Joel Andrews - Emblissening Movement (2024)

Harpist Joel Andrews is a master of the Western concert harp, and since the mid-1970s, he has devoted his talents to the cause of spiritual healing through music. This 1988 recording was commissioned by a Canadian Tai Chi group to accompany movement. On the 24-minute title cut, Andrews makes his harp sound distinctively Eastern -- both through the use of Oriental scales and the distinctive koto-like plucking -- yet he does not abandon the French impressionistic romance of his golden harp. The pace is at times as languid as petals on a stream, brisk as a spring breeze, or still as a starry evening. Perfect for movement or massage. "Blissful Gamalan" is a collaboration between Andrews, Dusty (Montessori bells), and Paul (santoor, the East Indian hammered dulcimer). This charming piece opens with the liveliness of a bristling village scene; one can almost see donkeys trotting and the wind catching chimes at the entryway to the houses. The santoor, which sounds here like a banjo, is played with rapid-fire stroking, while the bells are strong and clear. Andrews' harp provides heavenly warmth and the overriding tones to move the piece along. When the music moves to meditative depths Andrews' Zen-like tones take the lead. A penetrating, yet colorful improvisation. Very unique.

Tracklist:
1-1. Joel Andrews - Emblissening Movement (28:46)
1-2. Joel Andrews - Blissful Gamelan (27:35)
1-3. Joel Andrews - Emblissening Movement (single) (02:03)
1-4. Joel Andrews - Blissful Gamelan (single) (02:18)