All Ears

We "Mystic Chicks" have been busy with a variety of gigs here in the DC area. That coupled with practice, our real jobs, and other obligations has left us slightly behind with updating you on the latest experiences we've had...so here's a little snippet.

Recently, the three of us along with Sarah (our local PR guru) had a wonderful time at Jammin' Java in Vienna, VA. We went to hear one of our guest artists Paul Bell, who plays guitar with The Nighthawks. It was my first personal encounter with Paul and I wasn't sure what to expect. All I can say is, what a sweetheart!

The four of us had a lovely conversation before their set. He was very worried that the music would be too loud for our ears to handle. So much so, that he actually went out to his car and brought us all earplugs!! We loved every bit of the music and had a great time listening to his magnificent contributions to the band - Paul can really jam. The pictures above give you a glimpse into our evening together, including some of our silly antics.

Over Thanksgiving weekend I had the opportunity to meet Paul's lovely wife, Holly, who works in Luray, VA not far from where they live. Holly is just as adorable as Paul and I could easily see why they would be smitten with one another. She graciously accepted a copy of "Mystic Christmas" and mentioned that she doesn't often get to hear the finished product after Paul goes into the recording studio. Holly loved the music and told me that she wasn't in the mood for Christmas until she played our CD. The contemplative nature of the CD really spoke to her and I was so pleased that she was pleased.

If you're stuck in a rut this holiday season might I suggest you take some down time and listen to some music that is meaningful to you. For me, music has a way of setting things right and putting some balance back into my hectic lifestyle. Music does sooth the soul and evokes wonderful emotions that are often suppressed because of simply not stopping and listening.

Who knows...if you happen to pass through Luray you might hear the strains of our latest CD coming from the local art gallery or the Artisan Grille. We hope you enjoy what you hear.

With a smile,

Janice

Groovin' with Tom Teasley

I just finished up two different days in the studio with global percussionist Tom Teasley who added some wonderful sounds and beats to our upcoming Mystic Christmas CD.  He brought so many toys with him that they filled the room!  There was no way he could play them all but we certainly had a lot of choices!  He ended up adding doumbek, djembe, riqq, several kinds of cymbals, triangle and shakers to seven tracks.  If you've never heard of a riqq, it's a middle eastern style tambourine that has a very interesting sound when played with the fingers.  Tom's wonderful artistry on all those different instruments gives us many "colors" to add to our sound palette.  Tom has been sought after to provide original music and effects for several local theater productions.  After seeing him in action this past summer, I can see why.  It adds quite an exciting element to watching the play and certainly heightens the dramatic effect.  Tom will be playing with us at several of our upcoming concerts in December, so come check him out...this is going to be a mystical Christmas indeed!  ~Mary Anne   

Back in the Studio with Paul Bell

I spent a wonderful three hours in the studio with the fabulous Paul Bell.  Paul plays guitar and tours with the Nighthawks.  Paul grew up learning classical guitar before getting into the rock scene.  He plays several string instruments with equal skill and it was breathtaking to watch him in action.  You'll get to hear him play an acoustic nylon string guitar on some solo melodies and then provide a great rhythm track with a steel string guitar as well as an Irish Bouzouki on our new Mystic Christmas CD.  There's just something inspiring about being in the studio with such an accomplished player. Paul is extremely humble and a perfectionist at his work.  All of our guest artists have been gracious and incredibly talented people. 

Next week, Tom Teasley comes into the studio to add all kinds of colors and beats with his array of percussion instruments.  I'll try to get some pictures for my next blog. ~Mary Anne

In the Studio with Tina Chancey

I had the great privilege of being in the studio with Tina Chancey last Friday. Tina is a musicologist and plays a number of different stringed instruments, most of them being early versions of instruments that are played today. She added bass viol (an early version of the cello) to three of our tracks. It has a slighty different sound than the cello and I can't wait for our fans to hear it along with harp, oboe, flute, electronic keyboard and voices. It really adds to the "mystic" quality of our sound! Tina is wonderful to work with and has put out many albums herself so we were glad to have her knowledge and expertise on hand. She also played a rebec (a medieval violin--it's tiny!) and a lyra (a Slavik instrument that stands on the lap and is bowed like a cello). It is still played in that part of the world today.

At the end of this week I'll be in the studio with Paul Bell, guitarist extraordinaire! More about that soon! ~Mary Anne

Moments to savor

I spent Friday and Saturday helping to take care of my mom who is in her nineties. She is completely bedridden and has limited ability to communicate at this point. She has been an avid fan of Mystic Harmony and so I wanted her to hear what we've been working on. I played her several reference tracks from our upcoming Christmas CD. I could really see the light in her eyes as she listened and took it all in. There was a real change in her demeanor--something in her began to relax and deeply rest. And there was a lightness to it as well, her spirits really lifted for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

One of the things we always talk about in Mystic Harmony is the hope that our arrangements will bring a soothing and healing effect on the listener but it still amazes me when I see it happening right in front of me. Later, some of the hospice workers arrived and were working with my mom while the music was playing. They kept asking about the music and where it came from. One of them began to smile and dance around when our "Wassail Jig" started to play. It really tickled me to see them all enjoying it so much. My fervent prayer is that the rest of our fans will be as delighted!

Next week I'll be posting about studio time with guest artist, Tina Chancey, who will be playing several different instruments on our CD. ~Mary Anne

A Rainy Day Musing

It's been rainy the past couple of days in the DC-Metro area. I'm not sure what this type of weather does to you, but I often seem to become more reflective and introspective than usual.

Businesses going under, major declines in the stock market, Presidential campaign controversy, lost jobs, the war in Iraq lingering on and on...our world seems pretty screwed up and most of the scenarios to turn things around seem rather depressing. Thank God I was able to remove myself from the madness by going into the recording studio this week!

What is so cool for me during the recording process is the reconnection I feel to the music we have been practicing and/or performing for a long time. What feelings do the tunes and words evoke in me now, how do I express these feelings through song? The experience is thrilling and humbling all at the same time.

Yesterday I was confronted by the sheer need of the words to Angel's Prayer - an original piece we are recording for our new CD. I wrote the words several months ago after waking from a rather disturbing night's sleep. I had been tossing and turning over all of the turmoil in our world. Where was the hope? Where was the love? Where was the peace? And, more importantly, what was I doing about it?

Rest assured that no matter where you are today (physically, emotionally, financially) someone is thinking about you and praying for peace. You have my word on it!

Janice

Welcome to the harmonyBLOG

We thought we would share our journey creating music with all of our fans and friends, and give you a glimpse into the lives of Mystic Harmony. Join us here for a behind the scenes look at our recording sessions, our most recent concerts, and our thoughts about the music we love and that we are creating.