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PGM 1392 'METALLOPHONIC 2' : feb.28 - mar.7

At the nadir of winter, the time of deepest cold and lowest natural activity, the sound of the resonant percussion family of instruments takes on a special appeal. The metallophones—bells, bowls, gongs, chimes, and cymbals—speak eloquently in the chilled, quiet air.

Whether used for religious ceremonies in ancient Buddhist mountain cultures like Tibet; for sound healing and therapeutic work; or for creative experimental music—these instruments have a sublime elegance and power.

On this transmission of HEARTS of SPACE, another winter journey for  resonant percussion, on a program called "METALLOPHONIC 2". Music is by SHAWN FEENEY, LAURA INSERRA, HANG MASSIVE, THOMAS BRETT, ED MANN, and KARMA MOFFETT.

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

PGM 1068R 'WINTERTONES 2'

The latter days of winter bring a special kind of fatigue mixed with impatience. For residents of snow-crossed parts of the country, winter has begun to overstay its welcome; while here in California, the trees are blossoming, and February feels like spring.

As the sound of the season evolves, music of the far north and Arctic countries still resonates, connecting with contemplative acoustic mainstays like the cello and the piano. From deep minimalist patterns to Romantic melodicism, we find the soul and comfort to endure.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, wintry acoustic spacemusic for the season, on a program called WINTERTONES 2. With Icelandic musicians OLAFUR ARNALDS and HILDUR GUTHNADOTTIR, cellist DAVID DARLING with SYLVIA NAKKACH and JACQUELINE TSCHABOLD BHUYAN, MICHAEL HOPPE & HAROLD MOSES, BRUNO SANFILIPPO, and RALPH ZURMUHLE. 

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

PGM 1391 'NORTHERN LIGHTS 5' : feb.15-22

For ambient and electronic artists, the music of the winter season holds a special appeal. Dense drones, chilled harmonies, bright bells and percussion, and the psychoactive power of minimalist patterns — add up to a powerful palette of musical elements.

The small but artistically mighty countries of Scandinavia and the Arctic north produce far more than their share of world-class music across a wide range of contemporary genres and music for film. Nourishing it all is the influence of the extraordinary natural environment: the cold North Sea and volcanic islands, the dramatic coastal mountains and fjords, the vast boreal forests, the visual magic of fog, mist, and snow, and the otherworldly spectacle of the auroras—the famous northern lights.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, wintry ambient from Scandinavia and the Arctic north to Northern California, on a program called "NORTHERN LIGHTS 5." Music is by ROBERT JÜRJENDAL, ERIK WØLLO, PHILLIP WILKERSON & CHRIS RUSSELL, SNOWDROPS, TERJE ISUNGSET & EIVIND AARSET, MARK BANNING (RIP), and JEFF PEARCE.

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

PGM 1037R 'THE LONG NIGHT' : feb. 7-14

We're at the nadir of winter in the Northern Hemisphere...a time when the yearly journey around our native star seems arbitrary and endless. Battered by storms, challenged by cold, starved for light, we have no choice but to wait...for the return of the sun and the bright promise of spring.

It's a trial we repeat in miniature each long winter night, as we turn away from the sun into the cosmic darkness. But while we can escape most of the night in sleep, winter...must be endured. It's a test of fortitude and patience, a confrontation with our own desires for ease and comfort.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, a nocturnal winter journey called "THE LONG NIGHT."  Music is by JEFF GREINKE, ROBERT RICH, A PRODUCE, STEVE ROACH & KELLY DAVID, SEAN WASHBURN, and NUNC STANS & MYSTIFIED.

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