Drum Prayer
"Drum Prayer," has a true shamanic heart and soul,  combining ancient  rhythms with multi-cultural chants .  This combination is brilliant! --Malibu MagazineA longtime presence on the New Age drumming scene, percussionist Steve Gordon is a master at using the beat of the drum to entrain and synchronize human response to deeper levels of the divine and the mystic. Drum Prayer is one of his most effective works in this regard, a joyous, life-affirming trip through the beat-by-beat landscapes of the body soul and spirit. There's no filler on Drum Prayer, no waiting for the good stuff; it's all now. Eagle-eared and open-hearted, Gordon is keyed into each beat as if it was the first, last, and only. Aided by a pack of like-minded friends on didgeridoo, oud, flute, piano, as well as other instruments, Gordon lays out a breadcrumb trail of rhythm through the wilderness of the divine spirit, the canyons of the heart, and the deep-sea soul.The musician friends he's gathered around him for the journey (which include his pianist brother David Gordon, Jaya Lakshmi, Laurie Lovecraft, and Kim Atkinson) are clearly inspired by his magic, and you will be too. --Daily OMAn exquisite blend of contemporary and ancient rhythms. Listeners will find themselves unleashing their inner shaman. A soul-stirring journey ..... --Music Design In ReviewFirst, Steve Gordon and his cohort David have become well known staples in the New Age and World music genre especially for their Native American drum works. This particular solo release by Steve Gordon combines his years of musical experience playing drums, guitar, flute, and synthesizer. The original concept of this album seems to have a strong focus on combining old world tradition and spirituality with the growth and evolution of mankind into new realms of existence. Thus you will find man traditional instruments, melodies, and rhythms combined with modern ones. However, only a third of this album was recorded by the time the events of September 11th took place. Based on the effects of these events on the artist he decided to slightly alter the theme to include creating each song as a prayer for world peace, inner peace, acceptance, wisdom, serenity, and for healing. The end result is an amazing collection by a veteran musical talent which combines many traditional elements with modern trance rhythms, keyboard, etc.. utilizing chants from various world religions such as Native American (specifically Lakota), Tibetan, and Sanskrit to bring about music that is suitable for modern ears yet carries the spirit and ancient wisdom of the past.Beginning subtly with nature sounds and chimes and quickly building by adding shakers, flute, didgeridoo, drum, and guitar in rapid succession. The rhythm builds from one of a relaxing ambience to that of a dance beat full of life and rejuvinating energy. There are many assistant musicians and singers on this release and the overall effect is the peaceful and serene unity which the artist hopes to project. However, the added synths on the album as well as the more modern dance-trance rhythms help in the melding of past and present. However "Spirit Runner" is more focused on the guitar than drums and "Way of the Shaman" sounds like it could have been on the "Sacred Spirit Drums" album with it's New-Agey flute and drum focus. "Holding The Vision" reminds me of the works of the little known Voice of Golden Eagle. Musically my favorite tracks are the first two and the last which sounds like another version of the first. I really like Jaya Lakshami's vocals on the first two tracks and the synth additives on the second with the tribal dance drum rhythms on "Emerging Power". --Latex Records,TG MondalfSteve has touched on something really special. Rejuvenate your spirit and let your heart fly.  A journey of pure joy. --White Swan