As the screeching gears of tired musical paradigms downshift into the new millennium we see ever more hopeful signs that the future trends of art will once again honor purity, heart and personal responsibility. The earth's base frequency is indeed rising and with it comes the rekindled awareness of the power of sound to both heal and to destroy. At last we are seeing scientific evidence of what the ancients knew all along. Each piece of music is an energy formula and each of us is an energy formula. The power to choose life or death for ourselves and our planet is determined from moment to moment by the decisions we make that affect our unique vibrational formulas. Not the least of these is the music with which we surround ourselves. Merely liking a piece of music has little to do with it's multi-dimensional effects on the health of your cells and organs, your spiritual centers and emotional outlook. In fact, just as there are addictions to physical substances there are also musical addictions or addictions to certain types of audible frequencies that affect the body and consciousness in such a way as to create an addictive spiral. More on this later.

RIVERDANCE, The Show (Video), Columbia/Tristar

If you haven't seen it on PBS or heard it playing in a store you've probably heard people talking about it. Riverdance has become one of the hottest musical/dance sensations in the western world. For those of you who have somehow missed it, this tribute to Irish culture in music and dance has played to standing room only audiences from Dublin to New York to California. The choreography by Michael Flatly, who is also the featured performer in the video, is stunning. The show and Flatly's choreography has effectively made Irish step dancing the latest dance trend in America. People of all ages enjoy the rhythmic intensity, synchronization of the dancers and the uplifting spirit of the music. Composer Bill Whelan's score is exceptional and captures the spirit of Irish, Spanish and other ethnic influences brilliantly. Presented as a musical review (no script or dialog), each dance number is showcased between a vocal performance for variety. The sets are simple but highly effective. All in all, the word on the street about Riverdance is true. It's good stuff for the whole family. So buy yourself a copy of Riverdance, The Show on video and prepare to be delighted. Also available on video is Lord of the Dance featuring the work of Michael Flatly.

AWAKENING TO ZERO POINT (The Video), Gregg Braden, Laura Lee Press

Geologist Gregg Braden discusses the phenomena of changing cycles in the earth and his theories on how they are affecting us at many levels. Beginning with the physical changes of earth's rising base frequency and diminishing magnetic field he describes what he calls The Collective Initiation that everyone on the planet is experiencing. Gregg presents a well-structured, logical progression of information that is easy to follow and never boring. He speaks from the heart and has the ability to make some complex concepts seem like common knowledge. Based on his book, this updated 1996 two-video set has a nice assortment of supporting visuals and enough information for several viewings. I highly recommend it. (3 Hr. 50 Min.)

TO ORDER Call 1-800-243-1438 Laura Lee Press

BALANCE, Carolyn & Steve Fazio

Flowing piano solos by Carolyn Fazio highlight this nicely done recording. Spatial synthesizer accompaniments and some acoustic guitars fill out the arrangements to create a relaxing, heartwarming collection of songs. Carolyn and Steve Fazio of Crystal Bay, Nevada are teachers of Conscious Awareness through Sound and have produced this recording to raise consciousness, open the heart and relax the mind. A consistantly calm, medium tempo feel creates an easy-going ambience. I applaud their work and hope to hear more from them in the future. (see ad on page 53)

TO ORDER Call toll free 1 (888) 707-3473 pin# 4979 (Available on CD only) E-Mail faz@sierra.net.

FIRST LIGHT, Piano Solos, Narada Lotus

This collection of piano solos by 5 lesser known Narada artists was recorded on the same Steinway nine-foot concert grand piano, in the same room, using the same recording equipment and methods. Each artist brings their unique touch to three original selections. Adrian Carr is of particular note with his range of sensitivity. John B. DeHaas also delivers three nicely rendered performances. Mia Jing, Glenn Paul and Sheila Larkin complete the remaining pieces for a total of 68 minutes of music. For mellow backgrounds and quiet moments try First Light on the Narada Lotus label. Available through most retail outlets.

Robert J. Resetar is a composer/arranger living in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. If you would like to have your recording or video considered for a review in ATLANTIS RISING send it to P.O. BOX 23528, Minneapolis, MN 55423. No selections will be returned. Preference will be given to alternative styles that are notably calming, colorful or unique.