Music to Disappear in 1
Raphael (no last name) was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and raised by Benedictine nuns. Under their tutelage and encouragement, he developed a love for music, first learning about classical music and Gregorian chant. As a young man, after playing gypsy violin on the streets and utilizing his talents in rock bands, Raphael studied the piano formally at the San Francisco Conservatory. He later spent a decade at Esalen, the renowned Northern California spiritual community. It was during his time there that he began to blend his various influences, draw from multiple cultures for compositional inspiration, and forge his signature style of healing and relaxation music. Originally issued in 1989,Music To Disappear Inwas his first recording for the label Hearts of Space. A bit dated by this juncture, these nine songs, all original compositions but for the traditional opener ("Disappearing Into You"), use piano and keyboards as a central voice, creating a lulling web of atmospheric string sounds complemented by flute and percussion. Long used by body workers,Music To Disappear Inis the very definition of New Age relaxation music.--Paige La Grone