Ancient Wisdom & Modern Sounds for Health & Healing (Meta Mindfulness music, 2013)
Israeli oud player Yuval Ron departs from his virtuosic world music fusions with this 7 CD Box set titled Ancient Wisdom & Modern Sounds for Health & Healing. As the title indicates, the focus is on the healing aspects of music. Yuval Ron takes inspiration from ancient Chinese traditions. According to the producers Yuval Ron and Dr. Richard Gold, Chinese healers have applied for centuries the five musical tones associated with the Five Elements and their associated organs to treat illness and maintain good health.
The box sex includes 6 CDs with 45 minute long versions of the music evoking the traditional five elements, Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and a sixth album called Triple Warmer (San Jiao). The 7th CD in this set is a compilation of the six CDs titled Six Healing Sounds which has the short 10 minutes versions of these compositions and is also available for sale separately as a single unit.
Even though the artists featured are known as skilled performers, don’t expect dazzling dexterity. Instead you’ll find a meditative minimalist approach with a lead acoustic instrument.
The Fire album features Zhiming Han on bamboo flute accompanied by keyboards and vocal sounds by Dr. Gold. The Earth CD includes Andjru Werderitsch on Didgeridoo along with bassist Miles Jay and Yuval Ron on oud plus Dr. Gold. The main artist on Wood is guitarist Adam del Monte. The Metal recording features Brien Engel on Glass harmonica. Cynthia Hsiang performs the Guzheng Harp on the Water CD. Triple Warmer includes all the musicians mentioned earlier playing together.
According to the producers, “the Five Elements is informed by the most currently accepted theories in neuroscience on the effects of sound vibrations on the brain and consciousness. This music also incorporates musical therapy research and practice relating to the impact of musical modes on the brain and the sense of well-being. This merging of ancient wisdom and contemporary science is the basis for this musical composition, whose purpose is to provide not only a delightful musical experience but to enhance health, facilitate the smooth flow of bio-energy through body & mind, relieve stress, and contribute to a general sense of well- being and relaxation.”
Buy the boxed set: Ancient Wisdom & Modern Sounds for Health & Healing or the compilation album: Six Healing Sounds
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
