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MP3 Calvin L. Coolidge II - Meditations On God And The Meaning Of Life
8 MP3 Songs
NEW AGE: Healing, NEW AGE: Meditation
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"There''s no question that music has a profound impact on people," says Presidential relative Calvin L. Coolidge II. "It can change a mood with it''s slightest touch, it whisks away cares, brings people together, and brings joy to our hearts."
Meditations on God and the Meaning of Life is very special music written for quiet moments of solace.
Solace is to comfort, to console, to be relieved in grief. Grief often times finds one in pursuit of silence, to be alone with one''s thoughts, and to ponder life''s events and their meaning. Usually such solace comes at a time of personal tragedy when there is need to mourn by oneself, sometimes asking "Why?". When faced with experiences of personal loss, Meditations on God and the Meaning of Life gives you the time to gather composure, allow for reflection and to wait for the sometimes slow acceptance of circumstances that are beyond your control.
Few popular records are made that come to the aid of those in need quiet solitude. This record is one of them. Meditations on God and the Meaning of Life is best listened to alone and in private, in an environment where one is not to be disturbed.
The voices on Meditations on God and the Meaning of Life surround you as if you are contemplating privately in a very large room, like a cathedral, church, mosque, or synagogue.
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CALVIN L. COOLIDGE II
Meditations On God and the Meaning Of Life
30th president Productions (2004)
Review by Bill Binkelman
Don''t be dissuaded by the title of this CD from multi-genre artist Calvin Coolidge II. Yes, the serene and beautiful synth choral music within could be taken as a spiritual treatise or a literal meditation on God (as the title indicates). However, what someone like yours truly (an agnostic) hears in this album is a recording comparable in sound and mood to releases from Liquid Mind (Chuck Wild) and Larry Kucharz. Like Wild, Coolidge works with multiple flowing synthesizers, glowing warmly with positive tonalities, as well as lush synth chorals (male and female) to craft peaceful soundscapes which surround the listener with waves of smooth electronic comfort. On some tracks, similarities to Larry Kucharz''s choral recordings surface, as Coolidge''s music can be sparse, even minimal, and makes strong use of the identical way that Kucharz integrates chorals with synth chords and washes.
Coolidge''s engineering and production is close to that of both Wild and Kucharz, but this is his first foray into this subgenre, so you can''t expect the technical aspects of this CD to measure up to those two "old-timers." Wild, in particular, is among the most meticulous and perfectionist artists recording today and his albums sound like it. Still, Meditations On God and the Meaning Of Life is solid and has no flaws that I could discern. In Coolidge''s favor is a fair amount of variety (given the limitations of working within a narrow scope) between songs. "Presence" for example is more minimal and even somewhat spacy when compared to some of the other tracks, such as the opening "Entrance" which is sprinkled with twinkling tones and carried along by a combination of chorals and church organ chords. "Benevolence" is particularly peaceful, almost as if the music was wrapping its arms around the listener, seeking to comfort and protect him or her.
There are eight tracks on the album, duration varying from under-three minutes to the closing "Requiem" which clocks in at more than twelve minutes. Some pieces do have a stronger slant toward overt hymn-like qualities, such as the ethereal "Ode," but I still maintain that forming a religious or spiritual connection to this CD is not necessary in order to enjoy it. You can just as easily light a few candles in a darkened room and savor the slowly unfolding charms and serenity of "Requiem" (which, despite its title, is seldom if ever sad, mournful, or elegiac, instead being softer and more comforting in emotional content).
Having released well-done albums of guitar-centered-ensemble adult contemporary music (Seconds) and a bouncy excursion into contemporary electronica (Club Tiaj), Meditations On God and the Meaning Of Life is not just a surprise thematically and musically, but also underscores how comfortable and accomplished Calvin Coolidge II is in yet another genre. For fans of Liquid Mind and Kucharz''s choral works (or other similar artists), this CD should merit strong consideration. Also, if you are looking for de-stressing music, it doesn''t get more peaceful than this. Whatever your religious affiliation, even if none at all, the album carries my recommendation as an excellent example of floating electronic music with a warm positive feeling behind it.
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Ask anyone who knows Cal and there''s little doubt that his music leaves a lasting impression.
"His compositions are prime...he does great work" are just a few of the good things people say about his music.
A guitarist, pianist and synthesist his attraction to music spurred him to earn his degree in music. Today he writes Jazz, Pop, Folk, Rock, New Age, Electronic, World, Urban, Classical, Chant, and Blues.
It is because of this diversity that listeners are often surprised to learn that it is one and the same person on his different recordings. "I consider it a high compliment when people tell me that they didn''t even know it was me (playing and composing) on different pieces," says Cal. Compare the ensemble, guitar centered SECONDS to the multi-textured CLUB TIAJ and you''ll know what we mean!
Fans agree. "Both recordings are excellent musically and demonstrate his expertise not only as a player but also as a writer," as one critic put it. "After I heard SECONDS, I expected CLUB TIAJ to be something similar. It isn''t. I''m quite impressed! I must have listened to CLUB TIAJ at least 20 times in disbelief that it really came from the same person."
Another observer says, "A lot of musicians are really good at playing in their one style. But if you ask them to play out of that style, they get lost. Cal is not like that."
"As a guitarist, I''ve heard him easily go from Folk to Rock to Country to Blues without skipping a beat. Then to hear his symphonic arrangements...well, you have to hear it to believe it!" says another.
"Rare is a musician who is so well versed in many different styles. Not many can do that! And you never hear him play the same thing twice!"
"Composing music is like acting," adds Cal. "The objective of a great actor is to play their roles so convincing that the audience is unaware that it is this same actor who is playing another different role. I think this can be done with music too."
His first CD, an intimate recording, Clear Dream Day, showcases his spontaneous compositional skills as these light-spirited solo guitar compositions were recorded on the spot as they were being created.
His second CD, aptly titled SECONDS, adds top musicians from both the West and the East coasts to his masterful guitar playing and his strong musical compositions. SECONDS is often described as "intelligent instrumental soft rock backed up by a smooth jazz ensemble" and shows his ability to effortlessly weave Rock, Folk, New Age, Classical, and Jazz elements into one smooth recording. Several of his fans have told him that they keep this CD in their car players permanently - and no wonder. It is produced by Grammy-nominated artist Paul Speer (David Lanz, Michael Stearns, David Arkenstone) and features the woodwinds of New Age/Jazz great, Richard Warner (David Lanz, Tingstad and Rumbel).
His self-produced third CD, CLUB TIAJ, shows his venture in a new direction and gives each listener an expansive array of sounds. CLUB TIAJ combines Dance, World, Urban, Rock, Pop, New Age, Classical and Ambient styles into one cohesive and upbeat CD. This music is FUN! It is danceable - and songs like TRIBE and NIGHT HAUNT FAREWELL are 2 of the more mysterious songs that are on this CD. CLUB TIAJ is named The Best Recording of 2003 from Wind and Wire along side recording luminary YANNI. (See AWARDS).
MEDITATIONS ON GOD AND THE MEANING OF LIFE is music for solace for those who suffer from personal loss.
"The production of quality music and CD art is very important," says Cal. "Every detail is inspected. The quality of the final recording lies first with the choice of song. Adding just the right instruments at just the right moment is very important. Working also with talented musicians is a must. Helpful too is being mindful of the production and mastering process before recording even begins. Then selecting top-quality and appealing artwork makes all the difference for a quality record." Adding, "I believe people want recordings that make a difference, that make them feel a certain way and ones that become more alive as they listen to them over and over - and be pleased with looking at what''s in their hands too!"
Much more of his beautiful music is being recorded as this talented and versatile musician writes and records new definitive melodic music where each piece remains fresh and contains that "something special."
To keep up to date with the latest information visit the WHAT''S NEW area on Cal''s web site, https://www.tradebit.com.
To see all his listings with CDBaby, see https://www.tradebit.com
To order this CD, call 800-BUYMYCD (800-289-6923)
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