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PGM 1277 'SECRETS OF THE STARS' : mar.26-apr.2

It's well established that electronic music naturally creates images of cosmic space. Almost fifty years ago, it was given the logical name: spacemusic. The genre has two common modes: flying music is rhythm-powered and goal-oriented, moving through space bound for distant galaxies; floating music is static and timeless, resting peacefully in vast, silent starscapes.

As the genre evolved, electronic composers gave expression to the drama in the supreme adventure of exploring the cosmos — a feeling we share today even on missions close to our home planet. They ask the existential and extraterrestrial questions: Who are we? and Are we alone?

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, it's another cosmic-electronic journey, on a program called SECRETS OF THE STARS. Music is by EXTRAWORLD, STARTERRA, DAVE LUXTON, SEABAT, JONN SERRIE,  DREAMSTATE LOGIC, and JAJA.

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PGM 1276 'SIX STRING SPRING' : mar.19-26

This week we transit the Spring Equinox, the official beginning of spring and a good time to check in on the ambient space guitar. Acoustic or electric, live or sampled, looped or direct, straight up or processed, folk, jazz, or classical — even in the electronic age, the venerable six string guitar continues to make itself indispensable almost everywhere music happens.

Guitarists of the Ambient persuasion take it slow, quiet, and spatially expanded, leaving the virtuosic fireworks to their rock brothers and sisters. Occasionally...a heroic rock guitarist like JEFF BECK or BUCKETHEAD will journey to the contemplative side of the instrument just to do something completely different.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, a spacey, twangy, laid-back, subtle, turn-of-the-season journey for ambient guitar — on a program called SIX STRING SPRING. Music is by CHRIS HAUGEN, LISA BELLA DONNA, CLAES NILSSON, CARL WEINGARTEN, BLUE STAR, and TONY GERBER, with PHIL KEAGGY and DREAMHUB. 

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PGM 974R2 'THE CELTIC ROAD' : mar. 12-19

This week, dear listeners, we come once again to our yearly celebration of all things Celtic. Though the time has passed when Celtic music was trending, it's a tradition that continues to evolve. Ireland has boomed and bust, and through it all the beauty and spirit of Celtic music has continued to charm audiences around the world, with its brilliant dances and heartfelt airs and ballads.

In the poetic imagination of the Celtic bards and troubadours, travel metaphors are as common as thoughts of home. On this transmission of Hearts of Space, we take another journey across those green and rocky lands, on a program called THE CELTIC ROAD.

Music is by DAVY SPILLANE, MOYA BRENNAN, LISA LYNN & ARYEH FRANKFURTER, LOREENA McKENNITT, AINE MINOGUE, DAVID ARKENSTONE, BRAGH ADAIR, and JAMES GALWAY & PHIL COULTER.

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PGM 1275 'OPTIMISM' : mar. 5-12

I think we can all agree that the last year of the pandemic — from March 2020 to March 2021 — has been one of the most difficult, disrupted, and disheartening in American history. One memorable commercial starring the devil and his girlfriend dubbed it "The Year From Hell." No one argued.

The unprecedented strain on our collective nerves led to a boom in therapeutic, calming, psychologically healing music and media. Much of it here on Hearts of Space was dark and melancholy, reflecting feelings of fear, isolation, depression, and loss.

With the arrival of powerful vaccines and new management, things have finally started to improve. And while it's not yet time to celebrate, we've begun to allow ourselves a positive view of the future. Optimism emerges when hope turns into real, positive change. Like prayer, hope is intangible—a hazy image of a better future. Optimism is hope fulfilled, based on real events and how they're moving.

Optimism inspires music with a positive tone, fresh energy, a sense of comfort, and expanding possibilities. It's a rest stop on the road to joy. On this transmission of Hearts of Space, optimistic ambient for improving times, on a program called — OPTIMISM.

Music is by THIERRY DAVID, DAVID HELPLING, DIGITONAL, and LIQUID MIND.

[ view playlist ] [ view Flickr image gallery ] [ play 30 second MP3 promo ]