More Hykes: Harmonic Meditations

In the comments section of my post with David Hykes' "Harmonic Meetings" I just discovered a message by Closet of Curiosities visitor Vaubu, who very generously uploaded a rip of "Harmonic Meditations" by David Hykes, for us & you to enjoy. Thanks a lot, Vaubu, and welcome in the "Hall of Fame of the Closet of Curiosities".

David Hykes: Harmonic Meditations (2005)


The disc features music from three different sources. The “Harmonic Meditations” were recorded in “The Cistern”, an empty 2 million gallon underground water reservoir in Washington state. “The Silent Ground” was premiered at the re-inaugural concert at the Winter Garden atrium, opposite Ground Zero. The last two pieces were taken from the film
“Travellers and Magicians” by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.

... Refining further what has become a personal and significant contemporary, contemplative music, Hykes explores Harmonic Chant, a complete musical language he has been mastering for decades. This skill allows singers to explore the inherent harmonic ornamentation present in producing an identifiable fundamental vocal note. By manipulating the normally untapped resonance of the human voice, singers are able to make audible two or three tones simultaneously. ... Deep resonating drones, full-throated chants and controlled wispy whistling overtones ring out individually in turn, then combine to become one ethereal sonic body. This is more than harmonious textural drone music as throughout, heavenly melodies inevitably rise out of the shifting overtones.

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this music is how the listener attempts to associate the sound with the source which, while emanating from people, is often perceived of as unearthly. Performed in reverberation sensitive architectural spaces, Hykes' music benefits from the acoustics of large cathedrals, church sanctuaries and underground caverns. These unique spaces seem to compound the sound of each voice by providing a resonance that brings out the otherwise subtle overtones.

(Chuck van Zyl/STAR'S END, June 30 , 2005)

01 Unity Meditation One
02 Trio Meditation One
03 Unity Meditation Two
04 Trio Meditation Two
05 Unity Meditation Three
06 Trio Meditation Three
07 Unity Meditation Four
08 The Silent Ground
09 Times to the True
10 Special Times Three

Robert Mann - percussion, voices
Joel Bluestein, Timothy Hill - voices
Peter Biffin - dobro, E-bow
Bruno Caillat - percussion, zarb
David Hykes - keyboards, voices, bells, breathing
Tony Lewis - percussion, tabla

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And - over at GD's highly bookmarkable "Crystal Vibrations" blog

http://crystalvibrations.blogspot.com

you can get Mr. Hykes early release "Hearing Solar Winds". Highly recommended.