Deep Deep Blue

I'm not afraid of the dark

Down by the Seashore - Odetta remix

Deep Deep Blue - acoustic

Just Breathe

This piece was inspired by the story of when the Japanese Shinto Sun Goddess, Amaterasu, hid herself in a cave and had to be lured out by the other Gods.  Amaterasu had a fight with her brother the Storm God, Susanoo, and retreated to a cave.  While she was in the cave the world became cold and dark.  The other Gods tried to lure her out by various means, but nothing worked.  Finally, they came up with a plan.  The Goddess, Amenouzume, danced wildly at the entrance, sensually removing her clothes.  The other Gods began to laugh and laugh.  Amaterasu became curious with the commotion and peeked out to where the Gods had already positioned a mirror at the entrance.  When Amaterasu paused to gaze at her beautiful reflection the Strong God, Ame-no-Tajikara-wo, pulled her out of the cave.  Amaterasu left the cave and returned light to the world.

In the creating of this piece, Bagamundu came to life as a cat-whale-phoenix-snake mythical creature that simply wanted to meet Amaterasu.  And so it was.

Vocals, Story and Illustrations: Merritt Eby Gates
Handpan and Sound Design: Anne Labadie

The Meeting of Bagamundu and Amaterasu

Merritt is a singer-songwriter, storyteller, expressive art guide and voice healer.

Merritt's musical journey started in Colorado with the Earthbeat Choir. She caught the travel bug in her teens and found herself traveling around the world for a decade, listening and learning music from around the world. Merritt sings/writes/creates from Kampala, Colorado, and New Mexico.

Merritt Eby Gates

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