ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

Meta-Music to accompany and affect our daily journey through life.  Music has the power to heal, transform and enhance our lives.  By consciously aligning with different states of music, we can affect deep changes in our world. We have quiet times of day (STILL), activation times (CHILL), and energetic peak times (THRILL ).  STILL- invites our inner journey, our times of contemplation and relaxation.  CHILL- encourages our moving forward, activating ideas, setting these in motion toward the outer world. THRILL- ignites our energy; raises our excitement, broadcasts our bliss through enhanced life-force energy. 

Sound waves and music vibration wash over us and actually move the molecules of energy in and around our bodies, affecting how we feel and transforming who we.  With this awareness, we can consciously use music to bring ourselves into different states of being.  Just as film composers use music to tell the audience what emotions to feel, we too can flood our senses with sounds that stimulate our feeling centers. 

Using the focus of slow moving sound, we readily connect with the stillness within and around us.  Through the "STILL" waves of meta-music we go deeper, moving closer to Oneness.  In this relaxed state, we create an inner environment for our own wisdom to emerge, and for our intentions to take root.  Also in this state of mind, we are receptive to new ideas and teachings. We can USE the energy that sound & music creates to strengthen and activate our intentions, to send them out to the universe, and to attract the "like” energy needed to manifest. 

Moving into the "CHILL" phase of meta-music, we raise its energy level, as our new thought forms take root.  This creates greater momentum from which to launch our ideas.  With increased awareness, we take action, we are action, and we are music in motion. 

Once we have experienced our inner BEING (through "STILL"), and have brought forth our intentions & ideas* (through “CHILL), we are then ready to become an ecstatic expression of LOVE-IN-MOTION.  Once again we activate the power of music, as we continue to raise its vibration.  The spectrum of "THRILL" music encourages, enlivens, delights, ignites, and firmly connects us with our magnificent creative power that can change worlds! 

Through such practice, we run vibrant energy throughout our bodies and deep into the earth.  We become a channel of love and light, and we step into conscious co-creation, raising the JOY factor in ourselves and in our world. 

"Healing Music, Volume 2" is a two-disc collection of “STILL” and “CHILL” music by Valerie Romanoff.  A musician who excels in a variety of genres of music, Romanoff generally categorizes her music as “STILL, CHILL, THRILL” with the latter referring to her favorite genre, FUNK.  Yes, really!  The co-founder and CEO of Starlight Orchestras in New York City, (an organization that performs for high-end events all over the country), Romanoff is known for her bright onstage presence, her skill in crafting a range of musical experiences, and her talent for bringing together world class performers.  Romanoff’s primary instrument is the electric guitar, but on this album, she also performs on piano, acoustic guitars and synthesizers.  Romanoff is joined by Tom Rossi (flute, kora [a 21-string instrument from West Africa] and percussion) and Stevin McNamara (sitar).  The music incorporates influences from world beat, new age, jazz, rock and chill genres and can have a very soothing and/or refreshing effect on the listener.  In the liner notes of the CD, Romanoff says, “By tapping into the transformative nature of sound, I believe we can help create a more harmonious world….  Whether in the contemplation of stillness, the activation of ideas, or the joyful rise of energy, music plays a significant role in our evolution….  This music is dedicated to our joyous journey and the spirit of LOVE.” 

Disc 1 contains the eight original pieces, which range from just under seven minutes to almost eighteen, sustaining an uplifting and positive mood throughout.  Infectious rhythms and outstanding musicianship send much of this music skyward.  I especially like “Dawn of Tao,” which feels much like a welcome break sitting in a patch of warm sunshine, listening to the birds and other nature sounds around you - calming, refreshing, and energizing all at the same time.  I also really like “Om Shanti Shalom - Beatmix Instrumental,” with its powerful pulse and leisurely tempo.  There are occasional wordless vocals on this one, too, but it’s mostly an easy groove that just feels good! 

Disc 2 has ten tracks that are radio edits and a bonus track that is the full “Pink Skies Suite.”  In this group, the radio edits range from just over three minutes to six - still long enough to sustain a mood, but more radio-friendly. “ The Bend” is not on Disc 1, but is included on Disc 2.  In addition to “Dawn of Tao,” and “Om Shanti Shalom,” I really like like slow groove and soulful guitar of “Moving Glass” on this disc. 

If you are a looking for a bargain, you get a LOT of music for your money with this album - well over two hours!  It is music with a purpose, but it is also a pleasure to listen to just for the music’s sake.  Check it out! 

It’s always refreshing to see a female guitarist, especially one as accomplished and talented as Valerie Romanoff.  This lady has the music in her, no question.  A multi-instrumentalist and performer, Valerie also co-founded, and is the creative director of, the fabulous Starlight Orchestra, and spends her time between New York City and Sedona, Arizona. 

“Healing Music, Volume 2,” is a two-disc set by Valerie Romanoff.  The second album in her “Healing Music” series, these are long, peaceful, meditative jams.  This collection of soul-soothing instrumental songs, which ends up being about two hours of exceptional bliss, is highlighted by the musical categories of what Valerie calls “Still” and “Chill.” “ Still” is music for contemplation, relaxation, and inner reflection. “ Chill” is music designed for forward moving energy activation. 

Within her “Valrock Music” catalogue of music, there is another category called “Thrill,” which is faster, funky (Oh!  She is SO good at that), and ignites, raises, and enhances our life force energy.  But this particular album, “Healing Music, Volume 2,” is only focused on “Still” and “Chill.” 

The point of “Still,” “Chill,” and “Thrill,” is that the varied tempo and intensity of each musical work of art enhances and evokes a different state of being within our emotional bodies.  So, in its own unique way, each song becomes a different platform for positive transformation.  When we’re able to keep our own individual frequencies and vibrations calm and peaceful, we are able to effect positive change as a collective consciousness on a global level. 

On “Healing Music, Volume 2,” Valerie performs on piano, guitar, synth.  She is joined by Tom Rossi on flute, kora, and percussion (the kora is best described as a "double-bridge-harp-lute”), and Stevin McNamara on sitar, which is a stringed Indian instrument.  Disc 1 on the physical album consists of 8 peaceful tracks, both “Still” and “Chill.”  Disc 2 consists of the same 8 tracks, but they are shorter radio friendly versions.  Disc 2 additionally includes “The Bend,” “Moving Glass,” and the bonus track, “Pink Skies: Full Suite,” which clocks in at 17:30.  The digital download of this album contains 22 tracks, the difference being that some songs on the digital download of the album have both a “Still” and a “Chill” version.  What defines the difference between “Still” and “Chill” is the amount and layers of percussion. 

For purposes of this review, we are focusing on the radio version portion.  Valerie opens this section of the album with “Pink Skies Over Still Water” (Still), which is wonderfully relaxing, perfect for slowly opening each of the heart chakra layers, and then moves on gently into “Pink Skies Over Waves.”  Sublimely “Still,” there is nothing here to rock or upset your boat.  It’s about floating and enjoying.  Love it.  It’s a definite favorite. “ Moving Glass,” (also “Still”), masterfully incorporates soft synths into the whole mix, giving it a lovely, fluid ambiance.  Very calming. “ Prelude Went Beyond” (Chill), is melodic and uplifting to the spirit.  Graceful and flowing, it’s a happy jam. 

“Beyond The Bend,” (Chill), follows, with its cool, funky, “chanty,” “world” kind of groove.  It’s another favorite, although they are all truly wonderful. “ Backdrop” (Still), is deliciously tranquil, restful, lush, and languid.  We move easily then into more “Still,” with the super-relaxing and meditative “Dawn of Tao.”  With its Eastern flavor, it’s another masterful mix of superb serenity.  This portion of the album closes out with the “Chill” “OM Shanti Shalom.”  This is an exquisitely beautiful musical conversation of peace to listen to over and over again. 

Highly recommended for relaxation, stress relief, meditation, yoga, and the healing arts, “Healing Music, Volume 2” by Valerie Romanoff is a resplendent gift of healing music to the world. 

A few additional notes: 1) It’s important to note that there is nothing jarring at all about transitioning between “Still” and “Chill.”  Your spirit just flows smoothly, easily, and effortlessly between the two and, in fact, through all tracks here. 

2) The album art – not just ‘another Buddha’ – is by renowned Sedona artist Sherab “Shey” Khandro, which I believe is adapted from her full painting named “Our Time Is Now.”  Beautiful and perfect for this album.