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| Celtic Radio Community > Celtic Music > Crown in The Sky |
| Posted by: LisAddison 04-Apr-2013, 11:07 PM |
| Review by Dana Wright-MuzikReviews.com Crown in the Sky Lis Addison is a composer, producer and songwriter with a style that blends contemporary, world music and electronic to craft songs that reach into the psyche. Beginning her musical journey as a child, she traveled the world and learned flavors of Celtic, Ragas, Western and Indian culture and all of these have blended into her music. Moving to LA pushed her music into a new direction as it became her sanctuary. Music and spirituality have long walked hand in hand. When you bring in the love of nature, ecology and knowledge of the beauty of Matriarchal societies, the power of music takes on a different level. Such is the case with Addison’s new album, Crown in the Sky. Every song was written by Lis Addison and her devotions permeate every note of music, ambient sound and vocalization. The album opens up with a sound reflective of dawn breaking over the horizon. “Voice of the Tree” is a breathy vocal experience that takes you into the soul of a tree. The Mother whispers the truths of the universe into our ears if we only care to listen. Close your eyes and let the percussion infuse your spirit. Feel the power of the earth seep into the bottoms of your feet as you reach for the sky. Center your being with Mother Gaia and let her share her secrets. Let the stirring vocals lift your heart and let the artful composition swirl around you. “New World” has a pulse that is infectious in its message and vocals. A mixture of world music, electronic and a stirring percussion, this piece is a breath of fresh air on the hopes for the future. It is a new world of ecological sustainable living and green energy from the ashes of today’s mistakes. “Crown in the Sky” begins with an acoustic guitar riff and moves into a multi-instrumentation that chronicles the journey of a tree’s growth. Fresh air, water, roots growing deep in the earth and the tops of its leaves touching the sky, the little tree grows into itself. Addison’s lyrics project the love she feels for nature in every breath. From the tiniest acorn to the largest forest, this eco warrior is not afraid to express her devotion to the cause of environmental activism. Lis Addison is an award winning vocalist and her music has garnered an international following for both music and dance. Her work as eco feminist is reflected in her lyrics and the rousing pulse in every song. Crown in the Sky is a journey into the feminine side of nature. From the hope of “New World” to the Goddess herself in “Mother Gaia” each song is a balm for the weary soul and a breath of fresh air. If you are looking for an uplifting spiritual experience that reflects love of earth and the power and majesty of The Goddess, then you need to experience this talented artist for yourself. Key Tracks-Voice of the Tree, New World, Crown in the Sky Dana Wright-Muzikreviews.com Sr. Staff February 18, 2013 Review by Jonathan Widran: Crown in the Sky by Lis Addison A multiple award winning, multi-talented musician, singer and songwriter, Lis Addison’s divinely touched spirit has allowed her to create music that shifts consciousness, moves energy and inspires the passions of listeners. Circle of Light magazine had it right when said that she “paves the way for a new genre of music”- which incorporates chill, new/age healing music, ambient and soothing, deeply rhythmic world fusion textures. Considering how emotionally rich, contemporary and fresh the tracks of Crowns In The Sky are, it’s fascinating to realize that the songs initially took shape decades ago as accompaniment to a performance piece about a Matriarchy that lives in harmony with nature. Honoring and celebrating the Divine Feminine, Mother Earth (Addison spells it as “Urth”) and all her children, Addison lends her ethereal voice to lushly-produced songs awash in easy grooves, dreamy atmospheres and simple, anthem-like melodies. Hearing the whisper on the opening track “Voice Of The Tree,” she sings of the spirit wrapping us in her arms and setting us free in a vocal harmony filled realm that eases into light jazz/global music territory. Addison mystically explores creation and birth on the gently swaying, chill-ambience driven ballad “New World,” then on “Look Into Your Eyes” asks deep questions about human isolation and how to bridge the distance in a moody setting that is the musical equivalent of a deep, liquefied forest. The singer enters more dramatic territory on “Bring Her Light,” fronting a haunting choir of Kamba women and children from Kenya (who she met on a recent visit) as she dreamily reflects upon our dependence on the natural elements of the earth and humanity’s unfortunate greed that could ultimately anger Mother Nature. Delving deeper into our spiritual connection to nature, “Hearts & Bones” enters trippy ambient territory with the help of soaring chants and bubbling bass and percussion textures. With the feeling of the earth guiding her forward, Addison engages on the acoustic guitar on the light folk/flamenco graces of “Turn To Gold,” which evolves into a beautifully floating soundscape before moving back again towards a more acoustic production. Showing the depth of her musical palette, the singer employs a growing tree as a metaphor for all life in a setting that incorporates guitar, dulcimer and a classical-flavored Virtual String Quartet. Kit Walker’s dancing mandolin plays a key role on the upbeat, infectious “Carry Me,” which emerges as a playful folk dance singing praises to the Goddess of Creation. Addison wraps Crown in the Sky in beautiful fashion, expressing simple gratitude for the sustenance of earth and sun on “How Deep” and the gentle, easily rhythmic joyful praise and prayer moment dedicated to “Mother Gaia,” a lovely coda which asks for guidance from this time forward. The musical-spiritual world of Lis Addison is transcendent and magical, reflecting deep connections between the earth and its people. It’s an intriguing journey like no other recording in any genre this year. -Jonathan Widran |