gazing into the infinite cosmic abyss

I ran across a very interesting comment via Reddit a while ago that stated 'instead of looking up into the sky, you're actually gazing down into the infinite cosmic abyss, with only gravity holding you to the surface of the earth.' Heavy. But true, and a bit scary. We ride the Mother Earth spaceship venturing through the absolute unknown. And there's nothing we can do about it other than enjoy the ride.
To accompany your journey, I've managed to glue together some sounds that were brought to initial life by some of the greatest aural travelers in the field of sonic space. My role is to manipulate and conjure up the family of musical representations that assist you while peering out beyond the cosmic rim into the infinite cosmic abyss. Now that warmer weather is coming, it is a good time to get back into marveling at sunsets that give way to nightly stargazing. I've used only my 'A' list of space traveling composers to give you the best mix (in my opinion) that I've ever created. Use this mix freely as your soundtrack for this. Give thanks that Mother Earth is gluing you to herself so that you can get a good glimpse of the heavens all while hitching a ride on her back. Make good use of this soundtrack while gazing into the infinite cosmic abyss to assist with your journey through the solar system. BTW, I'm posting this on my birthday (exact time as well as date) as I want to give something that means a lot to me. Better to give than to receive, in my opinion. Peace.

deeper space (beyond the mind's eye)

Let's take a bit of time to delve into the inner workings of our cerebral cortex, to the place where sight becomes sound, color has flavor, and moods create life. We'll use this area of our minds to take in the sounds of this mix, and sail gently into the ether of peace and tranquility. Allow the sounds to rinse away the bad vibes and negative moments that plague you, as they are replaced with a renewed sense of creativity, clarity, and focus. 

As I come home from a long 32 day tour of playing music and a lot of traveling, it is nice to have my first day blessed with amazingly sunny and warm weather (after being in states like Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and so on....). I'm greeted by birds singing outside, and the smell of the fresh sunshine-laden earth. Nothing can be better than that, and the sense of peace and joy is reflected in this mix that I present to you. While I did buy quite a bit of new music on tour, I decided to create something from what's been on my secret mixtape rather than use my new morsels (which are being saved for the next mix). It took me quite a bit of time to fully realize and bring into fruition what I've put together here, and I really hope that you like it.

the black keys (and the white ones, too)

Being a guitarist, I give my piano playing musician friends a hard time. I accuse them of having no soul since they can't get vibrato, sustain notes without the aid of machinery, and can't bend notes. In other words, they can't do all the cool stuff that guitarists do (keyboards are another story). But to say that they don't emote is a bold statement. Piano covers a lot of ground, even if you can't take it to a campfire (still got them beat!). Just put on most amazing soundtracks and you can feel piano wire delicately gluing the mood to the scene. 
I remember being a young guitarist and sitting in a piano practice room with a big hollowbody guitar. I'd rest the end of the neck somewhere up on the piano, hold down the sustain key, and play really nice add 9 sus 11 chords and listen to the overtones that formed like a cloud, barely dissipating. That could be my first dive into real, live ambient, and those moments have defined a valuable moments in my life.

melancholy (part II)

Guten Tag (oder Morgen, Abend.........wasimmer), wie geht's? Mir geht's gut, danke. Just trying to keep up with old skills, sorry. Like the very first mix that I did (MELANCHOLY), this outing is a representation of a nostalgic period in my life. Perhaps it's the vibe, or a certain sound within the songs that I pick up on. Having must moved (a big event in my life, and I mark those events by what I listen to), I find a comfort in the songs presented here, and I have been bouncing these songs off of my mind for a little bit now.

I just recently discovered Petal, and this song more than others is a composition direction that I'd like to explore. I'm going to pick his song apart and find out what makes it magical to me. World Without End is the perfect song to open this mix up with. It creates the right atmosphere for me to get my head right. I'm actually quite (justifiably) jealous of Petal's composition skills and tones, and in particular on this piece. Be sure to pay him a visit at either his blog (PETAL) or his artist page at Earth Mantra (EARTH MANTRA - PEDAL). He also gave me a killer review on my release with Harmony & Decay (thanks, man!!).

don't wake me (nocturnal liftoff)

If you're needing something to help you get to sleep, I have managed to brew up something very tasty. It's all natural, allergen and gluten-free. It will reduce your stress, balance your Chakra, help you search your Chi, and........you know what? I have no idea what I'm talking about.

I've consulted the best sleep masters to bring you peace in drifting among the stars, and create a warm sense of foreboding slumber. Don't be afraid to sleep, but rather let the music ease you into your state of letting go. This mix will guide you to and through the cosmos, and I've put it through rigorous (but stress free) tests and have reached the conclusion that it's safe with medications.

mental stargazing (for the sleepers)

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TRACK LISTING

“Noise, Heartbeat, and Ambience” by Canton from Unknown, (N/A), Released Unknown (Start Time: 00:00)

“Mullholland” by Stars Of The Lid from The Tired Sounds Of, (Kranky), Released October 30, 2001, (Start Time: 01:21)

“All, Nothing” by The Inventors Of Aircraft from Unknown Language, (Serein Netlabel), Released September 1, 2008 (Start Time: 08:10)

“La Gouache des Temps” by Muhr from Poussière, (Serein Netlabel), Released September 24, 2007 (Start Time: 14:40)

“Drift” by Brian Eno from Apollo, (Caroline Astralwerks), Released March 21, 2005 (Start Time: 18:13)

“Expanding Area” by Between Interval from Autumn Continent, (Spotted Peccary), Released August 8, 2006 (Start Time: 21:07)

“Poa Alpina” by Biosphere from Substrata, (Touch), Released June 25, 2006 (Start Time: 31:47)

“Chapter 3” by Ex-Confusion from Small Reality, (Netlabel), Released June 15, 2011 (Start Time: 35:51)

“The Last Leaf (Excerpt)” by Aloof Proof from Piano Text, (Infraction), Released November 12, 2007 (Start Time: 39:02)

“A Word With The Vine” by Jon Jenkins from Flow, (Spotted Pecarry), Released October 6, 1998 (Start Time: 49:54)

“The Clearing Fog” by Jeff Pearce from Soundscape Gallery Series Vol. 2, (Lektronic Soundscapes), Released May 5, 1998 (Start Time: 52:22)

“The Other Room” by John Foxx and Harold Budd from Drift Music, (Edsel Records UK), Released September 1, 2003 (Start Time: 58:02)

music for daydreamers

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TRACK LISTING

“Sigur 1 (Untitled)” by Sigur Rós from () (MCA), Released October 29, 2002 (Start Time: 00:00)

“Fertile Soil of Peace” by Paul Avgerinos from Bliss (Round Sky Records), Released September 20, 2011 (Start Time: 06:24)

“Mumtaz” by Bombay Dub Orchestra from Bombay Dub Orchestra (Six Degrees), Released February 28, 2006 (Start Time: 11:13)

“Dawn” by The Cinematic Orchestra from Man With A Movie Camera (Nine Tune Records / Redeye), Released June 30, 2009 (Start Time: 15:14)

“Transmission Intermission” by Carbon Based Lifeforms from World of Sleepers (Ultimae Records), Released November 27, 2006 (Start Time: 19:07)

“The Things I Tell You” by Biosphere from Substrata (Thirsty Ear), Released October 21, 1997 (Start Time: 23:58)

“Other Years” by Jesus in Japan from Traces (Jesus in Japan), Released November 29, 2008 (Start Time: 29:13)

“09 4 14” by Global Communication from 76:14 (Arista), Released October 28 1997 (Start Time: 33:28)

“Delta Capricorni” by Between Interval from The Edge of a Fairytale (Spotted Peccary), Released April 14, 2009 (Start Time: 37:28)

“Tenochtitlan`s Numberless Bridges” by Andy Partridge and Harold Budd from Through the Hill (Ryko / Rhino), Released July 11, 2006 (Start Time: 43:59)

“Study in Scarlet” by 310 from The Recessional (The Leaf Label), Released October 21, 2003 (Start Time: 47:38)

“Dragons Chasing Their Tales” by EL Heath from Reflecting – Ambient and Loop Tracks Autumn 2006 (Netlabel), Released 2006 (Start Time: 49:59)

mother earth, she breathes

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TRACK LISTING

“The Lost Sun” by The Birdtree from Orchards And Caravans (Last Visible Dog), Released 2003 (Start Time: 00:00)

“Spinning Away From The Earth” by Dave Preston from Soundtrack For Motion (CDBY), Released July 20, 2010 (Start Time: 02:04)

                                                                                

“Avenue Of Trees” by John Foxx And Harold Budd from Drift Music (Edsel Records UK), Released September 1, 2003 (Start Time: 07:08)

“Oxygen” by Tomorrowland from Sequence Of The Negative Space Changes (Kranky), Released January 1, 1998 (Start Time: 08:35)

“Above The Mellow Earth” by Vidna Obmana from Memories Compiled 2 (Projekt Records), Released July 6, 1999 (Start Time: 12:00)

“Wheel Of Earth (Excerpt)” by Robert Rich from Trances And Drones CD 2 (Relapse) Released July 4, 2000 (Start Time: 18:10)

“Exosphere” by Carbon Based Lifeforms from Hydroponic Garden (Ultimae Records), Released June 25, 2003 (Start Time: 24:26)

“Summertimes” by Stars Of The Lid from Carte-De-Visite (Stars Of The Lid / Cobraside), Released November 14, 2007 (Start Time: 29:24)

“Earth Energy (Excerpt)” by Satori from Healing: Rhythm Of The Earth (Magnatune), Released November 20, 2010 (Start Time: 34:39)

“Obera Sundown” by Bark Cat Bark from Cittadinanza (N/A), Released Unkown (Start Time: 37:02)

“Summer In Your Mouth” by SubtractiveLAD from Life At The End Of The World (n5MD), Released February 9, 2010 (Start Time: 39:38)

“Dopamine Clouds Over Craven Village” by Stars Of The Lid from And Their Refinement Of The Decline (Kranky), Released April 3, 2007 (Start Time: 44:40)

“Nightliner” by Popnoname from Pop Ambient 2009 (Kompakt Germany), Released February 17, 2009 (Start Time: 50:14) 

heat within shadows

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TRACK LISTING

• “In Within” by Maenad from A Thousand Petals (Text Records), Released October 1, 2001 (Start Time: 00:00)

• “Open” by Peter Gabriel from Passion: Music For The Last Temptation Of Christ (Real World Records LTD), Released June 5, 1989 (Start Time: 7:34)

• “At The Edge Of Everything” by Steve Roach and Vidna Obmana from Innerzone (Projekt), Released November 30, 2001 (Start Time: 10:44)

• “Drifting” by Circular from Divergent (Beatservice), Released October 31, 1999 (Start Time: 16:44)

• “Altus” by Steve Roach from The Magnificent Void (Hearts Of Space Records), Released February 22, 1999 (Start Time: 20:55)

• “A Stream With Bright Fish” by Brian Eno and Harold Budd from The Pearl (Caroline Astralwerks - CAT), Released September 19, 2005 (Start Time: 40:29)

• “Shiva Descending” by Tuu from All Our Ancestors (Waveform), Released May 16, 1995 (Start Time: 43:58)

• “Fay Deau Deau” by System 7 from Live Transmissions (A-Wave Records), Released May 16, 2006 (Start Time: 50:58)

movements within time

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TRACK LISTING

• “02 14 31” by Global Communication from 76:14 (Dedicated/BMG Records/Arista/Legacy/SME), Released June 1994 (Start Time: 0:00)

• “Morning Mist” by Gopal from Depth Of My Heart (Magnatune), Released December 3, 2010 (Start Time: 14:26)

• “On The Nature Of Daylight” by Max Richter from The Blue Notebooks (Fat Cat), Released February 26, 2004 (Start Time: 18:14)

• “Resonant Frequency” by John Foxx & Harold Budd from Drift Music (Edsel Records), Released August 25, 2003 (Start Time: 24:24)

• “This Dominion” by Between Interval from Autumn Continent (Spotted Peccary), Released August 8, 2006 (Start Time: 26:58)

• “Hypoborea” by Biosphere from Substrata (Touch UK), Released January 1, 2004 (Start Time: 34:40)

• “An Ending (Ascent)” by Brian Eno from Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks (EG), Released 1983 (Start Time: 40:13)

• “16 Second Swarm” by Bass Communion from Bass Communion II (Hidden Art), Released July 1999 (Start Time: 44:14)

beyond our sphere

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TRACK LISTING

• “Saturn Rocket” http://www.sounddogs.com/results.asp?CategoryID=1005&SubcategoryID=75&Type=1 (Start Time: 0:00)

• “Spanish Pinewood” by Gordon Hempton from Earth’s Morning Song (Miramar), Released January 24, 1995 (Start Time: 0:25)

• “Liftoff” http://www.nasa.gov/connect/sounds/ (Start Time: 0:40)

• “Afar” by Harold Budd from Serpent/Abandoned Cities (All Saints UK), Released January 1, 2003 (Start Time: 1:08)

• “Space Walk (Excerpt)” by Lemon Jelly from Lost Horizons (XL Recordings), Released October 7, 2002 (Start Time: 3:27)

• “The Sun” by Windy & Carl from Consciousness (Kranky), Released March 18, 2001 (Start Time: 3:33)

• “Rocket Taking Off and Landing” http://www.sounddogs.com/results.asp?CategoryID=1005&SubcategoryID=75&Type=1 (Start Time: 6:51)

• “Creation Du Monde” by Vangelis from L’Apocalypse Des Animaux (Polydor), Released 1973 (Start Time: 7:14)

• “The Ghost Ship (Excerpt)” by Aloof Proof from Piano Text (Infraction Records), Released 1994 (Start Time: 17:06)

• “The Stars, Like Dust…” by Jonn Serrie from The Stargazer’s Journey (New World Music), Released August 19, 2003 (Start Time: 37:48)

• “That’s One Small Step” http://www.nasa.gov/connect/sounds/ (Start Time: 52:56)

• “Rocket Taking Off and Landing (In Reverse)” http://www.sounddogs.com/results.asp?CategoryID=1005&SubcategoryID=75&Type=1 (Start Time: 53:04)