Space-Time Continuum I'm With the Band By Sarah Stachura Who knew that Luzerne County contained an alternate universe? Ambient duo Rhan Wilson & Thoth used Sweet Valley as a launch pad for its debut CD, Space Gypsies. The 12-track CD was recorded in California, but arranged, edited, and assembled at Bethel Hill Studios. The album contains soaring violins, tribal drumbeats, chimes, birdcalls, haunting vocals, and, on track 5 ("Adrift in Space Debris"), the sound of a percolator. Good to the last cosmic drop? It's a matter of taste, for sure. These two have some heavy credentials under their belts (or in vocalist/violinist Thoth's case, gold-sequined loincloths). Rhan Wilson (percussion, guitars) is a woodworker, landscaper, and graphic designer. Thoth is the star of a 2002 Oscar-winning documentary short called (what else?) Thoth, and has appeared on The Tonight Show and The View. The album is a concept of sorts: Thoth and Wilson have devised their own creation theory for anyone who cares to listen. On tracks like "Mir Genesis," Thoth accompanies Wilson and the music with a spoken-word commentary ("Everything starts with darkness/There is nothing but darkness."). Stuff like "2GSS-77" (growling whispers half in gibberish, half in English) might be a little deep for some of us down here on murky old Earth. However, Thoth's violin is pretty damn magical. He manages to conjure up images of harems (track 3 is called "Ringing Planet Bellidanz," get it?), classical composers, and European folk dancers all at once. The crown jewel of Space Gypsies is a bouncing piece called "Collapse of a Blue Star." Now, I don't know about the reaction of light and gases, but that song could have the stuffiest of astronomers grooving along a black hole's edge. According to a national press release, Space Gypsies is 10 earth years in the making. Those who enjoy traveling at the speed of light can pick up a copy at www.cdbaby.com/all/wilsonr.

In this magnificent game of life, we often forget the true origin of who we are and The Well Of Souls, from which our spirit is drawn. In my role as ecstatic maestro, I try to bring people out of their pain, through art, music and dance, fostering a degree of healing, through the creative process. Rhan Wilson and SKTHOTH, in their work Space Gypsies, have done this and more. It is no burden to write about their beautiful work, but an honor. Often times I give something a hearing, maybe two, but this CD, a creation of these two wonderful artists, caused me to listen over and over, with eyes closed, as they carried me off to the sacred places; the universe and the origin of where the better me comes from. They both evoke great love from me for dispensing this good medicine. Space Gypsies is a feel good work, one that stirs imagination and touches spirit in the most delightful way, while taking one on a journey, rich in texture. The voice of THOTH and his Prayerformance has been known to produce divine intoxication. His voice and violin alone will set you free. This magnetic artist does have the gift and ability to draw one in, to share a few beautiful heartbeats within the astral. Bassist/Percussionist, Rhan Wilson adds to the sophistication of Space Gypsies with his beats, adding a new dimension of bliss. You can feel his energy bringing a light hearted aspect to this marvelous work. As the other half of this duo, Rhan brings out an even greater passion from SK THOTH. Some parts of it will make you tap your feet, laugh, perhaps even dance. Allow these cosmic travelers to take you away. One can only look forward to more work from the collaboration of Rhan Wilson and SK THOTH. The star point system would not work on this, so I must give them the sky, in praise, for their contribution to healing and happiness in my life with Space Gypsies. Please remember to support the artists that make our lives better through their work. Namaste.