JAMES NIHAN: Rays of Light

James Nihan

Rays of Light

© 2003 James Nihan (783707768922)

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Award-winning Songwriter and Artist of the Spirit carries a message of Light through song. Positive, poetic, New Thought, Toltec, Native American and recovery-related describe these inspired creations.

notes

Where did these songs come from? Well, after working in the Nashville songwriting business for fourteen years, I took a sabbatical from 1998-2001. I'd grown tired of writing the "radio-friendly" commercial songs with their twisted cliches.

During the winter months of 2001, I began to write again. I was only willing to take pen in hand to speak the truth from my heart. In the spring, I began to collaborate with recording artist/songwriter ("Angels Among Us") Becky Hobbs on a project based on the life of Nancy Ward, "Last Beloved Woman of the Cherokees". Becky is a descendent of this respected woman who lived in the latter half of the 18th century and into the next. They say that when she (born "Wild Rose") died, a light arose from her body, became a bird and flew out the door of the cabin. Anyway, Becky and I wrote a song or two and, when we put the project on the back burner for awhile, I couldn't stop writing. I am part Native Canadian and I continued to focus on First Nation themes. "Storyteller" was written at this time. It soon gained recognition nationally as a poem.

Then, in late August, I attended a workshop in New York on the book "The Four Agreements", written by don Miguel Ruiz. I learned that I alone was responsible for whether my light shines or not. For too long I had allowed resentments to cloud my vision. And so now I made the decision to let them go...to bury the old story and begin a new one.

Back in Tennessee, the process continued. Inspiration was everywhere I looked, both outside and within. As I wrote, red-tailed hawks circled and hummingbirds were ever present. Great-horned owls crossed my path at night, reminding me of transformation. At times, I did not know where the lyrics came from. All I could do was feel humbled and thank the Creator for letting me hold the pen. My friend, Roberto Paez, suggested that perhaps my purpose here is to be a messenger. Long ago, when I was eighteen, I had considered the idea but, however hopeful and altruistic I was in those younger days, I had no message. And so that dream slept for a long, long time. These songs represent an awakening. They are about healing and loving and dying and living in the moment with faith and gratitude. They are not written for accolades. They say what they say, they are what they are. You may like them or dislike them. You are welcome to feel whatever you wish. I simply take my joy in delivering them.
I wish you love, peace and light. - James

Lyric sample from "I Am An Artist":
I am an artist with a palette in my hand
All the colors of the rainbow are at my command
I stand before a canvas the color of the night
I reach out to the darkness and I only paint the light

Lyric sample from "Storyteller":
All my relations, they are standing in a row
Like stalks of corn across the fields of time to long ago
I want to see the shawl dance, I want to hear the drum
I won't know where I'm going if I don't know where I'm from

Lyric sample from "A Ray of Light":
If all six billion rays of light
Were all turned on one single night
This world would be a brighter place
The darkness would be gone
'Cause how could anybody hate
The same time they illuminate
I have to think they'd have to love
The ones they're shining on

Lyric sample from "Sister Mitote":
Sister mitote, mi niña del sol
The dreamer inside you is taking control
Shifting and lifting the veil of your mind
Changing the laws that have kept you confined
Turning your fears into feathers of flight
Quick as the burst of the first morning light
Creating the dream that is heaven on earth
Feeling the love you were given at birth
As you seek perfection, becoming aware
Sister mitote, you're already there

Lyric sample from "Sacred Hoop":
Medicine awaits you in a circle made of stone
Great Spirit's there to hear your prayer
And blessings will be shone
Rays of light are just as bright when you close your eyes
You can see eternity...nothing ever dies

(For more biographical information and to read more lyrics of these songs visit James' website)

reviews

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  • Truly inspirational as well as educational
    author: Ray of Light

    James' work is truly a message from the Creator. His lyrics speak to all of us and need to be spread out beyond the "New Age" community, especially the Children.....His music heals the soul and spirit. James' you have been given a wonderful gift and you truly are using it wisely. Namaste, Diane Donato

  • Wonderful soulful music
    author: Sheri Rosenthal

    This is a heartfelt expression of a very special man. Anyone on a spiritual path looking for music that supports their personal growth...this is it.

  • Inspiring poetry and beautiful music
    author: June Stratton

    Upon hearing James sing some songs from this CD, I knew I needed to have a copy of these inspiring lyrics and beautiful music. I just purchased another copy for a friend who is a minister. Indeed, these are songs to share.

  • author: Ted & Peggy Raess, Toltec Mentors

    'Rays of Light' is an amazing testament to the power of faith and love. James Nihan has taken the essence of his spiritual practice and transformed it into a unique musical expression that gives the listener an experience of his transformation into a world of magical joy and mystical love. A personal album that you feel as much as you hear.

  • author: Ted & Peggy Raess, Toltec Mentors

    'Rays of Light' is an amazing testament to the power of faith and love. James Nihan has taken the essence of his spiritual practice and transformed it into a unique musical expression that gives the listener an experience of his transformation into a world of magical joy and mystical love. A personal album that you feel as much as you hear.

  • author: Lynne Patrice, a Fellow Traveller on the Path of Remembering

    James has the ability to connect with the true nature of spirit through his songs.

  • "A wonderfully inspiring collection"
    author: - Lucas S Van Orden, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist and Addictionologist

    "What a wonderfully inspiring collection of recovery songs! "Very moving…the words and message are crystal-clear. James consistently connects with my spirit in a way few musicians do. How true his thanks to our Creator: 'If you whisper it, I will write it'. I will use his music often in my own healing work."

  • A Reflection of Joy
    author: Millie McDonnell - Wild Horse Studio

    James Nihan has given birth to a beautiful CD. Rays of Light is Music as Medicine-healing through the instrument of Musician, as Medicine-man healer. The rhythmns and meodies reflect the joy of living and the interrelatedness of all life. - Listen carefully...you will hear a"red-tailed hawk flying by", the wind blowing through the tall grasses, the water rippling gently in the sunshine and the hoofbeats of wild ponies galloping in the moonlight, Thank you James. Mitakuye Oasin!

  • Filled with beauty and humanity; people need to hear these songs!
    author: Len Crossman

    Spirit and humanity shimmer in this beautiful cd.Words and sounds and music combine into a higher dimension of communication.And it is a dimension brimming with love,honesty and healing. I'm amazed by what James Nihan has done here.

  • James spirit shines through.
    author: Dede Beasley - Equine Assisted Psychotherapist

    As soon as I heard “Rays of Light”, I was using it in my equine therapy workshop. James' spirit shines through --- a definite Ray of Light!

  • His words are a source of strength.
    author: Yvonne Capps, LADAC

    This CD is a healing tool for clinicians. Listeners are challenged to acknowledge ways they hold themselves hostage. James is a brilliant writer and his words are a source of strength for caregivers and mentors who endeavor to be mirrors in the lives of others.

  • I have listened and I am awed.
    author: Lin Church, MSSW CMSW - Life Changes Consultant

    As I listened to "I Am An Artist", I cried. Truth and beauty bring tears. James is a storyteller. More than that, James is a wisdom-gatherer and shares the message. All it takes is for one to listen. I have listened and I am awed.

  • A portrait of where love lives.
    author: Jean Pumphrey - Literary Director, Marin Poetry Center

    In the songs of James Nihan we enter a world of artistry in which words seem painted as much as sung. Here is a poet's voice painting in sound and image a portrait of where love lives.

  • A beautiful tribute...
    author: Allan Hardman, Toltec Master & Mentor

    ...to the heart that opens in you. I heard myself singing “Sister Mitote” when I got up this morning.

  • An entire album of songs to live your life by.
    author: Thom Rutledge - Author of "Embracing Fear"

    You will have your money's worth with James Nihan's new album when you hear my favorite song: "A Ray of Light." I am wearing that one out like I used to as a kid when I got the latest 45. "A Ray of Light" is a simple and beautiful song to live our lives by. Then, on a whim, I thought, what the hell, I'll just listen to the rest of the CD. (I'm nothing if not a risk-taker.) Guess what? You will have your money's worth when you listen to my other favorite song, "Storyteller," or when you listen to "Love or Fear," a tender duet with Dawn Zurlinden, or to "Don't Take It Personally," the opening track, or to the last song, "Golden Eagle." Well, you get the idea: you will get far more than your money's worth when you buy Rays of Light. This collection is as full of wisdom as it is full of beautiful, heart-felt music conveyed with Nihan's unique and resonant voice. (You feel his voice in your heart --- really, I'm not kidding.) In fact, Rays of Light is an entire album of songs to live your life by. Not a bad one in the bunch.

  • Awsome lyrics and enchanting melodies!
    author: Becky Hobbs - Songwriter/Recording Artist

    When I sat down to listen to "Rays of Light," it took me away...to a place more loving and forgiving. Awesome lyrics and enchanting melodies...James Nihan's songs are uplifting and inspiring, the mark of a truly great artist!

  • A loving tribute to the power of transformation!
    author: Roberto Paez, Toltec teacher

    James Nihan has created a refreshingly honest and moving memoir, a chronicle of awakening to the sweetness of life. The words in these songs will seem familiar to anyone who’s taken the Toltec path to heart. Each song shimmers with a light and warmth of its own. Like a gentle fire, like a true and trusted friend, they have the power to bring you home. Listen and remember.

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