Bach: Sonatas for Violin and Organ, BWV 1014 - 1019

Violin Sonata No. 6 in G Major, BWV 1019: III. Allegro

This is a series of interviews scored with 4 variations on my original compositions Grain Silos & Bridges. This music premiered as part of my 2018 Houston Arts Alliance commissioned concert Un-Cross Talk at MATCH Houston.

In this track, I interview four people to discuss the merging of jazz and bluegrass. Featuring Houston's finest minds: Historian Roger Wood, musician and educator extraordinaire Robert (Doc) Morgan, jazz and blues icon Horace Grigsby, and the late and great blues singer Jewel Brown.

These are edited versions of the original interviews.

Grain Silos & Bridges (4 ways)

Indie classical chamber folk music. Michael Manring on fretless bass. Saul Richmond-Rakerd on cello. 

Soft Stars--Bluejay take19

neon (2024)
for bass flute, double bass, prepared piano and live electronics

first performed at Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien (mdw)
15 may 2024

performers:
	•	piano: João Pinto
	•	bass flute: Mauricio Echeverri Rodas
	•	double bass: Johannes Duntze
	•	live electronics: João Pinto

sound technicians:
	•	Albin Brandstätter
	•	Florian Six
	•	Bernd Oberlinninger

special thanks to Dietmar Schermann, Dominik Förtsch and Paola Garcia-Sobreira

"n e o n" unfolds a vibrant palette of neon colours through bright impulses, radiating waves of energy. Precise temporal structures interlace with improvisational freedom, delving into luminous and shadowy neon hues to craft a dynamic and unexpected sonic spectrum that captivates and intrigues the senses.

painting: Untitled (Green), 1998 (Katharina Grosse)

n e o n (2024)

The Brahms Piano Trio in B major op 8 
 Recorded using the Joseph Grado 4 inch. spherical microphone system.

Brahms: Piano Trio in B major op 8

"Elemental Blessings" rises from the sacred space created in "The Gathering," offering a song of reverence to the powers that guide transformation. Each verse opens with traditional blessing words, weaving together ancient wisdom with flowing melodies that honor the unique gifts of each element.

The song moves like a spiral dance through the powers of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. Rising melodies carry Air's blessing of freedom and release, while Fire's verses pulse with the rhythm of transformation. Water's blessing flows through rolling arpeggios suggesting tides of change, before Earth's grounding tones remind us of nature's eternal cycles.

Between verses, a chorus binds these elemental powers together in a simple truth: through Air we rise, through Fire we change, in Water we flow, and to Earth we return. This recurring refrain serves as both meditation and affirmation, acknowledging the sacred role each element plays in transformation.

This second piece in our cycle deepens the ceremonial journey begun in "The Gathering," turning from creation of sacred space to active blessing and transformation. Through layers of harmony and intentionally crafted arrangements, "Elemental Blessings" invites listeners to receive the gifts each element offers in times of transition.

Lyrics:

"Elements of earth and sky
Ancient powers from realms on high
Gather now to guide the way
As spirit seeks a brand new day
Sacred forces, wild and free
Grant your blessings, so may it be"

Air Blessing:
"Blessed be the winds of change
Sweeping through the mountain range
Carrying thoughts beyond the veil
Where consciousness sets forth to sail
Through the breeze our spirits soar
Free to fly forevermore"

Chorus:
"By air we rise
Through fire we change
In water we flow
To earth we return
The circle complete
The blessing earned
So may it be
So may it be"

Fire Blessing:
"Blessed be the sacred flame
Transforming all that bears our name
Through the heat of change divine
Spirit starts its new design
Dancing flames release and burn
What must change as spirits turn"

Chorus:
"By air we rise
Through fire we change
In water we flow
To earth we return
The circle complete
The blessing earned
So may it be
So may it be"

Water Blessing:
"Blessed be the flowing tide
Where mysteries of life reside
Through the depths of time we flow
As ancient wisdom helps us grow
Cleansing waters wash away
What no longer needs to stay"

Chorus:
"By air we rise
Through fire we change
In water we flow
To earth we return
The circle complete
The blessing earned
So may it be
So may it be"

Earth Blessing:
"Blessed be the sacred ground
Where life and death dance round and round
Through the soil of ages past
New beginnings form at last
In nature's cycle, ever true
Each ending births beginning new"

Chorus:
"By air we rise
Through fire we change
In water we flow
To earth we return
The circle complete
The blessing earned
So may it be
So may it be"

Closing Verse:
"Elements united strong
Weaving through this sacred song
Guide this spirit on its way
As night transforms again to day
Sacred powers, wild and free
Your blessings granted, so may it be"

Sacred Circle: Songs of Transformation

Elemental Blessings

A library/production music piece. Hopeful, dreamy, uplifting, building, emotional, soft piano, orchestral.

A Dream (Hopeful, Dreamy)

A Dream (Piano and Harp reduction)

A Dream (Underscore)

Heilige Musik

Gonas Musik vom 30.08.2021 bis dato
Nach dem Lichtblick "Wiaschdldrumm Drei Zwanzge feat. MangoMan" verfiel der Künstler langsam aber sicher wieder dem Shitposten

Früherer Account
https://on.soundcloud.com/VRt4j

Xak Stahl: Sonic Alchemist and Storyteller Extraordinaire

Xak Stahl is a boundary-pushing artist who transforms life's complexities into captivating musical narratives. His unique sound—a fusion of indie folk, electronic, and alternative influences—creates an immersive experience that resonates with the soul. Each composition is a journey, inviting listeners to explore the depths of human emotion and the heights of musical innovation.

Introducing Zoé Le Fleur: The Voice of Enchantment

Elevating Xak's sonic landscapes is the mesmerizing Zoé Le Fleur. Her voice, a perfect blend of ethereal lightness and raw power, brings an extra dimension to tracks like "Ce qui est juste" and "Heartbeat High." Zoé's performances transform these songs into anthems of the heart, her dynamic range perfectly complementing Xak's intricate compositions.

From Personal Struggle to Universal Resonance

Xak's musical journey is one of transformation and resilience. Early works like 'Neon Dreams' and 'Rising Through the Darkness' showcase his gift for turning personal challenges into universal themes. His latest opus, 'Major Arcana,' is a bold exploration of life's archetypes, with each track inspired by a Tarot card, beginning with the adventurous spirit of 'The Fool.'

A Multifaceted Artistic Vision

Beyond music, Xak is a visual artist and storyteller, weaving rich narratives across multiple mediums. This interdisciplinary approach infuses his music with a depth and complexity that invites repeated listening and deeper exploration.

Join Xak Stahl on a sonic odyssey that challenges perceptions, touches hearts, and celebrates the transformative power of art. Each track is not just a song, but a world waiting to be discovered.

The Soft Stars is a band from the Oakland/San Francisco bay area, California. Guitarist is currently working on a classical music album

Golda's awesome singing has been described as a mix between Siouxsie Sioux and Poly Styrene from the X-Ray Spex  with her own bold style. Golda and has been in lots of bands including DeathGlam and Golda and the Guns. 

Bassist and pianist Naomi plays classical piano and has played in experimental and punk bands such as Andy Human and the Reptoids, Echo of Bullets, Botskurd, The Next, and Sound Police. 

Drummer Kirk has played in bands such as powerviolence/hardcore band Malicious Dismemberment.  

Guitarist Stephen has played in a bunch of solo projects and bands that never escaped the practice studio such as Swiit Ashiikii (with members of Boyjazz, the Mae-Shi, and Pegataur).

The Soft Stars love music such as Siouxsie and the Banshees, Unwound, Drive Like Jehu, Sonic Youth, the Stranglers, Killing Joke, Captain Beefheart, Spike in Vain, Wire, Joy Division, Live Skull, Swervedriver, Neil Young, My Bloody Valentine, MX-80 Sound, the Minutemen, James Brown, Josef K, Bauhaus, Hugh Mundell, etc. 

Live Soft Stars video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw2Ur1_m1uU&list=PLLxu0bKGI7AYbGd70abTC0LZhX0rD6Mhu

Golda Sargento - vocals
Kirk Brys - drums
Naomi Stine - bass, piano
Stephen Stine - guitar, bass

Film and media composer, choral singer, arranger and orchestrator from London.
Recent projects: 'Skogg and the Fireflies' (BSFA Longlisted for Best Score), 'The Sapphic Soundtrack'
Listen to me talk about myself and my love of music on 'Elephant Out The Room' podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/24CaRoKRgVhTjMBEdp6RTH?si=0714f5d895e94f3b
she/her
ellenmcdonaldmusic@gmail.com
instagram: @ellenmcdonaldmusic

i dont believe in art, i believe in artists. (M. Duchamp)

New tracks tagged #Chamber