The songs on The Promise CD are written and sung from the heart. The music reflects the growing philosophy and awareness of the Goddess culture, and the Celebration and Sacredness of life.
Originally, The Promise Cd was born as a collaborative donation to financially help a community of friends. I'd been donating funds for the group for years, the plans and the needs of the group were growing. In the fall of 1998 a dear friend asked me to give my songs to create a Cd so the sales could to help the financial needs of the community, and in the spirit of love and giving, I agreed. She'd take care of the business, accounting and artwork for the Cd, and I'd do the music and recording to create the Cd. Within Months, the musical recording of the Cd was finished. But, also, within months, while I was away, the community of friends became no more. What a shocking and sad surprise! Regardless, the purpose for the Creation of the Cd is still being fulfilled. The profits from the sales of the Cd go to groups, events, college students, Red Cross, etc... all over the USA.
In the summer of 2000, The Promise Cd became available online. Since then, Many of the songs on the Cd have remained in the top 40 in the World Folk Genre. The Promise, Title song held #2, and remained in the top 20 for a year!! All of the songs on the Cd, 'The Promise' have held positions in the top 100 positions of the Genre. We are grateful and feel honored that the music is liked, and we hope you like it to.
A little info on the songs:
1. One Power, opening and closing, came from information passed down for generations (as the story went), and was written for the opening and closing of our Circles. 2. Mothers eyes, was inspired by a friend, and acknowledges the Deity within us all. 3. The Promise song was written as I gazed at the beautiful view of the Ozark mountains and was a flow without effort as if from Mother Earth herself. 4. Petals of the Rose was originally written in 1995 as I sat in my silver studio contemplating the circle of life and the lyrics were tweaked for the Cd. 5. Dejavu was originally written in 1980, when I met a man I later I married, and the lyrics were tweaked for the Cd. 6. Love is your Magic was written with love and joy for the Marriage/Handfast of a beloved friend and the lyrics were tweaked for the Cd. 7. The Welcoming was written as a blessing to celebrate the joyful birth and life of my Goddess Daughter, Lucina. 8. The Apple, esoteric knowledge passed down for generations, (as the story went) flowed from my guitar and spirit within a few minutes while I sat with my guitar for a few quiet moments, in my kitchen.
Her second CD, The Golden Section, by Michelle Mays, was released in 2003. The songs are gleaned from the most requested songs from Michelle's live performances. Excluding Gently Johnny, a traditional song dating back to the 12th century, all of the songs are original works.
A single release, Selu, is the story of the Cherokee Earth Mother, as passed down through the years in Michelle's family, and an original song written by Michelle to honor Selu and the Cherokee People.
Her 3rd CD, Fireleap, by Michelle Mays, is scheduled to be released in September, 2005. Fireleap is a collection of traditional and original works, both in song and in chants for the celebration of Beltane. And will also be here on CD baby!
Michelle was raised in a musical family, and began performing and writing songs when she was a child. Currently she performs her Original music throughout the Midwest USA, at Pagan and Earth Spirit Gatherings and events. Michelle is in the process of writing a series of Albums to celebrate the wheel of the year in collaboration with Earth Spirit Music. http://www.earthspiritmusic.com
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A review of 'The Promise' CD, from Brian Sullivan of Emerald Rose, 3/4/2002---,
"She's like coffee and chocolate together...smooth, sweet, sensual - with an energizing kick! Michelle Mays may very well be one of the most talented folk singer/songwriters on MP3.com. Her easy going folk - pop sound is attractive and entertaining, mixing rich guitars with alluring keyboards and rock-steady percussion. Michelle has developed a smooth and sensual sound that is as incessant as the tide - you cannot help being pulled along with the flow of the music. Her husky voiced arrangements are captivating and soothing, complimented by rich harmonies and the sonic tapestries of the keyboards. Michelle's vocals are compelling, warm and vibrant, drawing the listener deep into each song. Her voice conveys a sense of balance and self-knowledge. It is dynamic and versatile, one minute a teacher, then a lost lover, a sister and friend, a priestess in high ritual. Michelle has done an excellent job in working with her band. The group is tight and talented, offering great harmony vocals and exceptional counterpoint in their instrumentation. Ernie Tullis does a remarkable job on the keys, creating an intricate foundation, yet never overreaching or obscuring the subtleties of the song. While Michelle is beautiful and talented, there is a deeper force evident in her music. This woman writes from a place of spiritual inspiration. Often teaching, but never preaching, Michelle writes of the Divine Feminine force and its' place in our lives. Her songs burn with an inner heat that warms the listener like a good campfire. Passion smolders in the beat and the voice, but a clarity of vision is expressed by her words. Insightful and well crafted, her original songs are folk anthems for a wise and gentle Goddess. Most highly recommended."
For more info on the outstanding Emerald Rose Band, http://www.emeraldrose.com/mainpage.htm:
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