The Ladder of the Soul - Improvisations for Relaxation, Meditation, & Integration

Paul Baker

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 15, 2001)
• Original Release Date: June 6, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Vocal Integration Concepts
• ASIN: B00005MCVL
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #34,130 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

Paul Baker’s music on Celtic harp, concert harp, piano, organ and harpsichord can be heard in concert and on recordings and movie soundtracks. Twice a prizewinner in the International Pop and Jazz Harp Competition, he has published 20 arrangements of American standard songs arranged for solo harp. The group Pastiche premiered his arrangements for flute, harp and voice, “A Gershwin Sampler” and “Seven Popular Spanish Songs” at Carnegie Hall. Voted “Best Musical Director of the Year” for his work with Stephen Sondheim’s musical “Assassins”, Mr. Baker performs, teaches and presents workshops throughout the United States.

Product Description

Peaceful relaxation and meditation music performed on the Celtic harp by master harpist Paul Baker. Following in the tradition of “The Tranquil Harp”, “The Ladder of the Soul” presents eight improvisations in keys corresponding to the energy centers of the body. The improvisations are designed to ground your body, open and tune your mind, balance your emotions and soothe your spirit. The pure and ancient sound of the harp, sometimes called “the ladder between earth and heaven”, is ideal for relaxation, meditation and integration. Each track is provided with a suggested meditation.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Heartfelt Review for "The Ladder of the Soul", May 22, 2004

By	Kathleen Clark (Pasadena, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am continually amazed by the healing power of music. Especially harp music. As those who know me know, my healing from a debilitating stroke came about in large part due to the improvisational healing harp of one man: Paul Baker.

Mr. Baker is such a talented person. He could have chosen to record albums using his vast knowledge and technique on the large and impressive concert harp, piano, or organ. However, for posterity, he chose to record improvisations for healing on the smaller and more personal celtic harp.

How does one capture the essence of such music in words? His two albums, "The Tranquil Harp" and "The Ladder of the Soul" are groundbreaking in their simplicity and breadth. And each one has its own unique place in my life.

"The Tranquil Harp" helped me most in my physical healing. Its music is very basic, simple, and gentle. It has brought, and continues to bring, growth and strength to every part of my physical being. To play it is to bathe in regeneration and light.

"The Ladder of the Soul" continues this healing on the emotional and spiritual planes. It connects our essence to the divine in such a way that we emerge purer and more aware of our true being and purpose in this life. This is real health. Divine health. What a gift to be brought to us by one man. This album is so aptly named as it proves that the harp truly is "the ladder between earth and heaven," connecting us to the divine safely and lovingly.

Thank you, Mr. Baker, for sharing yourself in such a way that allows all of us to unfold in ourselves and in the world with true happiness and peace.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Soul Connections, February 1, 2002

By	Lin Morel (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

I thought that the previous CD that I owned by Paul Baker was some of the best Harp music I had heard. I was surprised to purchase this album and find an even more powerful connection to peace and balance as a result of listening. I now use this CD almost exclusively when I work with new clients (I used to use Paul's last CD for this purpose). The music is immediately calming and at the same time seems to bring a sense of peace that is quite delightful. I gave a copy of the Tranqui Harp to UCLA for use by their Oncology Outpatient clinic, and intend to do the same with this CD. In particular, it provides the perfect background music with which to help individuals explore highly charged and personal issues. I'm anxious to see what Paul Baker comes out with next and have become a real fan...he has magic fingers that remind me of Harpo Marx!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Most Beautiful Music, March 18, 2002

By	Marsha D Belty (Bradford, IN USA) - See all my reviews

The Ladder of the Soul has become my favorite CD of all, and with good reason. I love this CD! It`s the most beautiful relaxing music I have ever listened to. If you have a stressful job or just want to unwind this is the CD for you. A cup of tea with Paul Baker is a peaceful way to end any day.