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CD Review
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Sing Out! Magazine, CD Review >>
CHÖYING DROLMA & STEVE TIBBETTS
Selwa
Six Degrees Records 657036 11042 7
With America's continually growing interest in Eastern arts and philosophies, finding a natural synthesis can be challenging. The two polarities are at such opposite extremes, much is lost in translation. Yet once in a while emerges such harmony there is no doubt something deeper than superficial, surface layer comparisons exist. Selwa is one of the most enjoyable to date. The follow-up to 1997's Chö, Minnesota-based guitarist Steve Tibbets (a minimalist player by nature) again joins Tibetan Buddhist nun Chöying Drolma (a philosophical minimalist by nurture) and lays enchanting melodies beneath heartbreakingly beautiful vocals. The sheer weightiness of "Palden Rangjung" instantly casts a meditative nuance to the listener's captive ears. Upon learning the meaning "Powerful blood drinker, glorious vitality/In the land of Yama, you are Ekajati/Fire eater, blood wearer, wearing the naga emblems/Kali, the Blood Dripper, I praise you" a completely new take unfolds. The softness of Drolma's tone does not work against the lyrics, but rather seeks beauty in (seeming) evil. Unlike Western philosophy, which pits good against bad, no such rift occurs in Drolma's Buddhist understanding. Throughout Selwa such lila (play) exists. She unties human and physical before reuniting them in song; that is, her deconstruction of the illusory world (maya) never conflicts with the passion she equips each song with. After recording Drolma's lyrical meditations in Tibet, Tibbetts and percussionist Marc Anderson a brilliant third addition returned to America to mix down one of 2004's most gorgeous records. Tibbetts water-like serenity play perfect partner to Drolma's quiet fire. Founder of the Arya Tara school founded to offer local women a proper education amid a gender-challenged society Drolma's music, as her entire life, is meditation in movement. (Derek Beres)
12/01/04
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