Customer Reviews

Soundpath

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When I listen to SoundPath, I feel transported out of this world and into a world of peace, joy, and hope. Naaz's voice is clear and strong and very powerful. It all comes across perfectly. The blend is amazing. Everything seems just right with the instrumentation and the voice coming together in a most magical way.

When was the last time you were in the Middle East? Recently, along time ago or never? Get out the most exotic incense you have, light some candles, sit back, close your eyes and let Naaz (pronounced Nahz) take you away upon the wings of her crystal clear voice and haunting melodies to a place at once ancient and new. And as the incense smoke snakes it's way through the air, it will mingle with visions of exotic and far away lands. Let yourself go. Be prepared, your body will want to sway with the currents created by Bill Ruyle's hammer dulcimer, tabla, and marimba, while Naaz's decidedly, though slightly dissonant violin, nestles it's way into your consciousness, creating a sense of freedom. It almost scoffs at the idea of boundaries of any kind.

I recommend this CD for meditation, relaxing background for whatever you happen to be doing, or to create an exotic backdrop for a dinner party. It is not a CD of Middle Eastern music per se, but there is a definite flavor of Armenia and Persia, both of which are Naaz's heritage, in some of the tunes. The rest of the compositions go off on their own, exploring and discovering. They will take you into your own emotions and imagination.

If I were to compare this music to anything it would have to be Loreena McKennit - less Celtic, though there is a slight flavor of this created by Bill's magical and imaginative hammer dulcimer. There were even moments he had me believing he was playing sitar. Though there are no lyrics, the music is very lyrical.

I had the good fortune of attending the CD release party at which Naaz performed a few of her spontaneous compositions. My eyes kept wanting to close so that I could travel, and my body just kept swaying. Watching Naaz perform, it was clear that she was allowing the music to flow through her as well.

( is the following ok? If not feel free to delete it.) John Sackett is the editor/publisher of a free spiritually based e-zine titled "New Horizons" which you can subscribe to by sending a blank e-mail with Subject: Subscribe me, to Matrixxboy3 @aol.com

I teach self defense to members of the military and police. They need something to keep them balanced during these extremely powerful and agressive courses. Guided meditation is the method of choice. During the most recent meditations I have have used the Soundpath CD as my musical support. It has been highly effective. If you can get the marines to meditate and enjoy it you're doing something right. Soundpath gives you a direct path to tranquility. I can't recommend it enough.

Naaz Hosseini's SoundPath recording is a deep, beautiful, and important work of art. At this time it is the day before Thanksgiving and I am now listening to SoundPath for the fourth or fifth time in the last couple of weeks. It grows with each listen, starting out as quite interesting and unfolding to reveal itself as a work of art that is groundbreaking and nearly amazing. It is nothing less than a wordless sounding and testament to the range of human spirit, the product of a unique artist at a peak. It is both grounded and inspiring, an appropriate "soundtrack" for relaxation, focusing, or a genuine act of courage. The sound itself is hard to categorize, since like all original and great art it transcends boundaries. While it might be most easily labeled as either Middle Eastern or New Age, this doesn't do justice to the work. In its soulfullness, potency, and passion, it reaches into the territory of such an artist as Van Morrison, while in its fluidity and exquisite tenderness it is able to point towards the heartbreaking truths vocalized by Billie Holiday. SoundPath is a bold and sensitive recording of the human spirit. It is no exaggeration to say that Naaz Hosseini's SoundPath is a true Thanksgiving gift, a real and affirming reflection of life itself.