Raj Manoharan (www.rajmanreviews.blogspot.com)
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The RajMan Review
On his latest album, Ph.D. psychologist and musical therapist Michael Brant DeMaria sets out on a sonic exploration of the inner depths of human consciousness and existence.
He explains in the liner notes that the title of the CD is a Sanskrit word that can refer to a moment of creation or awakening, and the musical motif he has constructed is certainly in keeping with that theme.
DeMaria builds layers of sound including flutes, keyboards, and synthesizers, creating a somber, almost ominous mood that fosters deep inner reflection. These serious, intricate textures gradually build to a crescendo, resulting in moments that seem to be the musical equivalent of liberating self-realization. This gives the music the feel of the dark before the dawn.
The album’s moody lyricism engenders a foreboding sense of anticipation that finds cathartic release in the CD’s bright moments, making it ideal for meditation, reflection, and introspection.
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Kathy Parsons
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From MainlyPiano
"Bindu" is the fourth release in Michael Brant DeMaria’s “Healing Sound Project” and was 1 1/2 years in the making. DeMaria recently received his fourth Grammy nomination, and I would expect "Bindu" to earn him his fifth in 2012. Demaria’s previous albums have explored outer nature as a place of healing, but "Bindu" is an exploration of our deepest inner nature. Dr. DeMaria further states: “As a 30 year practitioner and teacher of meditation I have learned one of the most effective ways for us to take care of ourselves and our world is by quieting our minds and opening our hearts to the miracle of this moment, this life and each other. That is what Bindu is about for me.” The title is a Sanskrit word that means “point” and is often used to signify the moment of creation in both a universal (origin of the universe) and deeply personal sense (any moment of creativity). The sound quality of this album is amazing for its clarity, warmth, and effectiveness in creating an atmosphere for deep self-exploration. DeMaria composed and performed all of the music as well as doing the graphic design for the project. The artwork is bold, dramatic, and very beautiful, as is the music. Although the album presents a journey and a progression, each of the ten tracks is distinctive and tells its own story through the use of ambient sounds, keyboards, Native American flutes, and voices.
"Bindu" begins with “The Way Beyond,” an invitation to find the path beyond oneself on the journey within. Keyboards, Native American flutes, and light hand percussion are hypnotic and welcoming, and the lively tempo is upbeat. “Journey Within” goes much deeper, with the sound of slow but powerful breathing, angelic voices, and mysterious, ambient instrumentation. Breathing from the heart continues in “Anahata,” accompanied by haunting voices and feelings of vast openness and effortless movement. I really love this one! “Twilight” is a bit more piano-based, with a simple but lovely melodic line, a gentle rhythm, and ethereal voices. A Native flute joins about half-way in, sharing the melody and adding its own poignant quality. “Journey To Nowhere” evokes images of moving through vast, dark space, completely at ease, while taking in the beauty and wonder of it all. The title track brings us to the moment of creation. A bit more intense and mysterious, the exotic instrumentation and hypnotic rhythm wrap around the mind and spirit, drawing us in even deeper. Exuding a peaceful ambience, “Tripura Sundari” tells of passing through the Bindu and seeing all places, beings, and things bathed in a sacred light. “Turiya,” the closing track, goes “beyond the beyond,” melting into formless infinity.
If you are looking for music with strong traditional melodies and beats, "Bindu" might not work for you, but for a rich spiritual journey through inner exploration, I highly recommend it.
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Michael Diamond
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Review excerpt from Music and Media Focus
“Bindu” marks a subtle yet intriguing directional shift in Michael Brant DeMaria's music. While his 30 years as a practitioner and teacher of meditation have always been reflected in his music, his previous releases have had an earthy connection with the natural world, in contrast to this album which explores our inner nature with a more introspective ambience. Track 2, “Journey Within,” lives up to its’ name as we enter a more ambient soundscape of spacious electronica, choirs, and echoed bells. From this point on until much later in the album, we are journeying through musical dimensions where sonic textures and atmospheres take precedent over rhythms, reminding me of the kind of music often heard on Hearts Of Space or Echoes radio programs and some of the more ethereal sounds of artists like Steve Roach or Jonn Serrie. A lot of the music takes on the feel of a shamanic journey. Frequently throughout the course of the album, a deep reverberant exhale is heard, accentuating the meditative nature of the music. I found this to have a relaxing effect and it reminded me to focus on my breathing helping to create a deeper experience of this healing journey. One thing that stood out to me here, and has always impressed me on the three albums of Michael’s music that I have reviewed, is his impeccable sense of arrangement – the way every instrument and element is so perfectly placed and balanced.
I’ve been a huge fan of Grammy-nominated Michael Brant DeMaria. I have enjoyed everything I’ve heard by him, however, as someone with a particular affinity for atmospheric synthesizer music, I’d have to say that this is my favorite so far. As a psychologist, author, and speaker, Michael has a keen sense of the healing effect of music, which is beautifully reflected in his latest release, as it is in all his music. I’ve also felt good about recommending his albums since a portion of the proceeds have gone to supporting charitable causes such as wildlife rescue and recovery.
For a full length review of this CD, please visit: www.michaeldiamondmusic.com
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