The concert began with Alisa Fineman's healing sonorous voice and Kimball Hurd's rich harmonies and deft guitar. He added inspired mandolin lines to Alisa's guitar giving us a heartfelt set of original songs about love, family, peace, celebration and affirming the joy of being alive. It was a great mix of ballads and songs with tasty world rhythms.
They were followed by the piano and flute duo of Bob Phillips and Kenny Stahl, who performed masterful jazz renditions of a Bach Bouree and a tribute to Mary.
Bob and Kenny then joined me on "Oh My Earth", "I Love My Life", and “If I Were a Bird”. Kenny’s flute soared throughout the set, while Bob laid down perfect chordal voicings and rhythms.
Suellen Primost's rich cello lines added unique beauty to the songs we played together. She brought new life and exquisite tone layers to "Unicorn", "Galadriel" and "Illusion/Light".
Angels in Embryo with Suellen, Bob and Kenny was sublime, and I felt like I was levitating during parts of the song.
Alisa and Kimball added rich harmonies to “Wild Mountain Thyme” while I played hurdy gurdy. Then everyone sang "One Heart". Sprinkled throughout was Kimball’s rain-like mandolin.
We all played together on "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" as John Tallon joined his conga with Macucho Bonillo's box drum to move the energy for the audience to dance, and they did.
John Tallon also provided sterling sound reinforcement the entire time.
It was a magical evening, a blend of gifted musicians who got out of the way and let Spirit guide their hands, voices and hearts. The audience was responsive and moved.
I felt blessed to be part of the celebration.
Thank you, everyone who organized, promoted, supported behind the scenes, performed and held the space.
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