Customer Reviews

Music From Living on the Earth

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Many-colored songs from Alicia Bay Laurel's popular book (now in its second edition) *Living on the Earth* - is a one-woman show. Just as she writes and illustrates her book, she accompanies herself on guitar and even harmonizes with herself in such pieces as "Vai Raga" with the lovely musical effects of D-modal tuning (illustrated in the line-notes). The combination of a voice as pure and clear as a waterfall and deliciously resonant guitar chords - makes a nice twang in the consciousness. Instrumentals are mellow and soothing ("Waterfall" for instance).

There is a fair amount of wisdom and social observation here. "I'm gonna blossom in my own care./ Gonna give myself the time that I need./ Gonna pick a blossom, put it in my waving hair/ And let the blooming flowers go to seed." And,
"The city trip of being hip/ And paying lip service to law/. First was fun, but then the sun/ Went away and I had to give/. You must pay/ for the way/ that you live." And ragas - "Experiences endlessly follow each other/ Let them go by, you'll see as the world turns/ Each one teaches you that God is your lover/,

...As well as one autobiographical tune, "1966" - with cool West-Coast modern chords.

But the most striking and memorable song on the album, in my opinion, is "In the Morning." Reminiscent of simple Shaker words and tune, a quilt spreads out over your ears. First sung by Alicia with her guitar and then at the end by the Occidental Community Choir (Ramon Sender did the arrangement and directed). "Rise ye early by morning's dew/, And wash out your mouth and the rest of ye, too/. Don't take ye no worry if the water's too cold/ It's years of cold washing that prevents growing old."

In the morning, in the morning/With the first light ye rise/ And keep your mouth closed/And open your eyes./ In the morning, in the morning/ When the first light is new/ Come rise ye and roll ye/ In the sweet morning dew/.

A rainbow of a morning it is.

pamhan99@aol.com

When you hear the sweet, pure voice of Alicia Bay Laurel and her music, fragrant with innocence and simplicity, her songs will become a part of your own heart song. The entire cd is so delightful and wonderful. She plays the guitar beautifully and skillfully. The lyrics and music flow together creating a joyful awareness of the earth and our place in it. This cd is a magical celebration of living on the earth.

I just received the CD in the mail this morning. I have to tell you that I enjoyed greatly. I've been searching for music like this for a while, and not being musically literate, it was hard to figure it out what I was looking for, although I *knew* it when I heard it!