a beautiful composition that is destined to change the lives of ...
598924
Extraordinary book, one of those rare pieces of collaboration with a powerful shaman. Bacigalupo is an outstanding scholar who has fulfilled in this work a sacred obligation she had with the Mapuche thunder shaman Francisca Kolipi Kurin. This book is a 'bible' constructed a quatre mains, together with Francisca, a beautiful composition that is destined to change the lives of those who read it.
407227
This book is a piece of art that speaks wonders to the mind and soul. It was truly a life changing journey for me.
196633
"All Things Must Pass" is an astounding musical breakthrough as it clearly was composed from the heart and soul of it's artist. The track, "My Sweet Lord" is a rock anthem of great spiritual longing. George Harrison's voice reveals an authenticity that is so much lacking in todays imitations. "Isn't It A Pity" is a soothing but contemplative piece of great musical genius and compassion. Once again, by the re-mastered release of this album, I think the world will benefit by hearing its transcendant yearning and lessons in a thoroughly entertaining presentation.
4178919
Those who are familiar with Alex either as a musician or a writer already know the words Im about to write are truth.those who are not should commit a few moments of time to a discovery of an artist who has truly found an incredible way to touch people down to their souls.

While my personal reading taste tend to steer more towards the fiction works of authors who write in the styles of Vince Flynn or David Baldacci there is a spirit of Alexs writing that first showed through in his many albums, began to blossom in the first For The Sender book and has reached new levels in this, his newest work. Regardless of your literary interests  this book is an incredible story.

Alex is somehow able to weave a tapestry of love, friendships, heartaches and heartbreaks while transforming the letters that others send him into the most beautiful words one can imagine.

This wonderful story of growing older, growing closer and changing lives - certainly his own - has something for everyone: The music lovers will appreciate the stories and the references to those who shaped a generation as well as the subtle unnamed artists who played a role in various parts of the book (Dave Grohl was a particularly wonderful unspoken reference).  Those in search of something greater than themselves will certainly find a compass, not a map, to take them on an amazing literary journey.  Those who just want to pick up an awesome CD produced in the ways of old will find not just the music, but the letters behind the songs. Those who love their animals will find a kindred spirit in his words of peace.

There is a line Alex writes in the closing chapter, Love isn't separate from the act, it is the act, born in the smallest decision to do something.  I hope this book inspires in each of us the desire and the action to to something.  At a minimum, that something should be to read this book and then pass it along.

Thanks AlexI look forward to the next one.
621477
Although I'm just a music fan, I only can tell you that this is one of the most beautiful compositions I've ever heard. The performance is brilliant, the recording is superb, and I feel very relaxed and in peace with our cruel and merciless world when I listen this chorus, this music created from the goodness of human being.
I can only talk about my sensations when I have the chance of listening to this music; I can't give you a reviewer point of view but, all in all, most of you are looking for peace and happiness when you attend to a concert or make your hi-fi set play.
I wish you to enjoy it, like I do.
Greetings.
2970387
Recently staying in a 14th century palace in Portugal,Quinta da Bacalhoa, I discovered a gift among the usual Mahler and Mozart compelations spread amongst the music room. The composer of PASSAGE, Anthony Scoville had left  the his brillance to be lived and enjoyed by anyone who would come to call  the palace their paradiso! He had been there meerly weeks before we had.  And with the beautiful CD of Mr. Scoville's inspiration it highened the  delight we shared with our surroundings. During meals we would sit outside,  surrounded with friends and wine and just sit back soaking up the  atmosphere that he has created with this music.  Such as good wine, it is  good to savor.  I imagine that wherever I go in my life and where I've been  thus far it can only lead be back to the themes that I encountered in  Passage.
Toutes mes voeux, Monsieur Scoville et merci beaucoup pour cette  belle mysique. C.
3656429
Not to often does a book come along that can change your life. "it is not enough to be a reflection.....when we are called it is with our own light that we answer."  Mrs. Kay has written a book of beautiful small poems and what amounts to be a vision into the heart of an amazing person.  From page to page you see beautiful artwork and loving and witty poems and shorts.  It has become a sort of second Bible for me and only wish that the impact it has had on my life and how I view myself and others should be passed on to as many people as possible.  A treasure that you do not want to miss.
2167940
AMAZING THINGS is a beautifully written and executed piece of music. It was suggested by Sal Sapienza, who has written several excellent books ("Gay is a Gift" and "Seventy Times Seven" and "Mychal's Prayer.")It is amazing that one beautiful song can remain in one's mind and heart for days at a time.  I could see this as a meditation song at a school graduation, or merely helping anxious or depressed people [all of us at one time or another].  In the world today, it takes constant reinforcement of positive ideas to give us balance.  Indeed, Megon McDonough has succeeded.
1594962
Every once in a while, you read a book that shifts the course of your thinking.  One that lights a fire and aligns your trajectory of purpose.  Told through the stories of the mentors and guides and children that shaped and evolved the Upland Hills Community, like Ram Dass and Buckminster Fuller, "The Future of Children" makes a paradigm shift in living and learning,  alive, real and accessible.  Reading Phillip's book is like reading a re-awakening to authentic learning; something that strikes a chord deeply.  His voice is filled with truth and grace and deep wisdom.  What took hold of me and might never let go is how we can reshape education moment-to-moment, child-by-child, community-to-community.  And the promise and beauty of that possibility is so worth working for, with our best and highest effort, with this blueprint of love.
619226
I purchased this book at the recommendation of a friend whose literary opinions I trust.  I will admit I was somewhat reluctant to purchase a read from this genre, but I am so blessed that I did. Your Gift to Me is a beautifully written book that captures in a most exquisite manner not only the beauty that is one of the most visually wonderful places on Earth, Hawaii, but interjects the oftentimes delicate human psyche from complex characters into the environment in a way not often found in works of this type.  The result is a cycle of emotional life experience as the characters evolve from happiness to misery and despair, then flower into a magical bloom of true joy as they make their journey together.  Your Gift to Me embodies the true power of partnership and support that is capable of producing tremendous healing powers far above that which science and medicine can ever offer.  It may even start you on your own personal journey.
2345075
The sad element here is that this majestic piece of musical artistry will go largely ignored in the U.S. Mike Oldfield has created an expansive and inspirational work of great impact here.  My first listen was in my car where I was struck by the tone and range of the work.  At home, through my surround system (hey, why no 5.1 release???), the music naturally came fully to life and elicited many emotions and feelings.  Oddly enough, at times I felt I was hearing the score to an epic film, yet one with quiet and contemplative moments.  This is music with purpose, context, and meaning.  If Tubular Bells was the prologue, this, then, is the masterwork. I will be buying more than a few copies for my friends.

Mr. Oldfield should "hook-up" with P.B.S. to present this work to a wider audience which may not be aware of its availability (although I could not find it in any store in the hinterland of Pittsburgh) and accessibility (for mature and focused listening pleasure).  If P.B.S. can elevate "Celtic Woman" and other third rate warblers to big-seller-status, surely the same promotional effort can be put forth to genius.

Thanks, Mike, for an essential piece of music for the 21st century!!
1782379
The power, rhythm, and sheer beauty of Mary Oak's writing draws us in with the urgency of a current. In a sudden terrifying acceleration of pace, we find ourselves  journeying with the author dueling with Death. Our own hearts pound, not as voyeurs but fellow-travelers. Moved, honored and inspired by this sharing of her ordeal, so deeply personal and archetypal, we too are transformed. Wisdom, tenderness, practicality, passion and delicacy permeate these pages. While, grim, conflicting medical diagnoses demand choices which impact survival, the realities of daily life continue: mothering 4 children, work, a failing marriage and new Love.
Poetry and mythic dimension enrich this offering, fruit of the ordeal, as we readers receive the insights born of struggle. Courage to live Life to its fullest, while facing near annihilation, expresses the triumph of the human heart. This truly is a Hearts Oratorio - a deeply human, spiritual and transformative book.
4273977
The whales are here to warn us to change our ways or lose our planet home.
Elders have gathered to remind us of our real commitment to Mother Earth
Lennon's music is hauntingly beautiful throughout the DVD and adds to the emotional complexity of the subject. The whale song drives deep into our soul consciousness and made this viewer rekindle an intimate remembrance with these ancient "gatekeepers."
4698009
Michael Jackson's "Earth Song" is an epic masterpiece...not only the song itself, but the short film and each of Michael's live performances.  Michael's genius and artistry is deserving of nothing less than this level of thoughtful, indepth analysis.  I am especially thrilled to see Mr. Vogel's references to "Dancing the Dream", another of Michael's masterpieces which illuminates the depth of his spirit and connection to God.

Mr. Vogel's review is an incredible work of art in it's own right.  A must read!! It is an enchanting journey behind the scenes of Michael's creative process, and into his heart and soul.  What a rare gift!!  Thank you, Mr. Vogel!
2393890
This is an outstanding musical composition.  The community orchestra of which I am a part performed this a couple of months ago, and I was so very impressed, as well as moved at the incredible stories of courage and sacrifice told in music and words that I bought the CD.  Whenever I listen to it, I get teary-eyed and so very grateful to live in a country that affords us the opportunity to be what and who we want to be and to believe the way we want.  This production is so inspiring;  I highly recommend it.
82807
Marjorie Ryerson has orchestrated a symphony of color and meaning on every page of her book Water Music. Her fusion of prose, poetry, music from others with her own photography makes the book a full sensual, nearly audible, experience even though it is in fact a printed piece. For all those who know that water is truly one of the most sacred parts of our existence, this book celebrates that concept and reminds us of how varied and beautiful this life-giving gift is. With proceeds going to a United Nations fund to support clean water for families and to preserve natural water environments, your purchase of this book is not only a pleasure for your own senses, but a courageous effort to protect a resource that too many of us, at our peril, take for granted.
2602763
I've been privileged to have been a former member of this group and can attest to the excellence of the character and music of this dynamic musical unit.  New Creation executes the most complex of a cappella choral arrangements, with a flair and energy that cannot be found in other contemporary groups. The Director, Tony Thompson, flawlessly draws from the singers heartfelt timbres that fill the soul with delight and generate peaceful chords in the deepest recesses of the human spirit.
I highly recommend this CD.