Initiation

Album Review

Initiation is "a musical map, from inertia to ecstasy," the formal musical presentation of Gabrielle Roth's 5-Rhythm "Wave." Moving and dancing from flowing through "stillness" can catalyze and release the emotions of fear, anger, sadness, joy, and peace, according to "urban shaman" and music director Gabrielle Roth. "Flowing"'s rhythm is carried by a seductive Middle Eastern beat, the crystalline magic of synthesizers, and the heady wailing of guitarist Tim Boyce. "Staccato"'s angry four/four rhythm rocks to the trap drum work of John Cooksey and the funky deep bass of Yossi Fine. "Chaos"' six/eight beat tumbles headlong on African drums and heady oracular chants. "Lyrical"'s easygoing pace features the sparkling guitar work of Tim Boyce, the airy vocalese of Joyce Bowden, and buoyant percussion. Synthesizer master Raphael offers the distilled ecstasy of "Stillness," a breathless alloy of heaven and zen. The clearly-marked tracks offer the trance-dancer an excellent workout through the cycle. Additionally, Roth offers "Body Jazz," an easygoing yet snappy cut to isolate movements of separate body parts, and the intensely driving "Initiation," whose vocal chants and clapping provoke urban tribal feelings. Holding the percussion lines throughout are Mirrors' mainstays Gordy Ryan and Robert Ansell. For more information about Roth's Wave cycle, read her book Maps to Ecstasy: The Teachings of an Urban Shaman from Nataraj Publishing.