past and present, no particular order and probably forgetting some: Traditional Celtic, African, Moroccan, Indian ,Pakistani, Turkish, Chinese, Japanese, French music of 1920- 40’s, Michael Brook, Robert Rich, David Torn, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Stellamara, Kate Bush, Daniel Lanois, Lisa Gerrard, Dead Can Dance, Bulgarian Women's Choir, Anoushka Shankar, BT, Jeff Rona, Vas, Azam Ali, Ravi Shankar, Shakti, John McLaughlin, Zakir Hussain, Manu Katche, Shawn Lane, Afro Celts, The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Peter Gabriel, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Marvin Gaye, Burt Bacharach, The Police/Sting, The Cocteau Twins, Tony Levin, Gail Ann Dorsey, Jeff Beck, Scott Henderson, George Harrison, David Gilmour, Andy Summers, TFF, Imogen Heap, Tony Bennett, Wes Montgomery, Charlie Christian, Pat Martino, Joaquin Lievano, Allan Holdsworth, Robben Ford, Joe Pass, Robert Johnson, Freddie King, Segovia, Hiromi, Mozart, Claude Debussy, Igor Stravinsky, JS Bach, Maurice Ravel, Tchaikovsky, Miles Davis, Joe Zawinul, Zawinul Syndicate, Weather Report, John Coltrane, Jaco Pastorius, Herbie Hancock, Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, Cassandra Wilson, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone, Diane Schuur, Abby Lincoln, Dinah Washington, Bill Evans, Charles Mingus, Thelonius Monk, Charlie Parker, Count Basie Orchestra, Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, Nat King Cole Trio, John Pizzarelli, Itzahk Pearlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson
The inspiration for Animirror took root from our interests in music from around the world. We became intrigued by sounds and styles less familiar to Western ears. What you are hearing are our project studio demos. Experimentation continues as we explore and define our unique musical identity, mutating, morphing and layering sounds to form textures and compositions. It is a great gift to trust the process, following the creative stream. For this we are grateful; we offer recognition of those who have contributed so much of their time and talents and influenced our lives and musical journey.~
Anais: with gratitude and love for the late Timothy Driesel (European/ American Opera singer and voice coach). No one has facilitated personal and professional evolution as much as Tim, a sophisticated, committed and passionate teacher. The barriers that make it difficult for many of us to reach our potential were clearly addressed and examined as Tim taught me how to free my voice. He showed me a true classical technique and how to let go of it as well. He passed away in 2003 but is remembered every day.
Singing in choirs for most of my life has had a most beautiful effect on me. The blending of voices, the dynamics, the power behind sheer numbers…a highlight for me was a performance of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in German, at Grace Church in New York City. Creating layers in the studio and in live performances would never have been possible if it were not for my Choral background. I have Stan Breckenridge to thank. At the age of 12 he made me promise to always stay involved in choir, and to this day I am grateful. Discovering choir music from around the world has been one of my great joys, particularly Bulgarian Women choirs. The close harmonies and tonal characters from the Far East and Eastern Europe, as well as Native American chants are of great inspiration and influence for their ancient and spiritual qualities.~
We have been involved in many wonderful projects through the years. One of our favorites was “The Power of Peace”, a three-part documentary featuring the Dali Lama, Harry Belafonte, Alice Walker and Yolanda King (not long before her passing)… also the holiday station break for the San Francisco Fox affiliate (channel 2)… this four minute piece combined beautiful aerial footage of Bay Area landmarks with ethereal music and vocals.~
Steve: Creating, experimenting and layering of sounds/loops/sonic beds has become a very strong direction for me. Using the electric guitar as a tool for sound, and music technology as an instrument in itself, has interested me for many years. While you might be hearing the suggestion of a familiar instrument your attention would be drawn to the mood of a sonic landscape. This approach has naturally evolved with the amazing advances in studio/recording technology over the years, with that new technology influencing my live playing as well.~
Our inspiration never ends as we enjoy our life with our ten year old daughter, Mina. We inform each other as to our sense of family, peace and well being. We have complimentary skills and tastes that enable us to have a seamless, peaceful collaboration. We also share a long relationship with the teachings of J. Krishnamurti, one of the most profound thinkers of our time. All in all we feel this has been a journey in pursuit of clarity and freedom, love and mastery. As we continue…
Merry Christmas and happy new year to you and your family And Thank you for your friendship ......................................................... Knock on the sky and listen to the sound! ... Happy life and harmony to all. Cheers and Respect:) Global Beat
Hey, Just stopping by to wish you the best the new Holiday Season has to offer... May all your wishes for the upcoming year come true.Since we are not so far apart, a collaboration in 2010 would be something that might be a lot of fun and fruitful! All Our Love and Best... Frank C.
We are proud to present our current album "True Fidelity". Electro-acoustic chillout, lounge and easy-listening well mixed and always ready to surprise you. We hope you enjoy our work. Further we wanna thank your for your support so far and give away 5 songs of our album!
“We grow great by dreams,we are dreamers,we see things in the soft haze of a spring day or in the red fire of a long winter's evening. Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light , which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true.”
Hello Again, Just a quick note to say that the new EP 'Monster & Mintrel' is available for Download online through iTunes/Amazon and many streaming sites. Click here to choose a store. Also, while supplies last, if you order the first album CD 'A Boy You Once Knew' through Paypal you will be emailed 1 free mp3 from 'Monster & Minstrel'. Thank you for your continued support. Namaste <img src="http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-05---xoNhTXVc.gif" .."display:
How strange that Nature does not knock, and yet does not intrude! ~Emily Dickinson.
The Four Seasons at Grand Promenade,also known as "The Mall" flanked by its majestic rows of American Elms in the heart of Central Park, New York.
I celebrate the many blessings you have brought my way simply by being my friend.
Peace and Love Always :)
Jesse
