the project (thoughts from the artist)

As far back as I can remember I have been strongly attracted to both Hinduism and Buddhism, although, because I have an interest in other religious philosophies around the world, I have never fully committed myself to any one belief system. By doing so, I worry that I might be tempted to exclude the great truths existent in other philosophies—so I keep an open mind.

I have been very privileged to be able to travel, courtesy of Celestial Harmonies, to many countries, documenting and recording some great musical traditions. This has allowed me to experience other cultures, more from their people’s point of view than would have normally been possible. This is something I wish we could all experience—it would certainly go a long way towards dissolving some of the hatred, ignorance and lack of cultural sensitivity so rampant in the world today.

Throughout all of my travels I gained a better insight into and respect for Islam, as well as a new appreciation of Christianity via the Armenian Apostolic Church. However, my thoughts still keep leading back to the Indian philosophies. I have always had this love of Hinduism, probably because of its absolute human approach. I am very drawn to Tibetan Buddhism mainly because they have kept some of the pantheon of Hindu deities and the result, for me anyway, is a fascinating synthesis. It has all the logical, intellectual aspects of Buddhist thought together with the rich kaleidoscope of Hinduism. I have always believed that when the creator placed the world in the care of humanity he gave the Tibetans the workshop manual.

It is with these thoughts in mind that I have composed the tracks on this album. The track titles are only the starting points for the listener. I’m sure the music will mean different things to different people and I don’t particularly want to impose my feelings about the music in any concrete way. It is perhaps enough to say that the music is simply the fleeting sonic impressions of a 21st century electronic composer of a great world teaching, that perhaps one day he might find the courage to commit to.

the artist

From his homeland in New Zealand, David Parsons travels frequently to Asia for spiritual and musical inspiration. After collecting musical samples and studying different musical and cultural traditions, Parsons returns to his studio to integrate these influences with his own experiences. In the process, he bridges disparate elements with seamless grace, and creates a unique musical affirmation of our common humanity and cultural endowment.

Parsons has been a student of Indian music, studying with Dr. Krishna Chakravarty (Ananda 17046, Dancing to the Flute 13135, and Circular Dance 13133-2), whose recordings he produced.

Parsons' recordings make the Eastern sensibility comprehensible to the Western listener and formulate a unique and captivating new expression.
To Parsons' credit as a musician, composer and performer, he has evolved into a rare and highly acclaimed producer of cultural music traditions. His work is often featured in film, television and radio scores, and continues to be widely praised by reviewers.

biography

discography

tracklist