The Soul Wakes - Rumi In Song

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Michael London performs in concert, at workshops and conferences, and in support of sacred rituals. He is also a teacher of leadership, communications, group dynamics, and diversity at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Michael records his original compositions in the meditative space of his own recording studio. He also works with Group Motion, a Philadelphia based collaboration of dancers and musicians. Featured on this album are: Michael London - musical explorations, guitars, vocals, Tibetan bells, guitar synthesizer, percussion; Phyllis Chapell - vocals on tracks 2, 3, 7, 12; Paul Butler - sax, clarinet, wood flute on tracks 1, 3, 4; Bob Kline - shakuhachi, flute on tracks 7, 8, 12.

Album Description
I am deeply touched by the poetry of Jelaluddin Rumi, a 13th century Sufi poet whose work is infused with his profound relationship with the divine. My own encounter with Rumi has been a life changing inspiration that has moved me to create music and songs with his magical words at the center. Many of these pieces came through meditation and improvisation, and were composed and refined over time. In staying true to the essence of Rumi’s spirit, I wanted the music to be immediate - born in a state of flow and carrying that loving energy to others as they experience the words and music together in a new way.

In performing these songs, I’ve been struck by the incredible chemistry that happens. The words and music seem to be a channel for each other, the room becomes alive and all of us in it wake up. That they can connect with us so effortlessly and completely is both a testament to the translators, and to the exquisite beauty, soul and power of the work, originally written in Farsi.

I want to thank Coleman Barks, Jonathan Star and Kabir Helminski for their inspiring translations; and to Michael for his generosity in offering his exquisite illustrations. I thank Phyllis, for her hauntingly beautiful voice; Paul, for his soulful reeds; and Bob, for the wonderful serenity of his flute. I thank Jamey Reilly for his selfless guidance and beautifully attuned design; and Anne for her deeply personal photography. I thank my friends, colleagues and students for keeping me vibrant and passionate and schooling me on poetry, dance and collaboration. Above all, I thank Lisa for her loving presence, poetic soul and insistence that this music be heard. All have supported this project in ways too countless to imagine.

Tracks:

The Reed
A Thousand Robes of Wisdom
What is the Soul?
The Material World
Breathe Into Me
Refuge
Gone to the Unseen
The Ruby and the Sunrise
The Soul Wakes
Courage
The Springtime of Lovers
This is Your Home

Album Description

I am deeply touched by the poetry of Jelaluddin Rumi, a 13th century Sufi poet whose work is infused with his profound relationship with the divine. My own encounter with Rumi has been a life changing inspiration that has moved me to create music and songs with his magical words at the center. Many of these pieces came through meditation and improvisation, and were composed and refined over time. In staying true to the essence of Rumi's spirit, I wanted the music to be immediate - born in a state of flow and carrying that loving energy to others as they experience the words and music together in a new way.

In performing these songs, I've been struck by the incredible chemistry that happens. The words and music seem to be a channel for each other, the room becomes alive and all of us in it wake up. That they can connect with us so effortlessly and completely is both a testament to the translators, and to the exquisite beauty, soul and power of the work, originally written in Farsi.

Customer Reviews:

The Soul Wakes.......2005-08-17