STAR LULLABY by Raphael Groten
Album Review by Dyan Garris for Zone Music Reporter and New Age CD
“’Star Lullaby’ is harmonious, heartfelt perfection; a truly special lullaby for the soul from the etheric realms.”
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“Star Lullaby” by guitarist Raphael Groten is what can be called “intentional healing music.” Raphael was first inspired into the “healing journey” by playing guitar bedside for his infant son who was in an intensive care hospital room following a nearly fatal accident. Afterward, Raphael began shamanic studies and became a sound healing practitioner as well.
This is the second album Raphael recorded at Will Ackerman’s Imaginary Road Studios. The first was “Journey Home.” “Star Lullaby” is co-produced by the artist, Will Ackerman, and Tom Eaton. Tom Eaton also engineered, mixed, and mastered the album.
“Star Lullaby” uses a unique approach in that this is a two-disc set with the music on the first disc being mainly Raphael on acoustic guitar only and the second disc consisting of all the same tracks, however, with the addition on Disc 2 of an impressive list of guest artists, adding intriguing depth and texture to the already soothing musical soundscapes.
Disc 2 also showcases Raphael’s versatility as a musician, featuring his steel and nylon string guitars, ukulele, percussion, clay whistle and voice performance. The contemporary instrumentalists featured on the album are Michael Manring (bass), Eugene Friesen (cello), Ron Korb (flute), Charlie Bisharat (violin), Jeff Haynes (percussion), Noah Wilding (vocals), and Will Ackerman on guitar.
Now, if I have it right, I believe what the artist has done essentially here with this two-disc album is give us two frequencies, two different vibrations, neither one necessarily higher than the other or better than the other, just slightly different. And although I don’t think this is what anyone would think of as traditional “sound healing,” per se, the healing frequencies are present in the music on both discs. The two-disc set in whole is like a “sound bath” so that the body has opportunity to “tune” itself, release emotional blockages, and realign with optimal health.
The fifteen tracks are titled simply each with one word, with the exception of the title track, “Star Lullaby,” which is not only found as an acoustic guitar track on the first disc, but also twice on the second disc – once there with Michael Manring adding his bass, and then also as a vocal track featuring Noah Wilding and Raphael Groten.
There isn’t a way to pick a favorite on this album, truthfully, as this is all a joyful relaxation experience. The entire thing is super soothing; a truly special “lullaby” for the soul from the etheric realms. There is not one single thing not to like here. This is harmonious, heartfelt perfection.
The album opens with the gentle “Dawn.” This song is as gentle and lovely on the second disc, with just mild instrumentation underneath. I am quite fond of the 8-1/2 minute “Mindfulness.” Melodic guitar and Charlie Bisharat’s wonderful violin artistry make this song quite special and so very peaceful. “Levity” is a light, cheerful song as the title suggests. On Disc 2, along with Raphael’s guitar performance, we are treated to Ron Korb’s flute mastery and Jeff Haynes’ percussion. This one lifts the spirits appreciably. “Gratitude” is breathtakingly beautiful on both discs. Ron Korb’s gorgeously warm flute performance along with the tender guitar melody make this one to listen to repeatedly.
The exquisite “Trust” is another to take in again and again. Here we have Eugene Friesen’s rich cello harmonizing so beautifully with the soothing guitar performances of Raphael Groten and Will Ackerman. Truly heavenly.
On Disc 2, “Eclipse” is a deep, thought-provoking vocal. On Disc 1, it’s a great, kind of cinematic guitar solo. Very interesting and enjoyable. Disc 1 closes out nicely with the soft and swingy, “Prayer,” which is totally different from what one’s concept of “prayer” might usually be. Perfection.
Disc 2 closes out with the vocal version of title track, “Star Lullaby.” Love this: “Rest in bed and close your eyes. Stars will sing you their lullaby. . .Breathe in deep, the day is done. Peaceful prayers to everyone.”
Get “Star Lullaby” at Amazon, CD Baby, iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify
Artist Website:
http://www.raphaelgroten.com
Broadcast & Media Promotion
LAZZ Promotions, Ed & Stacey Bonk
(905) 470-1230
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