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…and Love Rages On! by AOMUSIC
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In any album review, the music is the obvious focal point. However in the case of AOMUSIC, while the...In any album review, the music is the obvious focal point. However in the case of AOMUSIC, while the sound is clearly the focus, there is so much to share about the unique creative process and the intention behind it, that a review would be incomplete without shining a light on those aspects as well. Serving as a brief introduction or gateway, the word “AO” [e’i-o] comes from the ancient Polynesian language and means “pure light” or “all colors.” This second meaning is particularly descriptive as the music is a virtual rainbow of sound and soul.
To delve a bit deeper into what a rainbow sounds like coming out of your speakers, AOMUSIC has been described as “a pan-cultural acoustic fusion of musical texture from around the globe… a commonwealth of spirit and celebration.” The first comparative reference point that came to mind as I began listening is the music of Peter Gabriel – although not surprising since they site him as a major influence, along with the likes of Deep Forest, Afro Celt Sound System, and Adiemus.
AOMUSIC is comprised of three primary collaborators, Richard Gannaway (stringed instruments and vocals), Jay Oliver (keyboards and synth samples), and Miram Stockley (vocals) who is also the voice of the aforementioned group Adiemus. Their collective recording industry credits are impressive to say the least, and include having worked with Sheryl Crow, The Eagles, Celine Dion, Bonnie Raitt, Chaka Khan, Mike Oldfield, Freddie Mercury and Brian May of Queen, and many others. Miram’s creatively layered vocals, which have sometimes been compared to Enya – although distinctly different and exquisitely enchanting in their own expression, can also be heard on the “Lord Of The Rings” film soundtrack. The group had the honor of being asked to compose music for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. There are also a number of other associate producers and musicians who add their hues to the rainbow.
One of the most distinctive and integral facets in the sound of AOMUSIC is the inclusion of a variety of children’s choirs from around the globe. On this CD there are five different choirs representing South Africa, China, and The Republic Of Georgia, as well as the US. Lyrics are often a variety of ancient languages or carefully crafted phonetics, chosen for their “shape.” While there are diverse musical elements and cultures represented, there is one overriding message of the album and of the group: “AOMUSIC is the spirit, color and timbre of global oneness. “
In addition to highlighting the children’s musical contribution on the album, AOMUSIC is committed to this goal: “ to establish a non-profit foundation to benefit all the choirs” and to promote the value of music in their curriculums to give them skills and a focus towards a better future, especially in countries where children have been displaced by war, natural disaster, or political unrest.
With regard to their creative process, in an increasingly familiar hallmark of the digital age, the three principle artists are rarely together in the same place at the same time. In their words, “ we compose as three musicians in three different cities, in three studios. Ricky (Richard) creates the base of the song form, sometimes mocking it up with one of the children’s choruses, other times leaving it blank for Miriam to write her own chorus. Then Richard brings it to Jay, whom he refers to as “the maestro”, who augments harmonies and joins in producing a template for Miriam to design her vocals.”
What all this adds up to is a sound that, while it has its influences, is unique and speaks its own creative language. This album, “…and Love Rages On!” is less ambient than their previous two releases, and features powerful driving percussion and rhythmic tracks that uplift the spirit and get your head nodding and foot tapping as well. Beautifully crafted electronic textures and earthy stringed instruments blend with the groove and the vocal tracks to create a sound that “is derived from the purity of primitive world culture… and at the same time, is presented within a palette of modern timbre and production.” One thing I particularly enjoy is the way vocals and choirs are sometimes processed with digital effects to add a whole different dimension to their sonic signature.
AOMUSIC is a magical merging of accomplished professional musicians and blossoming young talent, and according to the group, “the goal is to never stray from a sense of purity and innocence. The childlike spirit must remain within every piece, isolated or together. It’s about a collective spirit.” This album is majestic in its vision and magnificent in its presence, promoting a message of urgent relevance for our times.
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Global Groove, World Fusion and Pure Joy: AO Music releases …And Love Rages On!
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Los Angeles, CA (February 15, 2011) — One World, One People, One Voice: the message is in the music...Los Angeles, CA (February 15, 2011) — One World, One People, One Voice: the message is in the music of ….and Love Rages On! With their new album, released today, AO Music have created a collection of global grooves that manage to be both soothing and propulsive. The music’s cinematic sweep and an impressive dynamic range combines booming, percussive cadences from all over the world with melodic vocal and instrumental interludes – recorded in real time by real musicians — and the sounds of children’s choirs from the United States, South Africa, China and the Republic of Georgia.
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In his review of the new album, veteran music reviewer Michael Diamond wrote, “This album is majestic in its vision and magnificent in its presence, promoting a message of urgent relevance for our times.”
AO is an ancient Polynesian word that can mean either “pure light” or “all colors.” It’s a world that fits perfectly with the mission of the group’s four principals — singer/string instrumentalist/composer Richard Gannaway, keyboard, synth player/composer Jay Oliver, singer/composer Miriam Stockley and co-producer Sandeep Chowta – who collaborate with the goal of creating universally hybrid sounds that span continents and cultures.
Miriam Stockley’s contributions on this nine-song collection stand out brilliantly as one who has now been a member of the group for seven years. Her signature vocal sound is beautifully compatible with the universal soundscapes created by Gannaway and Oliver, and her performances are stellar. Co-founder Richard Gannaway said, “Miriam’s following from her days with Adiemus will be beyond pleased with this new collaboration, and new listeners will fall in love with her world-class voice and style.”
Gannaway and Oliver have been refining the sound of AO Music for more than a decade and composed theme music for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. One of those tracks, “On Jai Ya” provides the music “bed” for the Project Peace on Earth video promoting the urgency of the world peace concert slated for 11-11-11 in Manger Square, Bethlehem; the video is also narrated by Stockley. AO Music enlisted Stockley after hearing her voice in Karl Jenkins’ double-platinum selling Adiemus project. She also helped compose the music on ….and Love Rages On! Sandeep Chowta, a producer and composer with deep roots in Indian music, recruited and recorded the Indian musicians that contribute to the album’s international ambience. The album also includes key contributions by top-notch musicians Andy Georges, George Bernardo, Doug Lunn and more.
Clearly, the use of children’s choirs is an important part of AO Music’s sound, and last week, AO Music and HavServe.org announced an alliance to benefit children’s music programs in Haiti. In the first stage of the alliance, AO Music will direct their fans to HavServe’s secure fundraising location, here on FirstGiving.org, in an effort to raise $5000 to launch a pilot program for which Gannaway will travel to Haiti to work with the children and to capture the uniquely joyous sound of Haitian music. Ultimately, HavServe’s goal is to repeat the music program in villages throughout Haiti on an ongoing basis to focus and uplift the tens of thousands of children displaced by the earthquake in 2010. Within five years, the partners resolved to create a “best of the best” Haitian children’s choir to perform with other choirs throughout the world on future AO Music albums. The organizations are using a customized AO Music page and widgets from the secure fundraising site Firstgiving.org to safely collect and track donations.
….and Love Rages On! expands and enriches the ambitious vision Gannaway and Oliver introduced on Twirl and Grow Wild. They continue to move toward a musical expression that incorporates the sounds of rock, folk, world and new age music.
If you like music that defies genres — in the vein of Afro Celt Sound System, Deep Forest, Sacred Spirit, B-Tribe, Peter Gabriel, Enigma, Scala, Transglobal Underground or Yanni’s later work — then you’ll appreciate the sound of AO Music’s new release …And Love Rages On!
See AO Music’s new “Ena Na Lena” music video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYL_DYOVpZM&feature=autoplay&list=ULQBHt5VHWPFw&index=5&playnext=1
About AOMUSIC:
AOMUSIC – ”music for a new eon” – includes musicians Richard Gannaway, Jay Oliver and Miriam Stockley, who collectively have worked with Sheryl Crow, The Eagles, Freddie Mercury, George Michael, Chaka Khan, Jimmy Buffett, Celine Dion, Bonnie Raitt, Chick Corea, Dave Weckl & many more. Key contributing artists include Sandeep Chowta, Andy Georges, George Bernardo, Doug Lunn, and various children’s choirs throughout the world. Their latest album “…and Love Rages On!” is released in February 2011; all three of their albums are available from the AO Music website, Burnside Distribution Corporation in the U.S., and Silenzio Music in Europe. Their music is also available worldwide under “AO Music” on iTunes, CDBaby and Amazon.
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AOMUSIC and HavServe Unite to Support the Children in the Villages of Haiti
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AOMUSIC and HavServe Unite to Support the Children in the Villages of Haiti
Innovative non-profit...AOMUSIC and HavServe Unite to Support the Children in the Villages of Haiti
Innovative non-profit organization plans comprehensive music program to aid youth in Haiti's villages; world/fusion group AO Music is among first to pledge fundraising and hands-on support.
Asheville, NC, February 09, 2011 --(PR.com)-- On the eve of their third album release, AO Music’s founder Richard Gannaway announced an alliance with the non-profit HavServe, founded by Carline Brice, to support the organization’s music initiatives for the children of Haiti. AO Music’s new release "...and Love Rages On!" features several children’s choirs, but none from Haiti – yet.
Gannaway, whose works have fused the voices of children from around the world, sees this as a natural partnership. "I'm really inspired by the prospect of this campaign making a difference in Haiti’s villages," Gannaway, who is based in Asheville, NC, said, adding “The international presence of children in our compositions has broadened in scope over the years, and often the choirs we encounter come from a cultural backdrop of challenge on several fronts - but none like Haiti. There is something extraordinary in the Haitian people - a tremendous spirit of prevailing that is tested time and again, seemingly without pause. Music and dance often become the great counterbalance to generations of adversity in a developing nation like this, and it is our honor to work with these children. Such blooms of joy and hope are what fuel the sound of AOMUSIC. HavServe's sustainable initiative in Haiti is hybrid and progressive, which we also strive to be; it’s a good fit all around."
HavServe supports sustainable development, one village at a time, through goal-oriented, volunteer-staffed projects aimed at empowering rural villagers. HavServe recognizes community-based development as a moral, strategic, and economic imperative and fully embraces the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as an effective benchmark for improving a country through its villages.
Brice, based in Silver Springs, MD, applauds this initiative by AO Music as an innovative partnership, stating, "It is my hope that this alliance can serve as a model and will inspire many other entertainment companies to get involved in similarly meaningful collaborations in the area of music, sports, and the arts in general, which enrich the lives of kids around the world."
In the first stage of the alliance, AO Music will direct their fans to HavServe’s secure fundraising location on FirstGiving.org, in an effort to raise $5000 to launch a pilot program for which Gannaway will travel to Haiti to work with the children and to capture the uniquely joyous sound of Haitian music. The organizations are using a customized AO Music page and widgets from the secure fundraising site Firstgiving.org to safely collect and track donations under the search-able page AOMusic4Haiti.
Ultimately, HavServe’s goal is to repeat the music program in villages throughout Haiti on an ongoing basis to focus and uplift the tens of thousands of children displaced by the earthquake in 2010. Within five years, the partners resolved to create a “best of the best” Haitian children’s choir to perform throughout the world, and to be featured on future AO Music albums.
Children’s choirs from around the world are an important element in AO Music’s unique world fusion sound, along with deep rhythmic textures and the dynamic multi-layered vocal tracks of Miriam Stockley. Their latest album “…and Love Rages On!” contains music from five children’s choirs, two in the United States and others in Africa, China, and The Republic of Georgia.
Beyond financial support, HavServe and AO Music also seek “Angel” volunteers with music expertise to help with on-site training in Haiti for a week or two at a time over the next few years. Equally important are donations in the form of new or used instruments, and music teaching materials like sheet music. Interested parties are welcome to contact Beth Hilton at The B Company for further details, or to visit the partner websites for more information.
Through his alliance with Musicians and Fine Artists for World Peace, HRH Prince Frederick von Saxe-Lauenberg, Royal Patron of HavServe, introduced the parties leading to this historic alliance between HavServe and AO Music. The B Company represents AO Music in public relations, and provides pro-bono publicity services to both Musicians and Fine Artists for World Peace (MFAWP) and HavServe.
"May I as Patron add my deep gratitude to Beth Hilton of The B Company and Richard Gannaway of AO Music for connecting with us at HavServe. The children are stars - an extraordinary constellation of youngsters who all radiate a limitless sense of energy with a zest and passion for life guided by their dreams for a better future. Their imaginations are fertile with aspirations of a world free from war, poverty, pollution and hunger," said von Saxe-Lauenberg, from his home in London, adding, "This project launched by AO Music to give Haitian children a chance -- to be heard singing their music by the wider world -- is to be saluted. I wish you all a successful and fruitful collaboration with Haiti and her children."
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http://www.havserve.org/music.php
http://www.aomusic.com
http://www.kyazanga.org/childrenoftheworld
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AOMUSIC - TWIRL
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AOMUSIC - TWIRL: Highly impressive world/electronic with some fantastic percussion undercurrents tha...AOMUSIC - TWIRL: Highly impressive world/electronic with some fantastic percussion undercurrents that will suck you in to it's vortex and spin you out as a newly "awakened" being (unless you're already caught up in the miasma of "mindless" music that's so prevalent on today's .mp3 players)... If you're already seeking music that's a cut above the pap served up on today's AM (& even FM) channels, though, you'll find this sonic adventure to your liking! We reviewed their "Grow Wild" CD many years ago in issue #41... They were impressive then & are even more-so on "TWIRL". The album is slated for an October 2008 release, so you'll want to go to their site, at www.aomusic.com/ (right now) & get yours... or download only the .mp3's that you enjoy most. One of the more energetic pieces is "Obayo", with a crisp vocal opener followed by excellent percussion that segues nicely into a very danceable piece of music. Rather than "world" (if I had to categorize their playing), I would term this as "universal" - but with the universe viewed from human minds open to possibility and hope... As I listen to this, hope is the feeling that courses through each and every composition (maybe Obama should be using this as his campaign theme. No matter what word you use, though, this CD will be well-received by your aural/mental channels... I give it our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as "PICK" of this issue for "most inspiring musical experience". Get more information at their site (above). Rotcod Zzaj
-ROTCOD ZZAJ, aka DICK METCALF - IMPROVIZATION NATION - issue #85
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AOMUSIC - new release - Twirl
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This music is like a variegated carpet which is unfolding before your eyes. You never imagined how m...This music is like a variegated carpet which is unfolding before your eyes. You never imagined how many different bright colors and unexpected nuances may be contained in what seems at first sight very simple compositions. And they are filled with positive energy. The new AOMUSIC release is a look at this world with wide open eyes and understanding that our world will change soon. This is awareness of fact that we all are children of a sole planet which is our common home. The music of the album “Twirl” carries the listener to a future society which will be free of violence and oppression by people against another.
Two founders of AOMUSIC, artists, composers and producers - Richard Gannaway (stringed instruments, vocals) and Jay Oliver (keyboards, synths, samples) joined Miriam Stockley (vocals) who was the voice of Karl Jenkins’ bestselling Adiemus project, composer and producer Sandeep Chowta and a cast of supporting artists and children’s choirs from India and China in order to create the unique musical palette of “Twirl”. They all form a special healing aura which uplifts the spirit and brings a desired joy to the listeners.
The abum “Twirl” is full of numerous exciting findings and interesting sound effects. One can feel a flight of creative fantasy in each track of this unusual project. The music of “Twirl” goes beyond limits and boundaries. It isn’t related to any particular genre. This is the music of free people for a future free world. AOMUSIC’s new release speaks all-human language and touches every heart regardless of nationality and musical preferences. It will undoubtedly illuminate your life.
SERGE KOZLOVSKY - INDEPENDENT MUSIC CRITIC - Minsk, Belarus
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AOMUSIC, Grow Wild
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AOMUSIC, Grow Wild: "It is infrequently that I come across (musical) energy this exciting! This CD f...AOMUSIC, Grow Wild: "It is infrequently that I come across (musical) energy this exciting! This CD features a duo, Richard Gannaway and Jay Oliver. There are some reviewers/listeners who might lump this in with some broad category like "world beat" or "new age," I suppose. What an absolute disservice they would be doing to the public. This is, quite simply, some of the most astonishing and beautiful music I have heard in years! If you came across the package in store racks, you might miss it, as it's a fairly nondescript insert. Once you open it, though, and begin reading their liners and history, you'd quickly realize that this IS the music of "light" with the potential to illuminate (and energize) millions who are living the life of the lost. Each piece is superbly crafted from various cultures around the world to raise your awareness of the connectivity we all share (whether we're prepared to deal with that or not). Lyrical mastery contributes, of course, but the composition is the key here, and AOMUSIC have that down PAT, people! It's not just an aimless swirl of rhythmic pabulum, either, this music ROCKS (no matter what the pace of the tune is). I'm impressed enough (and that takes something these days) to declare it the PICK of this issue for "best all around music"! No matter what your musical background/preference, I'm confident you'll agree. MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Let yourself GO... get wild... natural...free!"
-ROTCOD ZZAJ, aka DICK METCALF - IMPROVIZATION NATION - issue #41
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AOMUSIC- AO MUSIC Grow Wild CD
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AOMUSIC- AO MUSIC Grow Wild CD album shows the need for the world to be forever on the search for ne...AOMUSIC- AO MUSIC Grow Wild CD album shows the need for the world to be forever on the search for new music. You will hear the sounds of Africa, North & South America, Polynesia, Ireland and many other nations. But, as you listen, you begin to feel like a child again and create your own worlds to blend in with each new sound."
-RISING STAR REVIEW
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AOMUSIC - "Grow Wild"
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"Whatever these guys are smoking, I want some, 'cause this is some pretty groovy music from a place ..."Whatever these guys are smoking, I want some, 'cause this is some pretty groovy music from a place very much outside the world of mundane reality, "a place where music, color, form and movement blend into one expression"
-KIM BATES for ECLECTIC MUSIC
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AOMUSIC Grow Wild released 2000
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AOMUSIC Grow Wild released 2000 AO Music -" Eclectic World beat Pop **** (four stars) Flawless blend...AOMUSIC Grow Wild released 2000 AO Music -" Eclectic World beat Pop **** (four stars) Flawless blend of pop and world beat sprinkled with catchy haunting melodies. Don't be surprised if the tracks "Chameleon Makebelieve" and "Haumea" cross over into mainstream radio. Given their melodic pulsating groove, AOMUSIC also could conceivably strike a chord with the Dave Matthews audience."
CD PRODUCTION: 10
ARRANGEMENT: 10
MUSICIANSHIP: 10
BEST TRACK: "Chameleon Make Believe"
WORST TRACK: there are no bad tracks on this album
OVERALL RATING 10
-H.K. HILNER Issue # 41, May 2000
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AOMUSIC - Grow Wild (AO Music)
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AOMUSIC - Grow Wild (AO Music). Richard Gannaway & Jay Oliver, a pair of highly talented musicians, ...AOMUSIC - Grow Wild (AO Music). Richard Gannaway & Jay Oliver, a pair of highly talented musicians, paint a portrait of world sounds with various languages and ethereal melodies. It's a mélange of vocals and rhythms. What sets this apart is a sort of playfulness that invites listeners to wrap themselves in the rhythmic tapestries and turn on the imagination."
-KEN ROSENBAUM - THE BLADE
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AOMUSIC - CD- Grow Wild
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"Recently a couple of guys named Richard Gannaway and Jay Oliver decided to let their music grow wil..."Recently a couple of guys named Richard Gannaway and Jay Oliver decided to let their music grow wild on their first album. Their mission is nothing less than heroic. Using a healthy attitude for having fun with sound, they've created a unifying sound that can reach out to almost anyone."
"The fist step is to get people to engage their hearts again," Jay Oliver points out. "Art needs to promote positive thinking and energy. We're at a state in history when the world is changing more rapidly than ever before. We're becoming one people, one culture, tied together financially, with instantaneous Internet communications, sharing news and art, and questioning the old ways. We want our music to help people prepare for the changes, to let them know it's okay to embrace the changes."
Richard Gannaway says the group's mission is even simpler:
"We want each listener to walk away from this music with a deeper sense of dimensional freedom," "Children invent their own worlds around them everyday and, AOMUSIC will always present a very colorful palette that encourages that sort of playful imagination..." Through it all, AOMUSIC's spirit grows wild and infuses the lyrics with laughing dare, a challenge to use your imagination and find other worlds to explore. At other times, the songs of Grow Wild come to us almost as prayers.. The translation of the single verse does more to sum up the spirit of the album than any reviewer ever could.
-DARRYL RISER for Drakhan.com
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AOMUSIC, Grow Wild, 2000
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"The sounds are soothing, yet they crackle with life. An intriguing blend - world music, from a di...
"The sounds are soothing, yet they crackle with life. An intriguing blend - world music, from a different world. Each song is a brick in the big picture, the languages change but their meaning is clear."
-by JOHN BERRETT for SHORT TAKES
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AOMUSIC - "Grow Wild"
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"According to the musical duo AOMUSIC, the evolution of the world requires new music that pulls soun..."According to the musical duo AOMUSIC, the evolution of the world requires new music that pulls sounds and words from many places, cultures and peoples. On their debut album, Grow Wild, AOMUSIC creates global music that resonates with a natural musical geometry, giving their sound a primal, timeless instinctive universality. "We'd like the listener to be loosened from any imposed restrictions of what is possible and feel invited to entertain a new story, says AOMUSIC's Richard Gannaway."
-JIM MATHEOS for SEDONA GOOD TIMES
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Review of Aomusic's 2011 album release "...and Love Rages On!"
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(24 April 2011) Lately, it's been sad to see the pulse of the music business becoming faster and fas...(24 April 2011) Lately, it's been sad to see the pulse of the music business becoming faster and faster all the time, inevitably leading to the fact that many record labels tend to release everything in a hurry, so that the music is meaningless single-use-only music, without putting the music itself and its quality first. But, luckily, if one has some courage and a bit patience to wander a bit further than just the beginning of the vast "forest of music", one can find hidden gems that have only been waiting for someone willing to discover them.
One of these hidden gems is definitely a group called AO Music. With their debut album Grow Wild (2000), this highly talented and innovative group of musicians from across the world planted a "seed" that has been flourishing ever since, literally growing wild and free, and creating good mood worldwidely. And, since 2008 when AO Music's song "On Jai Ya" was selected as one of the "anthems" of the Beijing Summer Olympic Games, the musical "tree" that used to be only a small seed, has been growing and spreading its "branches" even further afield, thanks to not only the "chief music forestry officers" Jay Oliver and Richard Gannaway, but also to singer-songwriter Miriam Stockley as well as all the other "assisting music forest caretakers" who have been successfully nurturing this special musical "tree" with fresh, new ideas. Their second album Twirl (2009) is the first featuring Miriam Stockley's vocal work.
And, with the release of AO Music's third album ...And Love Rages On (2011), it seems obvious that the aforementioned musical "tree" keeps just growing and growing, as the musical "forestry team" has once again been able to find all the correct ingredients that have enabled the development of the "tree". Each "branch" of the musical "tree" has grown unique and different of course, with a bit of Celtic breeze in one "branch" and a bit African in another for example, but still everything is in perfect balance so that none of the "branches" suffer from overgrowth due to too much of a certain type of "musical fertilizers"!
This exceptional versatility of the musical "tree" really enables the listener to choose the "branch" on which to sit and listen: One moment it can be the festive, almost celebratory "Gai Ya Lo Mane branch", whereas another time it can be something more gentle and perhaps a bit more melancholic such as the "Sheyu branch". Or, if one really wants to dance around the "forest", then there are the wild, hypnotic almost ever-ceasing "branches" such as "In Lake 'Ch" and "One Kaleo" from which to choose!
It is not easy to keep this kind of a rarity "alive and well", but if one has such skillful people as Jay, Richard and Miriam around to do it, one can be sure that the "musical tree" will keep growing and doing just what it is meant to do: To spread joy, to provide cool, calm shade for reflection, and to bring together people from across the world in order to celebrate the power of music--the power that keeps this world turning! --Suvi Kaikkonen in Oulu, Finland and Russ Elliot in New York
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…and Love Rages On! by AOMUSIC
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In any album review, the music is the obvious focal point. However in the case of AOMUSIC, while the...In any album review, the music is the obvious focal point. However in the case of AOMUSIC, while the sound is clearly the focus, there is so much to share about the unique creative process and the intention behind it, that a review would be incomplete without shining a light on those aspects as well. Serving as a brief introduction or gateway, the word “AO” [e’i-o] comes from the ancient Polynesian language and means “pure light” or “all colors.” This second meaning is particularly descriptive as the music is a virtual rainbow of sound and soul.
To delve a bit deeper into what a rainbow sounds like coming out of your speakers, AOMUSIC has been described as “a pan-cultural acoustic fusion of musical texture from around the globe… a commonwealth of spirit and celebration.” The first comparative reference point that came to mind as I began listening is the music of Peter Gabriel – although not surprising since they site him as a major influence, along with the likes of Deep Forest, Afro Celt Sound System, and Adiemus.
AOMUSIC is comprised of three primary collaborators, Richard Gannaway (stringed instruments and vocals), Jay Oliver (keyboards and synth samples), and Miram Stockley (vocals) who is also the voice of the aforementioned group Adiemus. Their collective recording industry credits are impressive to say the least, and include having worked with Sheryl Crow, The Eagles, Celine Dion, Bonnie Raitt, Chaka Khan, Mike Oldfield, Freddie Mercury and Brian May of Queen, and many others. Miram’s creatively layered vocals, which have sometimes been compared to Enya – although distinctly different and exquisitely enchanting in their own expression, can also be heard on the “Lord Of The Rings” film soundtrack. The group had the honor of being asked to compose music for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. There are also a number of other associate producers and musicians who add their hues to the rainbow.
One of the most distinctive and integral facets in the sound of AOMUSIC is the inclusion of a variety of children’s choirs from around the globe. On this CD there are five different choirs representing South Africa, China, and The Republic Of Georgia, as well as the US. Lyrics are often a variety of ancient languages or carefully crafted phonetics, chosen for their “shape.” While there are diverse musical elements and cultures represented, there is one overriding message of the album and of the group: “AOMUSIC is the spirit, color and timbre of global oneness. “
In addition to highlighting the children’s musical contribution on the album, AOMUSIC is committed to this goal: “ to establish a non-profit foundation to benefit all the choirs” and to promote the value of music in their curriculums to give them skills and a focus towards a better future, especially in countries where children have been displaced by war, natural disaster, or political unrest.
With regard to their creative process, in an increasingly familiar hallmark of the digital age, the three principle artists are rarely together in the same place at the same time. In their words, “ we compose as three musicians in three different cities, in three studios. Ricky (Richard) creates the base of the song form, sometimes mocking it up with one of the children’s choruses, other times leaving it blank for Miriam to write her own chorus. Then Richard brings it to Jay, whom he refers to as “the maestro”, who augments harmonies and joins in producing a template for Miriam to design her vocals.”
What all this adds up to is a sound that, while it has its influences, is unique and speaks its own creative language. This album, “…and Love Rages On!” is less ambient than their previous two releases, and features powerful driving percussion and rhythmic tracks that uplift the spirit and get your head nodding and foot tapping as well. Beautifully crafted electronic textures and earthy stringed instruments blend with the groove and the vocal tracks to create a sound that “is derived from the purity of primitive world culture… and at the same time, is presented within a palette of modern timbre and production.” One thing I particularly enjoy is the way vocals and choirs are sometimes processed with digital effects to add a whole different dimension to their sonic signature.
AOMUSIC is a magical merging of accomplished professional musicians and blossoming young talent, and according to the group, “the goal is to never stray from a sense of purity and innocence. The childlike spirit must remain within every piece, isolated or together. It’s about a collective spirit.” This album is majestic in its vision and magnificent in its presence, promoting a message of urgent relevance for our times.
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AOMUSIC, …And Love Rages On!
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Spiritually powerful and jubilant enough to scour your soul clean, …And Love Rages On! from worldmus...Spiritually powerful and jubilant enough to scour your soul clean, …And Love Rages On! from worldmusic trio AOMUSIC caught me entirely by surprise. It’s a robust, joyful disc driven by thundering drums and the heavenly heights of singer Miriam Stockley’s voice. (Stockley is the voice behind the act Adiemus.) Backed by Richard Gannaway on strings and vocals and Jay Oliver on keys and synths, Stockley varies between actual lyrics and sound-chants that neatly transcend the need for words. When Stockley sings, feeling takes over and you purely understand the intent. Of course, the pieces with actual lyrics work, too. “In Lake’ch” takes its title from a Mayan greeting and explains, by translation and a smoothly serpentine tune, that it means “I am another you.” “Ena Na Lena,” if I’m reading correctly, pulls together Gaelic, Swedish and Polynesian to chant “Little flame, my flower of light.” “Sheyu” carries a call for peace and beauty, and does so peacefully and beautifully. Stockley is not alone here, vocally. Gannaway’s voice comes in as a nice lower counter to Stockley’s hawk-circle registers on “Sheyu,” “Tio Da Ye” and “Ena Na Lena.” Sounds drift in from all over the globe in the nine tracks here. Pennywhistles vie with didgeridoos; harp sounds trade licks with guitars; drums of all kinds kick through to lay down the base and set listeners grooving. (You will be excused if you leap up to dance during “One Kaleo,” where the Children’s Choir of Beijing sings–about Little Red Riding Hood, believe or not–over a fast, funky riff.) Celtic songs nudge against African rhythms and Middle Eastern structures. Children’s choirs from around the world fill out the sound–and it all comes together in a sort of musically utopian stew. …And Love Rages On! keeps its upbeat tone going strong through an all-too-brief 45 minutes. It passes quickly, and you’ll likely be inclined to give it another go-round. But first take a moment as the disc ends to feel the way it’s worked its way inside you, the way it feels like it’s left a little extra power in your spirit, a little more hope in your soul. This is vibrant, feel-good New Age music that has grown on me and affected me more with every fresh listen.
Available from the AOMUSIC web site.
supersonic
