Jami Sieber’s third album, Hidden Sky , will transport you to another realm, full of miniscule worlds from the first note of  “Maenam”. These musical worlds combine dark with light, war with peace, each interconnected yet separate. The darkness, reflected in the droning cries of her cello. The light in ethereal voices. This song draws you in and sets the mood for the entire album. From Thailand to Zimbabwe each element is perfectly created. While contemplative, it remains a delight to listen to and an escape from our mundane lives.

“Out of the Mist” continues with the addition of Light. The addition of strings and other percussion which glides over top over her cello . This begins the journey. Sunrise on the horizon as we begin the day. 

While working with several well known musicians, this collaboration includes our friends, the Mandlovu. The word means elephant in the Zimbabwean language of N”debele. Thai Elephant Orchestra appear in the songs “Sukhothai Rain” and “A Common Music”.  Jami recorded the elephants for these two beautifully mixed songs. Who knew elephants could drum or play xylophone? Jami understands the connection between elephants and all species.

If we started at sunrise, then “A Common Music” would be midday, when you look around you smell the foods, the incense, and smoke from the fires. You hear the music drifting through the streets as people and animals going about their day. You see this reticulation of all life from overhead. 

Relax after the day with “In the Silence”. Drift away on beautiful voice and soothing melody.

Overall, my favorite tracks are “A Common Music”, “Hidden Sky”, and “Mandlovu Mind”. The title track, “Hidden Sky” is a perfect example of simplicity and complexity working in harmony to set the stage for “Mandlovu Mind”. The unique phrasing and chant like quality will reach in and grab your soul.

She wrote of the atrocities of war and the hopes for the future. A recent trip to the Balkans had moved her to create “Arms of the Mother”. 

This is a must for anyone who seriously considers themselves a world music fan. I highly recommend this album to anyone looking for a relaxing yet energizing sojourn. Where most people write songs, Jami creates masterpieces!
 


Reviewed by Beth A “Wytchskate” Kelley
Pagan Radio Network:  www.PaganRadio.net
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The music was played, recorded, mixed and mastered on a really high level. Apart from these technical aspects it's just wunderful to listen to. The Tailand Elephant Orchestra was a superb idea to integrate into this orchestral flowing piece of art!

Finally apart from all that I love the fact that Jami seems to be a really nice person. I just told her via email that I liked the music and received a great answer one day after.

Very nice.
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There are two things I love about jami sieber: 1) her virtuosity on the electric cello--absolutely lovely sound--and that of her collaborators; 2) her joyous spirituality, which fills her music with an exhilarating sense of freedom, and with joy, a great depth of joy that combines the profound peace and great celebration. I feel both moved and very happyp whenever I listen to it.
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The energy that permeates the music and information about how it came to be feels so good, so calming and moving. Thank you for sharing this amazing project! I would love to someday take part in one of your tours.
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