Stillpoint

Album Review

Many of Gabrielle Roth's albums are constructed around her 5-Rhythm "wave"; moving from flowing through staccato, chaos, and lyrical will bring you to a place of stillness. These eight samplings from previous albums have not abandoned the sensual and intriguing layers of percussion so typical of a Roth work, but they all rest on plateaus of peace and deep introspection. "Stone Circle" from Ritual centers with resonant Tibetan "oms" and gongs, while a reedy flute seems to ride the crisp air of the Himalayas. From Trance comes "Medicine Dream"; a commanding drum beats a stately procession to the drone of a synthesizer and the lyrical musings of the piano. "Red Wind" (Totem) centers on the heart beat, while synthesizer space winds and layers of voice fly by. The very Oriental "Stillpoint" comes from the album Tongues; here, bamboo flute (Steve Gorn) and twangy stringed instruments create a zen atmosphere thrown slightly off center by cries from Bob Een's cello. "Shaman's Prayer" from the album Trance features a didgeridoo drone (Gary Thomas) with vocal incantations by Jai Uttal. Cold winds and mournful howling characterize stillness on "Wolf" from the album Bones. From Ritual comes the sensuous "Crystal Cavern," a hypnotic — almost narcotic — piece that can barely stand upright. Finally comes "Stillness" from Initiation, Roth's quintessential demonstration of the 5-Rhythms; here, synthesizer wizard Raphael delivers glistening stars and gentle spacewinds on a platter of heavenly redemption. Whether stillness sublime or sensual, each piece offers a unique perspective of fulfillment.