Customer Reviews

Hidden Sky

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(0)
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This is a beautiful CD. I am not a big fan of so called "new age/contemporary" music, which is what the sleeve says it should be filed under, but I love this. The soulful depth, and classical skill of Jami's playing and the beautiful alto vocals only seems to get better with each CD, and to hear the Thai Elephant Orchestra actually improvising on several of the tracks is extraordinary. The music is by turns serene, joyful, enlivening. There is also a song in collaboration with a Croatian women's group, a sort of lively chanting hymn. I wasn't bored by a single track, and can't say that about many CDs. I found more about her project with the Elephant Orchestra at http://www.jamisieber.com/projects/index.html

Years ago I stumbled across Sieber's work and morphed asap into a staunch Sieberholic. Hidden Sky represents the third stroke of musical excellence. Thematical like Second Sight, equally enigmatic, softer, quieter, dipped in silence. If you're comfortable hanging between a half-note and the edge of the universe as your soul skin turns to sea, go for it - but BE FOREWARNED: It's alive.

Jami's music on this cd is the most beautiful, awe-inspiring music I have heard in a long time. I stumbled upon Jami's music on CDBaby.com. Just clicked on new age and since I am a big fan of the cello I took a chance and listened to her. Beautiful is all I could say. The melancholy way in which she writes and sings brings tears to the soul. She writes and plays from her heart which is a rare find these days. This is not your ordinary "New Age" cd of everything being played on a synth!! This is real music with real musicians and even of The Thai Elephant Orchestra itself!! The actual elephants play, talk about inspiring! If you love real musicians and beautiful music then PLEASE by all means give Jami Sieber a listen and you'll fall in love with her music and with her dedication to the elephants.

This album is one of my all time favorites. I have listened to it for months without ever getting bored of the deep sounds that emminate from Jami's electric cello. The mood is sometimes playful, sometimes surreal, and sometimes dark and mysterious, but always engaging. Most of the tracks are slow, sensual, and entrancing. One piece, performed with Rhiannon, is upbeat and ecstatic, but still quite sensual. Don't miss this great opportunity to embark on a journey with Jami and be transformed just as she was in the presence of the elephants.

I am always thrilled when I happen upon gorgeous music by an unfamiliar artist. That happened one weekend in my Saturday yoga class, and I was so moved by the music (esp what I know now is Prayer Two on this album) I asked the instructor what he played during class. To give you some indication of the quality, esp of the cello pieces, I assumed it must be Yo-Yo-Ma doing a movie soundtrack. How happy I was to be fooled, and equally happy to recommend without hesitation, that you purchase this CD. You will not be disappointed, only relaxed and mesmerized beyond your wildest dreams!

I am enthralled. I love Pergolesi, Hovhaness, Debussy, Satie, Dave Matthews. Listening to this album is an experience to treasure, again and again.

This CD is like taking your ears to a SPA. Soothing, relaxing, uplifting and harmonious. I highly recommend it.

Jami Seiber is other-worldly. This is an absolutely exquisite album, and comes with DVD of her playing music with elephants! Check out her other albums, and if possible -- see her in person. It may change your life.

The music is beautiful. It is personally autographed from Jamie Sieber to someone named Thomas. Mysterious. It is after all, "used". Disc, outer jacket and insert liner-notes all in good shape.
So...I am pleased.

Jami Sieber's third album, Hidden Sky, will transport you to another realm, full of miniscule worlds from the first note of "Maenam". These musical worlds combine dark with light, war with peace, each interconnected yet separate. The darkness, reflected in the droning cries of her cello. The light in ethereal voices. This song draws you in and sets the mood for the entire album. From Thailand to Zimbabwe each element is perfectly created. While contemplative, it remains a delight to listen to and an escape from our mundane lives.

"Out of the Mist" continues with the addition of Light. The addition of strings and other percussion which glides over top over her cello . This begins the journey. Sunrise on the horizon as we begin the day.

While working with several well known musicians, this collaboration includes our friends, the Mandlovu. The word means elephant in the Zimbabwean language of N"debele. Thai Elephant Orchestra appear in the songs "Sukhothai Rain" and "A Common Music". Jami recorded the elephants for these two beautifully mixed songs. Who knew elephants could drum or play xylophone? Jami understands the connection between elephants and all species.

If we started at sunrise, then "A Common Music" would be midday, when you look around you smell the foods, the incense, and smoke from the fires. You hear the music drifting through the streets as people and animals going about their day. You see this reticulation of all life from overhead.

Relax after the day with "In the Silence". Drift away on beautiful voice and soothing melody.

Overall, my favorite tracks are "A Common Music", "Hidden Sky", and "Mandlovu Mind". The title track, "Hidden Sky" is a perfect example of simplicity and complexity working in harmony to set the stage for "Mandlovu Mind". The unique phrasing and chant like quality will reach in and grab your soul.

She wrote of the atrocities of war and the hopes for the future. A recent trip to the Balkans had moved her to create "Arms of the Mother".

This is a must for anyone who seriously considers themselves a world music fan. I highly recommend this album to anyone looking for a relaxing yet energizing sojourn. Where most people write songs, Jami creates masterpieces!



Reviewed by Beth A "Wytchskate" Kelley
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