic original songwriting merging elements of pop, folk, rock, and jazz with a contemporary new age twist, Cari Cole interweaves her unique artistry, sonic vision, and poetry of spirit into an expansive work. Compelling vocals soar and illuminate with poignant melodies that feel profoundly familiar and make the heart yearn with recognition. Musical traces call to mind echoes of artists as diverse as Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Enya, and Celine Dion as if seamlessly spun into one. Cari Cole is a master singer with a voice that is distinctly her own, emanating a power and grace that is nothing less than magical.
"The Circle of Fire" is rich in instrumental texture but beautifully spacious, honoring the integrity of its songwriting, which is as timeless as groundbreaking works like Carole King's "Tapestry" or Joni Mitchell's "Blue". Producer Paul St. James has created a definitive soundscape for a music that transcends trend and a record that is highly accessible while remaining true to its authenticity and intent. Rooted by Cari's exquisite piano, acoustic guitar, and gorgeous vocals, and sculpted by the fretless bass work of Paul St. James and Larry Saltzman's ambient guitars, the CD hosts a spectrum of musical color in arrangements of violin, native American flute, and melodic drums and percussion that flow throughout.
"The Circle of Fire" embraces a wide audience with songs that are both universal and deeply personal all at once. It is a record that speaks to all time, but to our time especially now. The CD's title song is a musical composition created for The Circle of Fire Prayer written by Toltec Master don Miguel Ruiz. It is a call to our divinity and a call to dream, resonating like a great divining rod towards the road back to ourselves and each other. "The Circle of Fire" CD is an opus of love and Cari Cole is its 'soul singer', with a music that transforms the listener like gold through the flame, in songs of heaven on earth.
"Cari's music inspires us to live the vision of a new dream; the dream of heaven on earth". Don Miguel Ruiz, author of the NY Times bestselling book, The Four Agreements.
Originally from Minneapolis, Cari Cole has been a musician and songwriter for most of her life, exploring a variety of musical endeavors through her early beginnings - performing, leading, and collaborating with several well known New York bands. A former soloist in The Metro Mass Choir of New York City, she has performed at Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, and The Apollo Theatre and has shared the stage with legendary singers such as Cissy Houston and Martha Wash to name a few. Although she is best known as a vocalist and songwriter, Cari is also a versatile musician : playing piano, acoustic and electric guitars, dulcimer, and flute. In the teaching arts, she is regarded as one of the most notable in voice studies, working with four time Grammy Award winning recording artist Donald Fagen and the legendary band of JOURNEY among others.
"Beautiful Life", the first cut from The Circle of Fire record, joined Annie Lennox, Evanescence and Sarah McLachlan on the Grammy 2004 Nominations Ballot for the BEST FEMALE POP VOCAL PERFORMANCE!
Cari Cole, The Circle of Fire (© 2002 Amber-Allen/Thirst for Life)
NYRock.com, by Bill Ribas
You know, there are singers like Celine Dion, who belt out big pop hits like that "Titanic" number, and Enya, who makes big swoop
Read more...