Mankind first created music using the voice. As this sound filled
the air, a listening space was formed around the singer. On
HARMONIC MEDITATIONS (71'33"), David Hykes and his
ensemble of singing listeners skillfully provide us with the
sensation of expanding space as well as a connection to the
spiritual roots of music. On this, his tenth album, Hykes is again
extending outward from more traditional forms of overtone
singing. Refining further what has become a personal and
significant contemporary, contemplative music, Hykes explores
Harmonic Chant, a complete musical language he has been
mastering for decades. This skill allows singers to explore the
inherent harmonic ornamentation present in producing an
identifiable fundamental vocal note. By manipulating the
normally untapped resonance of the human voice, singers are
able to make audible two or three tones simultaneously.
Dramatic performances of this discipline are possible as the
sonic and emotional range are quite dynamic. Deep resonating
drones, full-throated chants and controlled wispy whistling
overtones ring out individually in turn, then combine to become
one ethereal sonic body. This is more than harmonious textural
drone music as throughout, heavenly melodies inevitably rise
out of the shifting overtones. Perhaps the most fascinating
aspect of this music is how the listener attempts to associate
the sound with the source which, while emanating from people,
is often perceived of as unearthly. Performed in reverberation
sensitive architectural spaces, Hykes' music benefits from the
acoustics of large cathedrals, church sanctuaries and
underground caverns. These unique spaces seem to compound
the sound of each voice by providing a resonance that brings out
the otherwise subtle overtones. Hykes relates the mathematical
elements of harmony in music to the ordered states of the self
and universe. Sacred religious art, humanity, spirituality and
other influences outside the field of music also inspire his
direction. His hope is to deliver into the world a simple and
universal musical form which will bring the listener closer to the
sacred and the reverberating whole Hykes thinks of as the
Creation.

Tune in to STAR'S END this weekend for new music from
HARMONIC MEDITATIONS the new album by David Hykes

For more on HARMONIC MEDITATIONS, access:
http://www.soundstrue.com

For more on David Hykes, access:
http://www.harmonicworld.com

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STAR'S END broadcasts every Saturday night/Sunday morning
from 1am-6am (EDST) on:

88.5fm WXPN Philadelphia, PA
88.1fm WXPH Harrisburg, PA
90.5fm Worton/Baltimore, MD
104.9fm Allentown, PA

and live on the web...

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Chuck van Zyl
Host of STAR'S END Ambient Radio
http://www.starsend.org