Healing music and Healing horses

Available to you now on one flash drive: the healing music of the Native American Love Flute . . . and the opportunity to support a great cause!  (Click to enlarge photo)

Crystal Singing Bowls at yoga class

Sounding crystal singing bowls (A# and F#) during the relaxation period of Thou Art Yoga's Friday evening Kundalini Yoga class at Kariwak Hotel, Tobago.

Background sounds include: water from the water feature in the pond, wind, planes taking off at the nearby airport, dogs barking in the distance.

Enjoy . . .

Peace for a Change.

On the night of the 100 Thousand Poets & Musicians for Change concert organised by Rachael N. Collymore and Navid Lancaster, I did an opening 'performance' by teaching the audience One Minute Breath, then sang of my songs. 

 Marsha Pearce, using her photographic and graphic skills, put together two simple but effective images (see below) including lyrics from my song and guidance on how to practise One Minute Breath. I quite like what she did.

You can click on the images to enlarge them.

 

AKASH (Sky)

One of 5 songs featuring music I created for original poems (written by survivors of sex trafficking in Kolkata), recited in Bengali or English translation. The traffic sounds layered under the music are the real sounds of Kolkata—constant blowing of horns recorded one night while walking through the streets.

Project and receive the healing energy

RA MA DA SA Healing mantra
(Original version by Tek Har Kaur)
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I spent yesterday evening recording the vocals on the Tak Har version of the healing mantra, Ra Ma Da Sa (listen to link above). Just as I finished and saved the file, I checked my email and there was a message from  a yoga associate in Toronto requesting that "fellow yogis" chant this mantra on behalf of one of my friends and Kundalini Yoga peers, Salimah.

As they say, nothing is a coincidence.

So I dedicate this rendition to Salimah. The request that was sent is to meditate on Ra Ma Da Sa for at least the next three days and send the energy to her. For all who hear it—may the healing energy you project by listening, visualizing and/or chanting along with this return to you and your loved ones an infinite number of times, in an infinite number of ways. 

RA MA DA SA
Sun Moon Earth Infinity
SA SAY SO HUNG
Infinity I Am Thou

You can read more about Ra Ma Da Sa here
You can learn (if you don't know already) the healing meditation posture here

Move over, Susan Boyle

In Toronto, playing the guitar while my friend Dara's dog (Theo) sings along.
(Filmed by my friend Kim)

Tune in to WAHE GURU (new Tek Har Kaur release)

WAHE GURU

A collaboration between Tek Har Kaur (vocals) and cozyprone (producer).

Click just above the photo and under the name Tek Har (on top left of player box) to access play button. Enjoy!

Wahe Guru is the mantra of ecstasy. It is beyond translation, but can be said to mean: "Wow, God is great!" Chant it to elevate your spirit.

Protective Light

Video, music, chant: Tek Har Kaur

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The Mangala Charn Mantra, chanted for protection, surrounds the magnetic field with protective light.
AD GURAY NAMEH, JUGAD GURAY NAMEH,
SAT GURAY NAMEH, SIRI GURU DEVAY NAMEH

(I filmed these candles during sadhana this morning)

Chanting with hundreds of women

Candles during sadhana

Yesterday morning just before I woke for sadhana (3:30 a.m.), I dreamed I was in a large hall at night/early morning (it was dark) with many people whom I didn't know. I began chanting Kundalini Yoga mantras with my guitar. At first I was singing alone, then suddenly the voices of hundreds of women began chanting along with me. I couldn't see them, but I heard and felt them. With each round of the mantra, we got louder and stronger. It sounded and felt fantastic. I could feel my insides expanding with happiness.

This morning once again before I woke for sadhana, I was playing my guitar in the dream and chanting Wah Yantee. Once again, these women's voices joined me. The more rounds we sang, the louder and happier we got, until we were laughing and chanting at the same time.

It feels as though a real group of people and I are connecting before I wake up to do sadhana. Wherever they are in the world, they are doing their sadhana. So even though I am doing mine physically alone, I am not alone. It is a fantastic feeling.

For sale: Roland XP-50 workstation

Looking for a great home for my keyboard, Haniel
(see below for meaning of the name Haniel)

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UPDATE: SOLD
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Great condition except for LCD screen which no longer works. However can be used as midi controller and for multitude of very authentic tones (for live or recorded playing), including diverse, realistic instruments from World music expansion board (e.g. sitars, tabla, pan, didgeridoo, etc). Great for fusion music with a global feel

Comes with leatherette zip up keyboard case, wrought iron keyboard stand and Roland DP-6 sustain pedal - All for $1,500TT

For examples of music created with this keyboard, click here and listen to:

1. Lovebirds
2. Your Song
3. Symphon-E
4. Spring
5. Easy

Please email me (nowiswowisnow at yahoo dot com) if interested.

MEANING OF THE NAME HANIEL:
Manifesting usually as a very beautiful woman, occasionally as an extremely handsome man, Haniel symbolizes beauty, pleasure, and sustaining friendship. Haniel has the power to make fruitful that which previously was not so: to turn states of sadness, anxiety and worry towards happiness. Haniel helps us to recognise and fill the gaps in our lives from within ourselves, rather than continuing to yearn to have them filled from the outside. Haniel inspires that which makes life worth living: friendship, love, companionship, harmony, and balance.
Haniel is associated with the rose, a symbol of the qualities of beauty, upliftment and unfoldment.

Haniel is the Archangel of all powers of love and harmony and can help you bring those influences into your life. Brings Friends, Lovers, Peace, Love, Beauty, Grace, Good Things, Common Sense! He can also aid you in artistic matters.

Alternative Imaging for DJs and Artistes

Artistes and DJs:
Looking forward to working with you.

Jasper in concert ... and the winning name

Those who own cats will know how they love to monopolize everything. Jasper has a knack for spreading out exactly on the part of whatever book or document I'm reading; coming to lounge precisely on the piece of the page where I'm writing; stretching his body horizontally across the bed, leaving me enough space to perch precariously at the edge. It comes as no surprise that he has also taken possession of the new keyboard. Clearly it belongs to him.

The first notes of his new composition

Belting out the lyricsHeadbanging
After all that music making, time for a cat nap.

Jasper and I thank all of you who took the time to think up and submit such meaningful names (for the new keyboard). While we feel that each one had its own beauty, we particularly liked Clé ... the idea of a key to open new doors. Plus piano keys and musical keys are all inherent in that name. If we were being really strict about it, that name would actually be disqualified for not being put in the comments section (as requested). But ... we'll ease up this time.

We also liked the meaning of 'Raga' ... "Raag, in the Sanskrit dictionary, is defined as "the act of coloring or dyeing" (the mind in this context) and "any feeling or passion especially love, affection, sympathy, vehement desire, interest, joy, or delight"

The keyboard's name is Clé Raga: the key that opens doors to love, affection, interest, joy and delight.

Congratulations to Kathryn and Jayme. Your mp3 prize will be delivered to you some time soon.

Thank you for the names so far

Yesterday I received four suggested names for my new keyboard/MIDI controller. I will announce the selected name at the end of the week. Meanwhile, the doors are still open for names if anyone wants to offer more.

Two names, as requested, were left in the comments section of the blog.

From Celsa:
"Sakura" (the cherry blossom) - since she is most likely a keyboard of Asian birth.

Ironically I went to see a German film last night, part of which was set in Japan. Cherry blossoms featured prominently. They are a symbol of the female principle (beauty and sexuality) and impermanence.

From Jayme:
Two ideas, both from Sanskrit: Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music and the arts
or
Raga, a word which means harmony, melody and feeling. It is one of the three pillars of Indian Classical Music and has deep meaning in that context (explanation of meaning here)


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Other names sent to me by other means (i.e. not left in comments on blog) were:

From Kathryn:
Call it "Clavier" - French for keyboard (musical as well as computer) - or "Clav" for short or maybe Clé" which means "key" as in key for the door but may be symbolic as the new keyboard is the "key" to something new - new music - new vibes or something...

From Navid:
1. Azar (Persian for Fire)
2. Farah (Persian for Joy, Happiness, Cheerfulness.)

Help me name my new keyboard

Time for some new music with my new EMU

I'm happy with my EMU Xboard 25 key MIDI controller which I got last night (in perfect condition, purchased second hand from Coreysan). I can already feel that fun times and great music will come of it. It's big enough to not feel like a toy and small enough to be mobile and go traveling with.

My other keyboard, Haniel, died quite a while ago. Haniel had hundreds of great sound banks and patches (i.e. musical samples/tones for different instruments) stored in her and I would do everything (sequencing/composing/recording) right there in the keyboard. If you click on my Reverbnation page and listen to the music there, all of it (except the songs with acoustic guitar and 'Raindrops on Skin' which is a combo of Garageband and Ableton Live) was created with Haniel.

The EMU is a MIDI keyboard, used to trigger the sound samples in computer-based music programmes. i.e. I can't create music within (or using just) the keyboard itself as with Haniel.

If you've been reading my blog for a while you will know that I give my pieces of equipment meaningful names:
Karishma (video camera)
Dandelion (drum)
The camera formerly known as Synchronicity (now renamed Phoenix because she fell on Valentine's Day and rose from the ashes)
Supernova (little go-everywhere-with-it camera).

WHAT'S IN A NAME?
Instead of me coming up with the name for the new keyboard, I'm throwing out the opportunity for you all. You can leave your suggestion in the Now is Wow Too comments section along with a brief rationale (i.e. why you gave it that name). I'll go with the name/rationale that resonates most with me. As a prize, I will compose a short piece of music for the winner.

Thanks in advance.

New release: Raindrops on Skin (song & video)

I invite you to view the video for my latest release - Raindrops on Skin, a collaboration with Irukandji:

Lyrics/vocals - Elspeth
Music - Elspeth & Irukandji
Mix & Master - Irukandji

Depending on the speed of your internet connection, the video may or may not run smoothly when you first press play. Be patient, wait a while as it buffers, then press play and it will stream seamlessly.

The Raindrops on Skin mp3 is available for download at Elspeth Duncan: Reverbnation

Enjoy ... and stay tuned for more new music to come.

Come and Experience the Medicine Song

(Canada chronicles continued ...)

One day in July I met with aboriginal healer and singer - MedicinesongWoman (Brenda MacIntyre). We had communicated before via Myspace in connection with music, but this was our first time meeting in person. We sat and chatted for quite a while over tea at Ellington's Music & Café. One of the things we spoke about was a listening party Brenda wanted to have for her new CD "Medicine Song". Feeling moved by her sincerity and the passion she has for getting her work out as a healing offering for self & other (which is also how I see my work), I offered to help her promote her listening party by creating an e-flyer and a simple video (using Supernova's video function). See video above.

One of the things that Brenda/Medicinesong Woman does is long distance energy healing and channeling. So, in return for what I created for her, she offered to give me a session. Of course I said yes. We did it about 2 Fridays ago from our separate locations and it was fantastic. The experience includes the energy healing, channeling and a special chant which she brings down especially for the person receiving the energy healing. I won't go into all the details of what happened, what was said, etc, but if you are interested in finding out more and/or experiencing a session for yourself, you can contact Brenda directly.

Those who are in Toronto, please consider attending the listening party this Thursday 27 August, 7:30 p.m., Ellington's Music & Café, 805 St. Clair West Avenue. By Donation. I'm sure it will be one of those experiences that makes you say "I'm really glad I came to this."

Click here to visit Brenda's event page for more information.

The e-flyer I designed

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Medicine Song Woman Brenda MacIntyre is a Juno Award-winning Native Canadian World Music Singer, Healer, Artist & Speaker. Through her work, Brenda assists individuals and audiences in increasing their joy, vitality and well-being.

Brenda MacIntyre brings multiple offerings, with various empowerment workshops and drumming/healing circles as well as performances
(a cappella and with a band), healing sessions and talks.

Brenda uses a unique healing system in which she channels healing songs, clears and re-aligns energy, and receives visions and intuitive energy readings for individuals.

(From her website)

Full three segments of my interview with C'eabn Riddums TV

Yesterday I didn't realise that I'd only posted the first clip of my recent interview with Adrian Simmons of Caribbean Riddums (westindianculture.com), an online cultural 'TV' station. This morning I'm posting the full interview in its hree segments. It gives more insight into my creative past, present and future ... and other little tidbits and some performances with guitar/voice ... plus a special magical closing piece with my drum, Dandelion.

Enjoy.

PART 2 OF THE INTERVIEW


PART 3 OF THE INTERVIEW

Correction

Oops, I got it wrong. The interview is actually going to be streamed online on May 7th.

The interview

Sign outside shop of little old woman in Balandra who says she makes everything "with love".
N.B. the key ingredient written at bottom of her blue window 'menu'
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Just a quick note to say that the interview won't actually be on until 8 p.m., so I will share the link with you after that.

Me and my music - starting over & getting back out there

We start the season with our Featured Guest Elspeth Duncan who embellishes the title of 'Caribbean Artist' as she is quite proficient in the Visual and Musical Arts, Film and Culture. We took her out from behind the camera and shone a light on her, recognizing her vast achievements over the years. So, look out for our featured guest this week on Caribbean Cultural Riddums, only on www.westindianculture.com

(Adrian of Caribbean Cultural Riddums)

(From the archives):
Performing at the launch of my "INFINITE" CD (2004)

Yesterday I was interviewed by Adrian Simmons of Caribbean Cultural Riddums. It was a 40 minute interview that will come on air tomorrow (internet streaming). I'll share the link when it is up ... even though I feel a bit 'shy' to share it, since I haven't seen/heard the edited version yet and I have no idea how it will all come across. Maybe everyone goes through that feeling when being interviewed on camera. "Did what I say make sense?" ... "Was it a bad hair day?"

Well, whether it was a bad hair day or not, there is no escape. You and others will see it.

We essentially spoke about 'what I do' ... music (mainly), video/film, photography, etc. and what inspires me. I felt like I was rambling ... but that's because there's so much to say and one thing leads to another ... and sometimes I go galloping off from the original question.

Adrian had asked me to bring my guitar, to perform in the studio. I played a snippet of "Infinite" (from my INFINITE album) and sang the whole of "Beloved" (from the same album). I closed the interview with a special drum offering from Dandelion.

I guess I'll find out how my 'performances' came across when I see the link. I haven't performed in ages and, as a result, I don't think I've grown in and developed that art. I've never even really considered myself 'a performer' (even though I used to 'perform') ... so I need to become one. It would take time, commitment, learning, constructive advice and practice to help me know and become who I am as a performer, to hone my own style and present myself on many levels to an audience.

Even something as simple as ... who do I look at when I'm singing? Some people close their eyes. Some stare at one person. Some look at everybody in turn. Some stare at the floor or at their fingers on the instrument. Some stare at an object or gaze into the distance. I think I've done all of the above.

I recently made the decision to get back into my music, to start performing regularly (whenever I get or make the opportunity to), to do what is necessary to get better, to be serious, confident and committed and to take up and make the most of musical opportunities that come my way. It will be interesting and will require personal evolution on many levels. It's not an overnight thing.

N.B. In all of these archival shots my hair is short. Sheared off and grown back a few times in between.
Now it's long.
Time to do NEW music and update the whole package.
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I haven't done any new music in a long while - partly because (i) for a while I became more immersed in video/film and (ii) my Roland keyboard workstation (on which I've created all my instrumental music since 1998) is now dead. But a recent long distance collaboration with a musician in Toronto (with whom I've collaborated before) got me inspired to start back ... embarking upon the exploration of music creation using software.

It is an exciting journey full of promise. Lots to learn as I develop.

"New" music is a relative term. Some people don't even know I do music ... much less know the music itself! So even 'old' pieces would be new to them. This also goes for billions of people the world over who don't even know me ... a small drop in a vast ocean.

If you've never heard my music and you want to, you can click on the REVERBNATION link on the right hand side bar. I've only featured five songs - some with lyrics and singing and some only instrumental (done on my now 'dead' keyboard). When I put some of my new music I will let you know.