Ancient Tones

Amazon.com essential recording
Many of us couldn't wait to bash Skaggs upon his 1997 return to roots, Bluegrass Rules! Poor Ricky, sniffle, couldn't record his beloved bluegrass for a dozen years because of, sob, "contractual obligations." Of course, Bluegrass Rules! turned out to be an explosive record, and as usual, Skaggs had redeemed himself on the sheer basis of his talent. The 1999 follow-up, Ancient Tones, is a worthy sequel, as Skaggs and his stellar Kentucky Thunder band (with Stuart Duncan and Jerry Douglas helping out) continue to pray at the feet of the gods--Monroe and Stanley--in fresh and exciting ways. The arrangements are more ambitious and in general more subtle than on Bluegrass Rules! but are no less rewarding. Skaggs's own vocals scale new heights, especially on the chilling a cappella introduction to the eight-minute "Little Bessie," which then adds bodhran and harp as if to illustrate bluegrass' connection to its Celtic roots. Maybe we'll get to bash him yet, but certainly not this time around. --Marc Greilsamer

USA Today
With modern tunes about coal mining and preaching offering outlooks no less bleak, bluegrass' high lonesome sound rarely has sounded so lonesome.

Ancient Tones,Ricky Skaggs,Skaggs Family,Bluegrass,Country,Country & Western,New Traditionalist,Pop,Progressive Country,Traditional Bluegrass

Average customer rating: MUSIC TO HEAL YOUR SOUL The best Great music...for awhile. Has Potential. One of the best new age CD's

Chakra Healing Chants Sophia , and David Gordon Manufacturer: Sequoia Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hidden Waters/Sacred Ground Chanting the Chakras: Roots of Awakening Travelling the Sacred Sound Current: Divine Chants & Sacred Tones for Healing & Meditation Magical Healing Mantras SOUNDS OF LIGHT: The Pure Tones of Crystal Singing Bowls ASIN: B000086BC2 Release Date: 2003-02-04

Tracks:

1. Gaia Shekinah Nama Om
2. Uma...Jai Ma!
3. The Orbit - Nam Myoho
4. Heart of Earth
5. Thy Song
6. Infinite Wisdom
7. Be Still
8. The Beginning

Album Description

Embark on a journey through the Chakras on a river of sacred sound with legendary songhealer Sophia and David Gordon on shaman durms and native flutes. Sophia uses pure vocal tones drawn from the Cabbalistic Tree of Life, which activate and heal the body's energy centers. They are joined by special guest artists Hans Christian (Rasa) on cello and exotic string instruments, and Raphael on keyboard orchestrations.. The perfect soundtrack for yoga, tantra, meditation and creating a sacred space.

Customer Reviews:

MUSIC TO HEAL YOUR SOUL.......2007-02-13

I CAN'T STOP LISTENING TO THIS CD AND I RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE I KNOW. IT'S SOOTHING YET MAKES YOU WANT TO MOVE. SINGING ALONG WITH IT AND DOING THE CHANTS IS VERY CLEARING AND ENERGIZING. READ THE WORDS IN THE BOOKLET AND SEE HOW IT FEELS TO SING THEM WITH THE CD. HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ANYONE THAT NEEDS A LIFT.

The best.......2006-01-13

This is timed perfectly for an hour meditation, i sampled many different new age cd's for meditation, and by far this has bee the best sounding one. It has notes/tones that will activate your 7 main chakras, and the first time I did it i could feel mine rotating and warming up (im sensitive to this). This is relaxing and her voice and band is deeply into it. They maybe could have put a little more into 1 or 2 tracks, but overall I would reccomend this to anyone looking to reach discover their true selfs.

Great music...for awhile........2005-04-13

I like this CD, I really do...the first 2 or 3 songs are absolutely captivating!!! Track 7 is pretty amazingly inspiring too. I just didn't feel that much listening enjoyment from the rest of the album. I don't feel like they are resonating with my chakras, just too much vibrato for my ears! I thought she had this great earthly sound for the first couple of tracks and then she got all frilly and way too feminine with her voice, for me. I've been listening to it for a couple of days so, if I change my mind about her I'll let you know ;) But for now, I'm enjoying the repetitiveness of tracks 1 and 2 for sure!

Has Potential........2004-11-24

It seems I cant change the rating of this product using the edit facility, if I could I would change my initial 1 star rating from November 2004 to a 3 star maybe. Anyway, it's January 2007 and I decided to give the cd another listen after I read the comment that was made on my review. It turned out to not be so bad and the inside flap did indeed spell out what techniques were used that involve the respective chakras. I put it on in the dark and made sure I was relaxed/ receptive and tried hard to dispel any preconceived notions I had on what to expect. What I was struck by at first was the satisfying sound of traditional instruments. The accompanying vocals were pleasing too. As the cd wore on it was possible to find many spaces to explore in the music, once or twice I was a tad disturbed by the lyrics or the means employed to deliver them but this was minimal. I think I will be giving it a try again and who knows, maybe I will bump the rating up again, but for now my initial review does seem a bit off the mark...
Initial Review Below:::
"New Age"
I am a practical normal kind of guy that would like to be a little more in touch with his metaphysical self. Unfortunately, finding a way to do this is not very easy. People like me run a mile when access to the pearly gates comes with tea and scones on Sunday. People like me do not feel very comfortable at the thought of spending eternity with an old man in charge of winged beings who sing all day in his honour. However, people like me do not give up hope and write the whole concept of an hereafter off because a flock of bleeps have turned it into something that is difficult to stomach.
Unfortunately, Christianity is not the only thing people have turned into something that is difficult to stomach.
My exploration so far of the many different and varied ways of pursuing enlightenment has taken me from the sublime to the ridiculous.
As many different ways there are of doing it are accompanied by just as many different ways of describing it.
When I discovered Chakras recently it was with some delight I heard that healing/ balancing them might only be a question of employing sound.
And so I begin my pursuit of getting some sound to help me out. Chakra Healing Chants. This cd seemed pretty self explanatory.
When I got it though, my heart sank at the realization I had been played for a sucker. This is the kind of stuff that will make me run a mile and justifies the view of many people of what New Age is all about. In case I do not possess the ability to express this objectively, let me quote someone else:
..."New Age" music (you know -- the wandering, aimless stuff that sounds the same whether you play it forward or backward.)....
And that my friends, is what this is. With a bit of luck, I will not give up hope and be able to find something else that a guy like me can use without feeling like I have compromised my self respect. When I do, I will be back, to recommend what I have found instead of this. Don't get me wrong; there probably is an audience for this kind of stuff, if you are into wandering, aimless stuff that sounds the same whether you play it forward or backward, then this will be right down your alley. Peace Out.

One of the best new age CD's.......2003-12-18

This is one of the best new age cd's I own. Sophia's voice is like an angel. Track 4 is my favorite (for the heart chakra). I highly recommend Sophia's Healing Chakra Chants to anyone who is looking for soothing and meaningful/spiritual music.

Average customer rating: Awesome! This album is soul-full of life not great, but good -*- precious and perfect -*- One of his best.

Ancient Tones Ricky Skaggs Manufacturer: Skaggs Family ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Traditional | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Bluegrass | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Bluegrass | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Contemporary Country | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Contemporary Country | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bluegrass Rules! Brand New Strings Soldier Of The Cross History of the Future Live at the Charleston Music Hall ASIN: B00000HF6P Release Date: 1999-01-26

Tracks:

1. Walls Of Time
2. Lonesome Night
3. How Mountain Girls Can Love
4. Mighty Dark To Travel
5. Carolina Mountain Home
6. Connemara
7. Coal Minin' Man
8. I Believe In You Darlin'
9. Pig In A Pen
10. Give Us Rain
11. Boston Boy
12. Little Bessie

Amazon.com essential recording

Many of us couldn't wait to bash Skaggs upon his 1997 return to roots, Bluegrass Rules! Poor Ricky, sniffle, couldn't record his beloved bluegrass for a dozen years because of, sob, "contractual obligations." Of course, Bluegrass Rules! turned out to be an explosive record, and as usual, Skaggs had redeemed himself on the sheer basis of his talent. The 1999 follow-up, Ancient Tones, is a worthy sequel, as Skaggs and his stellar Kentucky Thunder band (with Stuart Duncan and Jerry Douglas helping out) continue to pray at the feet of the gods--Monroe and Stanley--in fresh and exciting ways. The arrangements are more ambitious and in general more subtle than on Bluegrass Rules! but are no less rewarding. Skaggs's own vocals scale new heights, especially on the chilling a cappella introduction to the eight-minute "Little Bessie," which then adds bodhran and harp as if to illustrate bluegrass' connection to its Celtic roots. Maybe we'll get to bash him yet, but certainly not this time around. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Awesome!.......2006-08-15

I am a big Ricky Scaggs fan. Like all his albums this one is another gem.

This album is soul-full of life.......2003-08-18

My friend Kami chose this cd as a soundtrack for a drive through southern Ohio's back country. Every passenger was smiling and dancing to the fiddle and banjo. This cd is a tribute to the Irishmen who seetled in Appalachia. It took me back to the third grade when day after day I'd listen to Loretta Lynn's 'Coal Miner's Daughter.' By the end of the first song I was definitely wanting some fried potatoes and pinto beans. Ricky also sings a sweet song about the Savior, in addition to the others about mines and mountain girls.

not great, but good.......2002-09-06

This is certainly a good offering from Little Ricky Skaggs, but far from a great one. First off, about half the tracks are skip-over semi-honky-tonk/country tunes, but it seems the more commercially successful bluegrass bands today throw these type of tracks all over there albums, so I'll just reduce it 1 point for that. Second, the album is over-produced, Jerry Douglas' dobro playing is just that - not much new going on there, and the Tony Rice clone he's got on guitar, while a hot-lick wiz, just doesn't fit in with the overall traditional sound of the music. Having said that, Skaggs vocals are right on, his mandolin playing is superb as always, his fiddler is dead on, and his banjo player, while not as aggresive as I may like, is certainly tasteful.

Best song on the album is Connemara, and it's got a great version of Boston Boy and Walls of Time on it, too.

I'd recommend if you want a Kentucky Thunder album, start with Bluegrass Rules (which is regretfully also full of honkey-tonk tunes), then if you like it, this one's almost as good.

-*- precious and perfect -*-.......2001-02-27

Entire album is perfect. And. I couldn't wait to order several more for friends and family. "Little Bessie", its last track? I flat lost it. For any mama who has lost a child, this one'll do it. Thanks ever so, Mr. Skaggs.

One of his best........2000-08-01

I have always been a devoted follower of Ricky Skaggs. I think he has one of the best and purest voices in the business. I really thought this was an oustanding CD. He puts so much heart and soul into his singing and playing. The harmonies in the songs on this CD were fantastic. I'm a bit of a "traditionalist" too when it comes to bluegrass music so I enjoyed the Ricky's renditions of the old songs on this CD. Agreed, Ricky's accapella voice will bring tears to your eyes on "Little Bessie". I think the entire CD is a masterpiece, and I usually do not like every cut on a CD but this was an exception. I just hope Ricky keeps producing gems like Ancient Tones. I have yet to buy Bluegrass Rules so I know I'm in for a treat. I do have his bluegrass gospel CD "Soldier of the Cross" which rarely ever leaves my CD player.

Average customer rating: Really Neat! Wonderful music to relax to! Oneness Brings Inner Peace into Perspective

Oneness David & Steve Gordon Manufacturer: Sequoia Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Environmental | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Nature | New Age | Styles | Music Space Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ancient Power Soothing Sanctuary Music of the Tarot Misty Forest Morning Sound Medicine: Music for Healing ASIN: B000008QVY Release Date: 1998-08-25

Tracks:

1. Waves Of Bliss, Part l
2. Plane Of Forgiveness, Part l
3. Waves Of Bliss, Part ll
4. Plane Of Forgiveness, Part ll

Album Description

Experience the perfect peace and profound relaxation of deep meditation. Soothing floating textures and special brain-tones which gently guide you into the peace of inner harmony. Sounds which have been used for thousands of years to induce the meditative state were also used: Tibetan temple bells, Chinese wind chimes, Indian tamboura and silver flute. Meditation has never been this easy! Close your eyes and relax into bliss.

Customer Reviews:

Really Neat!.......2007-04-10

This is my first Gordon purchase, and I really liked it. It is very relaxing music - good for meditation, yoga or just chilling. I like to listen to it when I'm relaxing in a nice, bubble bath. What makes this different from other CD's is that the music itself is interesting enough to make it more than just relaxing background music. I don't know how else to describe it, but I really enjoy this CD!!

Wonderful music to relax to!.......2006-11-03

As a Massage Therapist, I really enjoy working with this music in my office. It not only helps my client to relax, it helps me to focus on the work at hand. It's very soothing with the water sounds and wind instruments.

Oneness Brings Inner Peace into Perspective.......2002-10-03

With the overwhelming popularity of their more recent "native-influenced" titles, such as the critically acclaimed Sacred Earth Drums, Sacred Spirit Drums and Drum Medicine, the older classic ambient titles from the Gordon's early Inner Music Series, tend to get overlooked. This is unfortunate in that these titles, and specifically Oneness, create an incredibly rich soundscape tapestry perfect for relaxation and meditation. The Gordon's masterfully weave these synthesizer laden tracks with Tibetian temple bells, Chinese wind chimes, tamboura and silver flute which effectively guides the listener into the deepest realms of blissful inner peace ! This is a great piece of work that shouldn't be overlooked !

Average customer rating: circles in sand

Circles In Sand Leslie Ritter and Scott Petito Manufacturer: Hudson Valley ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: In The Silence ASIN: B00005LOZX Release Date: 2001-06-15

Tracks:

1. Circles In Sand
2. Woodstock
3. Fallen Angel
4. Only The Rain
5. When The Night Spills
6. One Person
7. She Waits
8. Thin Ice
9. A Million Stars
10. Daybreak

Customer Reviews:

circles in sand.......2001-07-07

I have to admit, adult contemporary music has never been my thing - but all that drops away when I listen to Leslie Ritter sing. I've heard her voice being described as "earthy and provocative"... but it's so much more than that. Unfortunately, I have no words that would do her justice.

And as for Scott Petito... well, the same goes. I've watched him play (about half a dozen different instruments), and he is inspiring to say the least. Together, the two make beautiful music. Their cover of "Woodstock" is dramatic and haunting (sometimes I think it's even better than Joni Mitchell's own version). "And the Night Spills" is wonderfully seductive (reminds me of Sade, only better).

Ritter and Petito are backed by an amazing group of musicians, creating the perfect backdrop for their talents.

The bottom line? "Adult contemporary" doesn't get much better than this! (Though honestly there's much more to their music than that - folk, pop... much more) And if you're already into the contemporary scene - then you will undoubtedly give this CD five stars.

Average customer rating:

Ancient Tones & Death Knells Manufacturer: 3rd Silo ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAE5PE Release Date: 2004-03-02

Average customer rating:

Deep Relaxation Jean Marie Hays Manufacturer: Jean Marie Hays ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Relaxation | New Age | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CA945A Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

1. Progressive Relaxation
2. Guided Relaxation
3. Music to Relax

Average customer rating:

What Is 'I'? Maylaigh Manufacturer: Maylaigh ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CA93F6 Release Date: 2003-12-23

Tracks:

1. What Is 'I'?
2. Your Inner/Higher Light

Average customer rating:

Air Over Water Maylaigh Manufacturer: Maylaigh ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAGWW8 Release Date: 2003-12-23

Tracks:

1. Meditation: Take a Moment to Meditate
2. Meditation: Deep Grace, Fine Magic
3. Meditation: Rest Well
4. Gongs: Pure Gong
5. Chanting: Om Mani Padme Hum
6. Gongs: Gong Poem

Average customer rating:

Indigo Soulstice Blue Manufacturer: BlueMagic Productions ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CA9VP8 Release Date: 2002-07-30

Tracks:

1. Earth Mother's Tears
2. Meditation's in Sea
3. Apache Sunrise
4. Dream Time
5. Hawk Meditations
6. Lonely Warrior
7. Grandmother Loon
8. Geronimo's Pain
9. Raven Dreams

Average customer rating:

Sacred Bowls Manufacturer: Airetight ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Relaxation | New Age | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAH5DI Release Date: 2004-08-17

Tracks:

1. Sacred Bowls Part 1
2. Sacred Bowls Part 2

Music Album:

1. Anniversary: 20 Years of Hits
2. Baby Don't Get Hooked on Me/Stop and Smell the Roses: A Golden Classics Edition
3. Bandwagon
4. Bluegrass Mandolin Extravaganza
5. Borderline
6. Bryan White - Greatest Hits
7. Cigareets, Whusky...And Cool, Cool Water
8. Dress Rehearsal [Enhanced]
9. Earl Scruggs and Friends
10. Easy Come, Easy Go

Music Album