2005 in 25

BE CERTAIN that there are more artists and songs that influenced me in 2005. But these artists stand out for very personal reasons. If I attempted to list all the 'songs' that influenced me, this list would be too long and much to much to bear. Besides, the songs are only an extension of the artist. I care about the creator of these tunes far more than their creations.

So, this is my TOP 25 ARTISTS in 2005.

There are multiple songs from the artists that are listed in not so subliminal messages to them. I listed first the one song that influenced me most or introduced me to them, and sometimes, admittedly, it's not the best song that artist might be known for.., but the one that spoke to me most.

Some of the tunes I listed are on the artist's CD, not MySpace. To hear them, support the artist by purchasing their music.

Have a PEACEful New Year, folks. Support the music you love by sharing the gift of that support with the artist in word and deed. Trust me, 'they need to know they are being effective and that won't happen if you don't tell them'.

B@PEACE in 2006

BrotherDouglas of EdenDust

PS - Link through the subject title to see and hear the list.

Daniel Morawek, Director

NetCinema - by Daniel Morawek. My creative friend in Germany has uploaded a new site with videos for your Ipods... Check him out, and let him know BrotherDouglas sent you by... ~~BD

DaRk LoVE - taoSOULopera - actONE

Well...

It's finally uploaded... our newest tune, DaRk LoVE, the conerstone of a larger work [taoSOULopera] about love gone bad, gone wrong.., love just gone!! Perhaps we'll get it all done by Valentine's (wicked holiday that it is, anyway..), but who knows what's gonna happen between now and then. Anyway.. Thanks for listening.., you know it's really the best 'gift' you can offer anyone.., a heartfelt listen. Just link through the title of this blog or on the song title for a free download.

BePEACE...

BrotherDouglas.

DaRk LoVE
(D.Powell, J.Dean, J.Verdecias)

JEREMIAH: Love...

BROTHER: Isolated, Frustrated...
Feeling dark thoughts again...
Complicated, ...Situated
between Faith and giving in.
I haven't felt like this since
I don't remember when,

But, I need to see, what you see in me,
and I need this pain to end...

JEREMIAH: What is this Love / That everyday we pray for it's embrace / And why do we settle? / For the lower level / Transplanting lust in it's place / If you ask and don't receive / Instantly do you grieve? / Squandering Love's seed / Allowing fear to erase your faith? /

'Cause True Love is the fabric / The lullaby for the savage / The antidote for the damage that life tends to manage / In our hearts and our souls / We crave control / Yet Love rips it from our hands - turning a grown woman or man into a child stuck in quicksand...

BROTHER: Cause, sometimes I love you, ...and,
Sometimes, I shun you, and...
Sometimes you make me feel so mad.

At times I think you love me, and...
Most times you really hurt me, and...
Sometimes you make me feel so sad.

'Cause sometimes I care about us, and...
Sometimes, I'm sick to death of us!
And, sometimes, I just wanna die,
but, please don't let me die.

JEREMIAH ALEXIS: But you've got to tap your eternal source / Warmth like an eternal sun in your chest / Warmth like under the covers when you share them with your lover / Warmth like cold feet when you slip them in new socks / Warmth cause you know your Love's got that key to your hearts lock / The omnipotent power / True Love the pathway to all / So pure and filled with Light that no dark can block it's call /

'Cause there is no hate / Only Love twisted and scarred / Love so battered and bruised that the heart becomes confused / That's why we got to Love hard / So intense it becomes a part of your scent / Your shadow your hand print / Your very essence / So those unloved souls can bathe in Your Presence / And allow Love's warmth to melt their hearts dark frost...
Their Dark Love...

BROTHER: I, I often wonder,
In my soul I sometimes ponder,
How this dark love, entered my heart?
And tho' I still recall,
the vows I made before it all,
In this dark, I fall apart,
Mend my wounded heart...
My Dark Love..

(c) 2005 - EdenDust Publishing (BMI)

All Vocals: Brother Douglas

SpokenWord: Jeremiah Alexis

Live Guitar, Bass, Piano : Jay Deasel

Synth Productions and Sound Effects:

Jeremiah Alexis and Jay Deasel

Written, Produced, Arranged by TaoBrothers of EdenDust and Jay Deasel (www.DeaselMusic.com)

Executive Producer: Luke Carter and TaoBrothers of EdenDust

John: 12:35-36 - So Jesus said to them, "For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of LIGHT."

MY ARTIST FRIENDS: special edition

One of my favorite biblical stories is found in the Book of Acts. Peter and John, disciples to Jesus, who had just been crucified, are hanging around Jerusalem per Jesus final instructions before his death, to 'wait for what the Father has promised', namely the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Upon receiving that baptism in the form of tongues as fire, Peter preached a prophetic sermon in Chapter Two that basically foretold these days in which we now live.

17 'In the last days, God said, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit upon all my servants, men and women alike, and they will prophesy. 19 And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below - blood and fire and clouds of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon will turn bloodred, before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives. 21 And anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.."

Peter would go on to preach with such fervor that, according to verse 43, A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity - 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.

Now understand this turn of events when Peter and John passed by the lame beggar at the gate of Beautiful. This man who was born lame, was carried to this temple entrance on a daily basis to beg for alms from those that entered to worship. Chapter 3:3 -

When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. 4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, "Look at us!" 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting a gift. 6 Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." 7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and anklebones were healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.

ERNESTO: A New Blues

www.myspace.com/jonatanterris

SILVER OR GOLD, I DO NOT HAVE.., but such as I have give I Jonatan Terris Bäckelie aka ERNESTO. This CD, A NEW BLUES, is an important release for these troubled times. It blends soul, blues, gospel and dance in a hybrid of emotional releases that will take the attentive listener to heights indicative of the experience of those that waited in the Upper Room on the Day of Pentecost. Hearing the depth of lyrical integrity and hypnotic musicality, you'll be overwhelmed that all of this has birthed forth from a mere 24 year old from Sweden! Jonatan's roots are indeed in the church, but his understanding of meter and rhyme suggests that he's traveled beyond his foundation to other depths to achieve this musical feat. You'll be drawn to the magnificent gospel-tinged anthem DEVIL's GOTTA RUN and the swirling implusive FALLING FROM GRACE for their sheer rhythms but I plead with you to truly listen to the lyrics. The same goes with FATHER: this is introspective songwriting at it's best. NO MORE (Oh Child) mixtures electronica rave induced beats with down home blues, a combination that is genius in it's execution. Other stand out favorites are SOCIALIST featuring the incredible vocalese of fellow countryman, Paul Mac Innes (another anointed talent) filled with enough political fire power to end every war before it begins, if only it were required listening at the diplomatic levels.., and the wickedly lyric-driven BLAME IT ON YOUR MELODY gives you insight that this artist is just dealing with his everyday problems, in the midst of being on the cutting edge of a new musical expession. But special mention must go to the confessional IF IT BE YOUR WILL that will open your soul to the inifinite possibilities of a life lived without ego.

This release is better than silver or gold.., it's living water that I promise is as important to your musical collection as it will be to your soul, if you let the music wash over you as it certainly will, and if you would just let go and join in the holy dance. Exceptional Records has a bona fide cult hit on it's shelves. A NEW BLUES is nothing short of a clarion call of encouragement and hope born out of the releasing of these truths revealed so adeptly by Ernesto. Remember to visit him on MySpace and listen to these tunes samples.., but to get the full effect, pick up his disc on eMusic or at GiantStep. ~~BD

MY ARTIST FRIENDS: vol.two

I've got a lot of talented friends on MySpace and although it's difficult being supportive of all them, at the same time, it's my joy and I know that I'm in their lives for a reason. So, I'm going to write these reviews about their work, bi-monthly, in hopes that I can introduce them to others who pass through my pages and also so that you can become 'friends' of their gifts, as well. All the artists reviewed are linked through the subject line through my home on MySpace. I send you there so that you can experience their music (and many others), before you, I pray, purchase their music so that they can continue to be 'artists' of the highest caliber. However, you will also be able link directly to the artist in the reviews to post your comments to them on MySpace. Enjoy. ~~BD


BEN TAYLOR: Another Run Around the Sun
www.myspace.com/ben_taylor
How easy it would be to just sit in the shadow of someone 'famous' especially if you're born into that shadow. Lesser talented individuals who by nature of their birth are given rites of passages all the time. But Ben Taylor, fortunate son of legendary James Taylor and Carly Simon, wasn't content to be part of his parents' legacy by proxy, but by intention. This new release will undoubtedly place the young Taylor along side his birthright as a formidable talent in his own right.

Upon the first immediate listen to Another Run Around the Sun, you're struck with the similarity in Ben's sound to that of his father and it can be disarming to the point that you could become somewhat dismissive of what seems like imitation. But if you're going to compare him to his father on any level.., please note that it's really the songwriting that is most reflective of the senior Taylor. This is the genius of the legacy that has been so obviously passed on to Ben and it's the strength of this release that showcases his writing (and singing) most effectively. From the opening confession, "Nothing I Can Do" that Ben sings with incredible tenderness and revelation, to the closing haunting manifesto, "Love", every song in between reveals more and more that this Taylor is not only his own man, but certainly has his own voice. This CD is a labor of love as it just feels good, sounds good and is performed with a simplicity that other artists with 'more resources' could learn a lesson or two from. Ben's less is more approach allows the listener to 'hear' the lyrics that are the undeniable star of each tune. He sings 'just enough' to support these fine crafted songs and never overshadows with unnecessary production just because he can. Stand outs for this reviewer, "I'll Be Fine", "You Must Have Fallen" and "One Man Day", each tune substains and enhances the legacy that Ben Taylor seems to have not only reconciled, but embraced wholeheartedly. As a side note, he's supported by incredible talent featuring actor/musician Kevin Bacon in production and on bass, David Saw and Beulah of the UK on supporting vocals and a host of notable session players that lend their considerable gifts to one fine release for a most desiring artists. ~~BD


MAGNUS ELIASSEN: Second Grace
www.myspace.com/magnuseliassen
This is another Norway import and like his fellow countryman, Even Johansen (Magnet), Magnus Eliassen is a force to be reckoned with. His imprint is all over these productions that are at times sparse, and other times full of life and energy. From playing most of the instruments to the stellar productions and vocals, Magnus allows the listener to peer into his soul as he sings about love and redemption seemingly for the pure joy of it. Each tune on Second Grace is a tour de force of kinetic creativity. To say there's really nothing like it in the marketplace is an understatement. Even with the aforementioned comparison, it's evident from the almost subliminal opening tune, "The Meaning of Life", there's an assertiveness to how Magnus lays out his mission statement for this release. "There's so much I want to say to you", he sings in the opening verse as if he's aware of and speaking to each and every heart that's listening. In this tune, he continues to explain that being given the 'grace of a call', he confesses that his reasons for what he's doing in this release is beyond mere showmanship.., beyond the vanity that motivates most.

You'll be drawn to "Lois is Happy" for it's infectious rhythms, but pay attention to the lyric and learn the much deeper reasons why Lois is happy! "Falling in Love" is an epic hit, but unlike it's version on MySpace, the CD cut is much fuller and more more involved. With several 'false endings', each new level brings a new surprise for the listener. For this reviewer's taste, you can't beat "Weakness" for it's sheer musicality. From the backing vocals and the lead sung in the pocket like a snare hit, Magnus shows his versatility as a writer and vocalist that is just as commerical as anyone on the charts while still maintaining his uniqueness without compromise. He closes this release with "Until We Meet Again", which does, as the opening tune, establish his connection to his audience as he promises to 'return' with even more where this came from. "You'll be welcomed to take my hand" he shares as he knowingly takes the leader's role into a beautiful world of sound and love, "If I don't break or bend, one day we'll meet again".

This is an artist that shouldn't be hard to find in the years to come. This is nothing short of a masterpiece and with all that it has going for it, should allow Magnus Eliassen a much deserving audience and platorm in the very near future. In the meantime, check him out on MySpace and please purchase this disc and see if you too agree, that this is one of 'those' CD's that you'll remember exactly where you were when you first heard it. It's really THAT good. ~~BD

DAVID SAW: Different Story
www.myspace.com/davidsaw
David Saw is songwriter.., who just so happens to also be a great instrumentalist and vocalist. But it's his turn of a lyric, his quick wit and his dry delivery of very poignant moments that gives him his signature. I dare make the comparison to another daunting talent that I believe you as a listener will immediately understand when you delve into Different Story. There's a Dylan quality to what David is doing here. Yes, Bob Dylan. On "Big Deal", David establishes himself amongst his peers with a lyric that so 'in your face' that it's hard to comprehend how he manages to sing it and still 'cause you to sympathize with his point of view. It's how he writes, ...plain and simple. Saying those things that others 'think' in the heads and hearts, but dare not say outloud. David sings them for us and gives us our voices in the meantime. "Love after Wine" is a genius of a lyric that celebrates the delicate balance of love with a delicious give and take between a man and women, with guest vocalist, Cathy Burton. The title cut is the most Dylanesque with it's hammond organ and reveals how David just calls it like it is, as he exposes unrequitted love in all it's vanity. My favorite cut is "For This Night" as it includes the best of all that David does as a songwriter. He tells the story of a break up and the endless parade of those that will never be the one that 'got away' no matter how much time you spend with them. It's sheer skill that he writes so simply and poignantly in one stroke of pen to paper. Another tune that deserves a special listen, "Love Inside Me", shows how it's not just what you say, but how you say it, as a songwriter. When he sings, "I watch a movie, I fell asleep, Then daylight woke me, I still felt weak", he conveys with the slightest inflection of his voice how a lost love lingers and truly feels. David Saw is a songwriter and this is not only evident in this release but celebrated by the likes of other stellar fans of his music, namely his buddy, Ben Taylor and Ben's mother, Carly Simon. Both are fans of his writing and often perform his tunes in concert. Remember the name, the next time you happen upon a tune that lingers in your head.., it could very easily be a David Saw lyric. ~~BD

within, MANDALA

There's a music explosion going on. You won't read about in the news or even hear about it on TV. There'll be nothing, then one day, you'll ask yourself, where did all this great talent come from.., and without hestitation, your inner spirit will tell you, "The U.K." ...and MySpace.

I spent a little time online back in the day with the wave of indie music that became MP3.com when very few knew or understood this whole digital world of music uploading, let alone, downloading. Today, it feels like we've always had this method of distribution. It's made it far easier to discover new talent. Talent that might never get to travel to half the places they are streamed with today's technology. MySpace has become the new 'hub' on the web for musicians. Think of it as a hip corner cafe with the coolest musicians and people, on the same corner in every city and town, at the same time and you'll get an idea just how important it is to be one of those artists in the nightly line up. At the top of my set list is MANDALA, an eclectic ensemble lead my vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Neil Marsh and Francis Booth of London who have been the driving force behind Mandala since its formation in 1997. Neil, who luxuriates in the recordings of David Sylvian and Jeff Buckley, handles the songwriting, guitars and vocals, while Francis, who’s iPod is as home to obscure Bjork recordings as it is the bittersweet tones of Nick Drake, handles the bass and electronics.

You have mulitple choices: link through the title, above, to go to the official home and hear snippets of their dual release, "BEFORE MEMORY" and "THE TEARS OF A THOUSAND ANGELS" of which I strongly encourage you to purchase so that you can get the full tunes in their magnificent glory, or you can also visit them on MySpace at www.myspace.com/mandala and four full tunes there as well. There's also a label site: www.myspace.com/elypsoidmediae where you can hear additional songs and artists from elypsoidMediae, a collective of like-minded artists and individuals... with a common goal, and single-mindedness, to work towards an ideal without compromise. ~~BD


More blogs about mandala.

MY ARTIST FRIENDS: vol.one

I've got a lot of talented friends on MySpace and although it's difficult being supportive of all them, at the same time, it's my joy and I know that I'm in their lives for a reason. So, I'm going to write these reviews about their work, bi-weekly, in hopes that I can introduce them to others who pass through my pages and also so that you can become 'friends' of their gifts, as well. All the artists reviewed are linked through the subject line through my home on MySpace. I send you there so that you can experience their music (and many others), before you, I pray, purchase their music so that they can continue to be 'artists' of the highest caliber. However, you will also be able link directly to the artist in the reviews to post your comments to them on MySpace. Enjoy. ~~BD


IVAN COLON: Room Enough
www.myspace.com/ivancolon
There's really no such thing as undiscovered talent. Unrecognized? Yes. Unappreciated? Certainly. Undiscovered? No. Case in point, Ivan Colon. He's certainly discovered himself, his faith and his voice in a sea of influences and opportunities to have success by any means necessary, along comes a genuinely 'nice' man, with a humble spirit who is writing songs about love and faith that are just plain refreshing. The whole listen through to this release "Room Enough", I just keep feeling a sense of 'Light'. There really is no darkness, here. You will feel better for just listening to his stylings and reading his lyrics (included) as he's singing. He's a painter of images and he's really good at it. Think James Taylor at the beginning of his career, then imagine the tonality of Michael Franks and Kenny Rankin and you'll understand a little of what you're about to experience, listening to Ivan. The difference, however, is how unabashedly he sings about his faith. This isn't one of those contemporary Christian CD's that seem to serve up the least of their skills as homage to the Most High. This is songwriting at it's best with lyrics that are witty, full of promise and hope, and purposeful. My stand out favorites are Holy Father, With You and I Soon Shall See. This is not to imply the others aren't good in their own right. Everyone will speak to you at various times, I'm sure, but these three, for me, really are a cut above. Perhaps it's just this reviewer's bias, but get the CD and pick your favorite three and let's see if we agree!! ~~BD


CRAIG LYONS: Equilibrium Theory - vols. I & II
www.myspace.com/craiglyons
Here's my opening confession: I suspect Craig Lyons might need a review the least. He's got it all, by the standards that most judge success. He's placed tunes on MTV's Real World and he's in the studio, now, working on a new project that's possibly going to take him from his humble place on MySpace and other music sites, to the hollowed halls of promotion akin to the machinery that's behind artists like John Mayer and Ben Folds. So, with that said, you should really get over to MySpace, listen to him, and get this soon to be collector's CD from his indie label, www.GrayScaleRecords.com Here's the genius that's Craig: on this release with the exception of a baritone guitar on one tune, everything (and I mean everything) else is Craig! Yes, he plays bass, drums, guitar, piano and sings all the vocals. ALL Craig!! Many might think, what a control freak! But, the truth be told, it allows him to fully flesh out his musical ideas. Something most artists never get to fully experience and even fewer can really appreciate. His songwriting is on par with an artist about to break through and become quotable from his radio friendly tunes that are a throw back to that west coast vibe associated with Kenny Loggins or Dan Fogelberg. Like the latter comparison, Craig is also from the mid-west 'tho it's obvious his musical expertise and roots have caused him to sound like a seasoned veteran while still officially being a twenty-something artist. You'll fall in love with Easy and Tranquility and be amazed at the musicianship of Dreaming World and Psychopath, but for this reviewer, he saved the best for last. Closing this musical collage is an intense tune called The Wild that really allows you to hear the gift that just keeps on giving. His guitar work, rhythm and vocal harmonies, makes you forget he's a one man band. You can't help but look up and check the liner notes to be sure he's not fronting an established band. In short, this is an incredible sophomore release from a young artist that wasn't discovered 'till after this recording. Don't be guilty of waiting 'till his major release to know what you can know now: Craig Lyons is the real deal and deserves every good fortune that's about to come his way. ~~BD


EVEN JOHANSEN: MAGNET-On Your Side
www.myspace.com/magnet

Bergen, Norway had a secret that's no longer. His name is Even Johansen and he's known professionally as MAGNET, an eclectic folk-electronica artist that sings melancholic, ethereal tunes that one often associates with female artists like Bjork or Imogene Heap. He's got such a unique grasp of the subliminal that you'll find yourselves lost on more than one occasion in his soundscapes and haunting lyrics. He's really got his own unique way of phrasing and structuring his tunes that are all written and produced by him, with the exception of one cover, Bob Dylan's, Lay Lady Lay. That tune has been Magnetized into something beyond it's original in the hands of Even and it's a delight to hear new life from such an established tune. The layers upon layers painstakingly produced to flawless perfection seem to be a hallmark of Magnet. This debut release under this moniker allows Even to really let go and discover what truly must have taken him years to uncover. You can learn more about him on MySpace and be directed from there to his official home, www.homeofmagnet.com where you'll soon discover what the rest of the free world already knows. This is one uniquely gifted artist and we're the lucky ones who get to hear him, once we've found him, on a regular basis. The title cut, On Your Side, is a good place to start, but the Last Days of Summer will really make you happy. Then there's the tune that sounds like it came out of an old Hollywood musical, The Day We Left Town, with the most wicked background vocals I've heard since I first discovered Bjork. This is not a comparison that should go unchecked, he's that good and certainly is warrants that comparison. And, then some. But, Even finds his own persona in tunes likes Nothing Hurts Now and Overjoyed. Both showcase his incredible lyric writing and sensitive vocal delivery that just pulls you into his very soul. Quick, go experience Magnet and become an instant fan. ~~BD

WALKING ASLEEP

Haven't you felt like you've been jarred awake out of a deep slumber with these natural (man-made?) disasters and mind altering, awe inspiring events of late? Oriah Mountain Dreamer wrote about these present and future events several years back in her book "The Call".

Here's one of my favorite passages:

Walking Asleep
Walking asleep, moving in the world disconnected from our essential core, can be dangerous; it means our choices are based not on an accurate picture of what is, but on what we want or fear is true. At best, actions based on an inaccurate picture of what is are unlikely to succeed in creating the change we desire.

At worst, they will create greater suffering.
There are a thousand ways to go to sleep, to walk through our lives unaware of and unable to be with what is and so unconscious of what and who we are. Beyond the obvious choices to move away from what is by using a variety of substances --food, alcohol, nicotine, drugs, caffeine--the culturally preferred way of making sure we don't wake up is to keep ourselves perpetually exhausted with constant activity, endless work, and the consumption of overwhelming amounts of information: to do continually. And even when some of us reject the quest for more material wealth or social status, we do not necessarily break the pattern but turn instead to the pursuit of spiritual development. Either way, we are in constant motion internally or externally. We are rarely still.

We seldom find silence. We do not rest. And tired people do not want to wake up, don't have the energy to wake up, can't even fathom it as a possibility.
We will never be deeply happy or tuly able to live and love fully until we find our way of living from an awareness of the deep stillness at the center of what we are. It is not so much that what we are at the deepest level wants to wake up, to be aware, to love, to create peace and truth and beauty, but that our essential nature is wakefulness, awareness, love, peace, truth and beauty. To hear The Call we only need to listen. But sometimes we can listen only when our illusions of control and safety have been shattered, when we are lying on the ground --figuratively or literally in the wildnerness-- weeping and ready to say, as RUMI wrote:

I didn't come here of my own accord.
Whoever brought me here will have to come and take me home.

excerpt from THE CALL by Oriah Mountain Dreamer

PATH of EMPOWERMENT

Various mundane and cosmic forces are in a desperate battle for your attention, because your attention represents where and how you focus your energy for creating the reality you encounter. The courage to fearlessly ask questions is at the core of your spiritual awakening. People have been clinging to various stages of denial for a long time; as a result of this inattentiveness to life, a behind-the-scenes breeding ground for carrying out despicable deeds was easily fostered. Such behavior by your leaders is a symbol for society's denial to effectively deal with the truth, and by playing out exaggerated versions of lies and deceit, they test your abilities of discernment. By claiming your rightful ability to move your conscious awareness around the field of existence, you will experience direct knowledge and be able to tell the difference between truth and deciet. And you must claim this ability to reach beyond the confines of physical reality to understand the power of the forces that challenge you to awaken. Then you will not be so easily deceived.
The controlled mainstream media is used as a tool to pull your attention into a probable world that is devoid of vitality and creativity. By enticing your attention into a reality of violence and war, your thoughts and beliefs are conditioned to enslave you in victimhood and complete disempowerment. Will you choose pessimism or empowerment, be browbeaten or make use of the new energy and soar to new heights of achievement?

...excerpt from PATH of EMPOWERMENT by Barbara Marciniak

So much of this latest book by Ms. Marciniak explains the world we're living in and that alone would make this a most important read. For me, the extreme relevance of this book is much deeper. It will serve as a validation to those of you that have long believed that we are 'not alone' in our universe. In fact, we live in a multiverse and this group known as the Pleiadians that Ms. Marciniak channels, has some sage advice for these troubled times. Regardless of your personal beliefs, you owe it to yourself to read this book with an open heart..., you'll be surprised at just how much of it truly makes perfect sense and you'll experience a profound relief to learn how you can affect change in your immediate community, if you would just listen and pay heed to those that have gone before us.

Published in 2004 by Inner Ocean Publishing, Inc. ~~BD

JONO

JONO McCleery:

I listen to alot of music. But seldom do I care to hear more than one tune by an artist. Usually I can hear their whole bag of tricks in that one tune and don't feel the need to listen any deeper. JONO McCleery of London is one of the latest exceptions to that general rule. His voice is raspy and soulful and unpolished at times, but not in an affective way. You know you're hearing the truth in his unadorned interpretations of his very personal tunes. He sings inside each song, listening, tuning from the inner man to the outerchild to great effect. His lyrics are deeply simplistic and reeks of a 'been there, done that' quality, and on the surface might have you asking, is that it? He gives you sparse arrangements with a simple guitar base and backing harmonic vocals (he's playing and singing them, too), seemingly intentionally (not just because of budget restrictions) so that you're a part of the process, as if your presence as a listener changes his performance, ever so slightly. Of course that can't be, ...these are recordings! But the genius of JONO is they sound like live performances, and I swear to you, different performances with each listen. There's three individual demo discs available: "Bet she does", "Little Rivergirl" and "...a little out of reach" that you can order directly from the man himself via his website, linked through the title above.
He is also on the ever popular, MySpace, musical community at http://www.myspace.com/jonomccleeryuk where you can sample his tunes and drop him a line of appreciation. Why should I share with you my favorites because they all are (honestly), but the three title songs are on myspace and if you get the urge for more, I strongly suggest you pick up the discs, and you might discover exactly which tunes I favor (hint). Each individual tune stands alone as a well crafted short story and is well worth the investment into an artist on the rise.

SHIRLEY HORN: I LOVE YOU, Paris

1934 - 2005

National Public Radio Says Good-Bye

"Click to Listen"

I'm one of the fortunate that really got to know Ms. Horn for a season.

She was wickedly funny and seriously all about 'the music'. I will forever cherish her 'deposits' into my soul. I am forever changed for knowing her and having her treat me as a 'son' for that brief period in time.

If you know Shirley's music, you will recognize the subject of the post as a title to one of her best recordings. It's a special part of our journey, together, and one of my fondest memories how such a simple title could cause such a ruckus inside her label.

'We won that one, didn't we Shirley ?!!'

Rest, Now. Your work is done.

I will honor your memory, with dignity.


Douglas Edward Powell aka BrotherDouglas

(co-author: "Should I Surrender", 1997 Loving You release)

More Shirley Horn Tributes

More blogs about Shirley Horn.

SPIRITUAL PRODUCERS

I'm part of a production ensemble, TaoBrothers of EdenDust. We mainly produce spiritually based multi-media. Below is a sampling of our journey, thus far.

Each individual name-heading is also a link to other songs and videos.

Enjoy !!!

WORDS to LIVE BY

I posted this on another board and decided it was

"words for this day".

All that's ever 'required' of us as BELIEVERS is to be REAL.

First and foremost, to ourselves.

Secondly, Before God.., and,

Thirdly, in a our dealings with others.

Sometimes that means showing a part of ourselves we would prefer to keep hidden.
Your BEAUTY and POWER is in the flaws that God designed us all with.

Everything has it's season, and that means everything. Be encouraged, especially when it seems no progress is being made.., there's always movement in Heaven.


BePEACE, BD

voice of the ocean

I have some very creative friends in Germany.

Daniel Morawek and Ulf Ramminger came to New York a couple of summers back for a film festival in which Daniel had a submission: 2003 "Caffè della Vita". While having a nice evening reflecting on our original introduction when he was a mere teenager with a request to use a song of mine in his film, 1999 "Los Delinquentes Parte Uno", that tune, Noble Pursuit, was the beginning of a beautiful collaboration that would finally culminate in this moment when both Daniel and Ulf started to share with me and my business partner, Jeremiah Alexis, a new vision for their next project.

In a matter of hours we were filming all over Manhattan, improvising a story that has now become the cornerstone of this latest project from GET REAL Entertainment and LIFEHOUSE Film. Enjoy it's cyberspace release @ Video.Download.com by linking through the subject heading and keep your eyes and ears tuned to the indie theatre scene in your town.
Who knows when we might soon be at a cinema near you!! ~~BD

H E R O - Kirk Franklin

I don't think for one minute that Kirk Franklin came onto my blog and read the original HERO post from 11 September 2005 (of course not!!), but here he is, a month later with a new CD release called..., H E R O !! Coincidence?? I think not !!! But seriously, this CD is soooo good it deserves a preview, something I rarely do. Here's why it's good:

• it's deep
• it's musical
• it's melodic
• it's got slamming vocals
• it's got fewer vocal interuptions from Kirk (you know you've wanted to say Shut Up a time or two, now didn't you!!)
• it's the next level of gospel music, God willing, cause let's face it, we who buy gospel ALSO buy Kanye, Beyonce and Barry Manilow... (don't you dare bust on Barry!!)
• it's deep, which bears repeating, 'cause you don't believe me, I know. When you hear these lyrics, you'll understand just what I'm talking 'bout. (Sang, Stevie!!)

THIS IS NOT YOUR MAMA's GOSPEL MUSIC, unless your mother just happens to be Patti LaBelle! With the release of HERO, Franklin steps to the next level in his remarkable career and remains in the forefront of influencing future generations with his inspiring and timeless gospel message. In addition to the first single, “Looking For You,” a signature hype record -- featuring the classic Patrice Rushen sample “Looking For You”-- that Kirk’s fans have come to love and expect from him, the CD includes the title track, “Hero,” which chronicles the journey of mankind from destitution and depravity to redemption and restoration, and features guest vocals by one of the legendary Clark Sisters, Dorinda Clark-Cole. “Let It Go,” featuring guest vocals by tobyMac and Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D., is a haunting musical testimonial where Franklin tells of a past filled with sex, drugs, pornography, insecurity and growing up without a father. “Without You,” one of the most intimate moments on the CD, features a rare and deeply personal lead vocal from Franklin himself as he expresses his deepest sentiments of dependency on Christ. The one and only Stevie Wonder makes a featured guest appearance on the Motown-inspired song, ”Why,” a semi-tongue-in-cheek take on many of the social ills plaguing society, both inside and outside the church, that also features a scorching percussion by Sheila E. Several other tracks round out HERO including, ”Afterwhile,” featuring Yolanda Adams’ velvety vocals along with a gentle piano accompaniment delivering a message of assurance and encouragement that will undoubtedly resonate with all who hear it.

Just go get it, and write your own review !!!

Kudos Kirk, you're gonna catch holy hell, again, from the church.., but that just means you're doing what no one else had the courage to do.., 'till now. Hard being a pioneer, but quite rewarding. Thanks for paving the way. ~~BD

NEW MONTH, OLD PRAYERS

A new month is upon us.., September was filled with excitement. How in the world will October ever top it??! Frankly, I could do with a little less drama in the weather.., a lot less scandal in politics and far more spiritually in religion. Oh yeah, and more Love and Forgiveness from my fellow brothers, especially when it's appropriate, which is, ALL THE TIME !!

If you're in need of a pick-me-up.., link over to my page at MySpace and check out some of the new artists I've discovered in my 'friends' section. (Above or to the right, in links)

So much talent, and so few places to really showcase it, properly. I've got to do something about that...,

Stay tuned...

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

"Never discourage anyone...who continually makes progress,

no matter how slow." - Plato

Oprah's Katrina Homes

Oprah's back and at it again !!

Her 20th Anniversary Season began today and she had a major announcement about her personal contribution to those victims of Hurricane Katrina. She's personally donating $10 Million dollars of her own money that's specifically being earmarked to build new homes and lives and she's also launching a 'registry' for others to help furnish those homes, at the level of their personal ability. Translation; you can go online and buy a toaster.., or a sofa.., or the whole house, if you roll like that !! In the end, we are seeing a lot of support finally coming to an area of our country that's been long neglected. But don't fool yourselves into believing that for one minute, that's the only area of poor people in these United States of America that need our support. We can only pray that our eyes have been opened, collectively, to the suffering of the 'Least of US' and that our collective hearts, finally, can make a difference in those whose voices have been muffled for so long. Link through the subject title to make a contribution. ~~BD

MESSAGES for the SOUL

HIS HOLINESS, THE DALAI LAMA


Forming a new world religion is difficult and not particularly desirable. However, in that love is essential to all religions, one could speak of the universal religion of love.

~:~

As long as there is a lack of the inner discipline that brings calmness of mind, no matter what external facilities or conditions you have, they will never give you the feeling of joy and happiness that you are seeking. On the other hand, if you possess this inner quality of calmness of mind, a degree of stability within, then even if you lack various external facilities that you would normally consider necessary for happiness, it is still possible to live a happy and joyful life.

~:~

Nature’s Law dictates that, in order to survive, bees must work together. As a result, they instinctively possess a sense of social responsibility. They have no constitution, no law, no police, no religion or moral training, but because of their nature, they labor faithfully together. Occasionally, they may fight, but in general, based on cooperation, the whole colony survives. We human beings have a constitution, laws and a police force. We have religion, remarkable intelligence and a heart with a great capacity for love. We have many extraordinary qualities, but in actual practice, I think we are lagging behind those small insects. In some respects, I feel we are poorer than the bees.

~:~

Generally speaking, even if money brings us happiness, it tends to be the kind which money can buy: material things and sensory experiences. And these, we discover, become a source of suffering themselves. As far as actual possessions are concerned, we must admit that they often cause us more, not less, difficulty in life. The car breaks down, we lose our money, our most precious belongings are stolen, our house is damaged by fire.
Or we worry about these things happening.

~:~

I believe there is an important distinction to be made between religion and spirituality. Religion I take to be concerned with belief in the claims to salvation of one faith tradition or another--an aspect of which is acceptance of some form of meta-physical or philosophical reality, including perhaps an idea of heaven or hell. Connected with this are religious teachings or dogma, ritual, prayers and so on. Spirituality I take to be concerned with those qualities of the human spirit--such as love and compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, contentment, a sense of responsibility, a sense of harmony, which bring happiness to both self and others.

~:~

The threshold between right and wrong is pain.

-His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Imagine All the People

In these times, we need guidance. Stay tuned for more Messages for the Soul from our treasury of Spiritual Teachers. If you grow impatient, link through the subject line to a site that's totally about inspiration. ~~ BD

H E R O

African-Americans have many so-called heros, mostly athletes and certainly actors and musicians, especially if they're rich and successful. We seldom make heros of common folks, you know, like scientists or scholars.., laborers or teachers. We pay lip-service to how much those lesser gods have blessed us, taught us values and guided us in the midst of trouble, but we purchase posters of Jordan or Tiger and hang them proudly as if these few have deposited the most into our lives.., or hearts. No one has more admiration for those that are certainly doing a good job with their celebrity and have proven time and again to be benevolent creatures with incredible pressures and opportunities to be much less most of the time. But admiration alone does not make a hero.

I've seen heros on my tele recently and they weren't camera ready. They were forced into roles of super human patience and compassion in the midst of almost insurmontable odds. Uneducated and uncultured 'tho spectacularly heroic, each and every one. I don't have a list of names to applaud, nor will there be any promotional merchandise for their heroism, but they will be recorded in the annals of Heaven for being selfless and generous.

Hurricane Katrina has been a great litmus test for HEROS. Perhaps you're one, reading this now. If so, I'm applauding you for being courageous and caring in these trying times. Next time you pass by a mirror, take a mental picture of yourself and remember from this day forward what a real HERO looks like.


However, if you still need another image of Heroism, here's my personal Hero, our future President of America, Senator Barack Obama. He's taking on the old Republican guard concerning their views and values toward those that have historically been less forturnate. He's about to 'rise to the occasion' in a very significant way. Remember you read it here, first.


BePEACE.

Brokeback Mountain

BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN

Well, it's about to get 'hot in here' !! I can feel the heat from the bible belt, gearing up their scriptures and holy water and preparing to camp out, if necessary, in the parking lots of the first theatres daring to show the most anticipated love story, since Love Story! Ang Lee's tale of the homosexual love between two cowboys set in the conservative West of the 1960s won the Venice Film Festival's top award Saturday (the 10th).

"Brokeback Mountain", starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, topped 19 other competitors, including favorite "Good Night, and Good Luck," George Clooney's black-and-white movie set in the McCarthy era of the early 1950s.

Receiving the Golden Lion award, Lee described his movie as a "great American love story" that is unique and so universal. "I'm so glad it's prevailed here and was received so warmly here," he said. Based on a novella by "The Shipping News" author E. Annie Proulx, the movie has sweeping vistas, lonesome men, bucking broncos and smoldering campfires. It also has sex scenes between two men whose lives are changed, disturbed and entwined after being hired to tend sheep for a summer in Wyoming. I think, hands down, this film could become a classic if the first trailers are any indication. (The trailer is in the link of the title, above.) Stay tune for a full review after I've had the honor and pleasure of getting to preview it, soon.

Lee's other films include "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," "Hulk," "The Ice Storm" and "Sense and Sensibility."


More blogs about Brokeback Mountain.

I Wrote a Book

Wholiness: A Spiritual Journey of Discovery

Yes, after reading all these other's words, it was time to write down some of my own. This is a short, self-published booklet about a special period of change in my life. I learned to love myself after years of self-loathing and denial: a period of darkness that ended in glorious LIGHT. The booklet is available through the subject link above for a small donation, or linked through the title for those that cannot support financially, but still would like to read about my journey.

Published in 2003 by EdenDust and Lulu Publishing.

Are You Watching, The First 48?

A&E: The FIRST 48


When a couple is found shot to death, Kansas City investigators track down two suspects and must convince one of them to give up the other--his own father; and detectives must rely on inhabitants of a drug-ridden area to help solve a murder, hoping that the word on the street will crack the case. Join the detective teams as they race the clock in The First 48.

This series on A&E might seem like an unlikely review for the spirit of this page. But, before you so easily prematurely judge my eclectic taste in programming, consider this: We are a very violent society and every day we endure countless newscasts about the state of our world and it's lack of love or respect for it's neighbors. We violate as many of the ten commandments on a daily basis as we can, it would appear, and we often find our greatest success or notoreity when we do. So along comes a show that is as raw as it gets and in it's rawness is the most honest protrait of real evil on the networks. The First 48 shows us our sins in technicolor detail and if we heed the advice and warnings of the detectives, we might learn not only how to view our neighborhoods but our neighbors, differently. We learn a measure of patience and grace while seeing these admirable men and women performing tasks that many of us would find distasteful no matter how necessary. And, they do it with a combination of grace and peace that's uncanny and extremely humane. These detectives are mothers and fathers, often, with families that need them in the same time period they're away dealing with the worst of mankind. How do they do it? WHY do they do it? Questions such as these will be conversations for the proverbial water coolers as many are tuning in more and more to this crime drama, that's ultimately not a drama at all, but a real horrific tragedy that a show like this could even exist in primetime. Not for the subject matter, mind you, but that there's such a depth of material available for it's creation in the first place! It would appear that this world we're living in is bent on self-destruction, one neighbor and one neighborhood at a time. ~~BD

UnSpoken UnDiscovered

MATT MORRIS: UnSpoken

I suspect I'm one of the last to hear this release from December of 2002 by Matt Morris, incredibly talented son of singer-songwriter Gary Morris that many might remember from being on Broadway in '87 in Les Miserables, but who also had a number of successful releases for several critical years in the evolution of contemporary country music. I mention this pedigree quickly to only say that genetically, Matt certainly comes by his talent honestly. But I would do a disservice to give the impression that genetics is totally responsible for this level of gift. No, this is something beyond anything that might be passed from father to son, unless you mean to reference the Heavenly Father. If so, then you might be quite accurate for this young man is simply Touched by God. He produced, wrote, arranged and sang this auspicious release and played all the key instruments and nothing suffers.., not one note is out of place, or out of tune, or out of time. If I could dare use the word perfect, it would still be an understatement. What we have here is nothing short of a divine visitation, manifested in flesh and blood in the mind, body, soul and voice of Matt Morris.

He seems to have friends in interesting places: Justin Timberlake, Christian Aguilera have all co-written with him and he gives thanks on his CD to many other incredible musicians and writers that leads me to think that although the public might not be totally aware of the magnitude of his talent, many in the industry do seem to know his name.

ETERNITY is the first complete song on the CD, but there're UnSpoken interludes that open the CD and occur throughout the long play that bridge these musical expressions that seem to honor the mind, body and soul, lyrically. In Eternity, he writes an homage to God that only can come from a serious walk and intimate knowledge and experience of The Infinite. Just listening to WATCHING OVER YOU you'll soon discover that he literally writes (and performs) from an anointed place that will move you in places you've forgotten needed caressing. BE MY LOVE is the best of the sensual songs. The co-penned Timberlake tune, GO AWAY, is heartachingly sublime. Socially conscious, THE WORLD I'M LIVING IN is Matt at his most creative musically and inspirationally.

Do seek out this CD (linked in the subject title) and give yourself a belated gift. Do try and listen straight through with your heart and mind open and prepare to be elevated into the presence of The Beloved. Yes, this CD is that good. Thank you, Matt for being the best example I've heard in a very long time of a willing and committed 'vessel' for all that God had available uniquely for you in this moment. This was the best 44:19 minutes I've ever spent. ~~ BD

IDOL American

BO BICE


I didn't write about Mister Bice when he was on American Idol last season, mainly because I wanted to see what kind of artist he would become once faced with fame and fortune. Seems Bo hasn't changed and if it's possible to become even more humble, well he has. He married his live in girlfriend.., and rumor has it, they're expecting a child. He breaks his foot, on stage, but continues the tour, only to be sidelined in the end by a bowel obstruction! Now he's about to return to the Idol Tour with his fellow cast mates with not one, but two new songs inspired by the recent Katrina troubles. At the show Sunday (the 11th) at the Oncenter in Syracuse, New York, Bo will debut the song he wrote after the hurricane struck called "We Can't Change This World." He's even starting a new site to raise money for diaster relief: www.BoBiceRelief.com

"The chorus is, 'We can't change this world.., If we can't change our minds,'" Bice said of the song, which, like Kanye West's recent controversial remarks, questions whether the nation's delayed response to the tragedy correlates with the race of the majority of the victims. "The only way to curb discrimination and belligerent ignorance is to educate, and the way to educate is to go down there and identify. When you pick up an old black man out of a mud pile, then it's not just something on TV anymore."

The rocker even offered his empty home in Helena to a homeless family of five from Grand Isle, Louisiana.
Bice, who now lives in Nashville, Tennessee tells MTV News, "We're going to get that house furnished and check their kids into school. I don't know them but I know they need help. They're human beings. That's the smallest thing I can do is let my empty house go to them. The biggest thing we can do is go down there and help out. This is our chance to shine, to do something with life."

This inforced break in Bo's schedule was just what was needed in order for this man to get ready for the time in his life. The foundation is there: he writes, sings, plays and thoroughly enjoys his time in front of his band, SugarMoney. All that's been missing are consistent audiences that will allow him to become all that he's destined to become.

Enjoy this calm before the storm 'cause it's possibly the last break you'll get before you're thrusted into the spotlight, forever! I'll be Prayin' for ya, Bo!! ~~BD

This just in: Bo Bice's Baby
E! Online
Mon, 26 Sep 2005 - No more idle time for this Idol. Bo Bice and his wife, Caroline Fisher, welcomed son Aidan Bice into the world Saturday, Bice's RCA rep, Roger Widynowski, confirms. It's the first child for both.

ANGEL BROTHERS

AngelBrother
(c) EdenDust Publishing

There's some incredibly talented individuals out there, now, with serious musical skill and intense lyrical depth. Here's a link where you can be introduced to many of them. Check out www.TaoBrothers.net and come back here and let me know who moves you.

~~BD

All My Musical Friends

AMOS LEE

Amos Lee is a star in the making..., and, an unusual one, to boot. He's going to be compared to Norah Jones and rightfully so, as he has that same tenderness of style in his lyric delivery and writing. But, unlike Norah, there's a little grit in Amos and he's going to be a hard artist to categorize. Opening for Bob Dylan and Merle Haggard, he's obviously got a following that's certainly not the predictable demographic, but, beyond all the obvious misconceptions, the one that matters most, is the music. "Keep it Loose, Keep it Tight" reminds us to never forget that we have the power to make things right in this world we're living in, with a most ingenious hook. Jump from that to the end tune, "All My Friends" is a haunting song about grief, lost, fear.., and Hope. He sings it as a man who can be depended on to stand by his friends through thick and thin. All his arrangements are sparse and leave room for the band to shine. Amos is a man who is equally in love with the music, the lyric and the voice. This is an artist that's really paid his dues.., and it's time for his due. ~~BD