Music: Composer/Artist Explores War and Spirituality with New Age Music

Jeffrey Fisher's new 2-CD set explores the subjects of war and spirituality in relation to the ancient Sanskrit text of "The Bhagavad Gita." This text is among the most widely read in the world, and Fisher translates it both literally and personally with "Ocean of Consciousnesses" two discs, "The Bhagavad Gita Suite" and "The River."

War is never black and white; nor is nature. In his new work, Ocean of Consciousness, eclectic composer and performer Jeffrey Fisher explores the spiritual challenges and emotional impact of socio-political life on earth, as well as, our paradoxical relationship with nature. This 2-CD set includes "The Bhagavad Gita Suite" and "The River," both produced by Fisher. It was released on Tuesday by his label Healing Music of the Southwest.

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Lauded for his accomplished musicianship and appreciated for his unique personal philosophy, Fisher's latest project will sooth listeners while also offering solace to those tormented by today's grim war headlines. "The Bhagavad Gita Suite" enables Fisher to share his concept of "Emotional Consciousness." In "The River," Fisher is more introspective, inviting listeners into a musical realm that reflects his deep understanding of the flow of nature. As is his want, the two pieces cross a variety of styles from New Age to world, from jazz to classical; pleasing, soothing, yet bold, Fisher's instrumentation is at its best.

The Bhagavad Gita is an ancient tale, the best-known and perhaps most widely-translated of all Sanskrit texts in print. Fisher's musical translation, "The Bhagavad Gita Suite" on Disc One, offers an instrumental snapshot of Prince Arjuna, a young man in emotional turmoil at the dawn of a momentous battle, which, he laments, is sure to result in the death of great warriors, teachers and kinsmen on both sides.

Today, as young soldiers struggle to make sense of their personal experiences of modern warfare, Fisher's primary interest is the core issue behind this timeless yet timely text: how one lives a spiritual life while also involved with challenges like the trauma of war and devastation.

"The Gita was among the favorite books of many great thinkers, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Aldous Huxley and Mahatma Gandhi; these men are, indeed, supreme examples of the wisdom and self-realization that one can find in the teachings of The Bhagavad Gita," Fisher says.

"The River" on Disc Two presents Fisher's relaxing exploration of meaningful living in the modern natural world. The three nature-inspired pieces on this CD - "Love 360 Degrees", "Forest of Light" and "The River" - play with traditional forms like the canon, the twelve-bar blues, and subtle extensions of harmonies and melodies.

Ocean Of Consciousness can be used for both emotional and physical healing and massage therapy. "Music has a powerful impact," says Fisher "My own studies have shown an emotional impact, but there is even a distinct mathematical correlation between musical scales and the DNA. Listening to music with natural properties brings one into alignment with one's earthly rhythms."

The music and concept is expected to especially appeal to individuals interested in jazz, classical, world and New Age music, ancient Sanskrit texts, the Indian and Hindu communities, scholars, healers, massage therapists, spiritual writers, green activists, peace activists and LOHAS converts.

Taos-based painter Charles Collins made his fine art painting "Ocean of Consciousness" available for the CD's cover art, in following with the artists' previous collaborations.

Fisher has committed 10% of CD sales profits to be divided equally between the Sacred Sites Protection Council of Escuela de la Raza Unida, and the God in the Arts Foundation in Taos, New Mexico.

In June 2008, Fisher embarks on tours to the Southwest and the Pacific Northwest to support Ocean of Consciousness. The live performances will include inspirational teachings on his concept of emotional consciousness as it relates to The Bhagavad Gita and today's war culture. Up-to-the-minute tour dates are available on Fisher's website Healing Music of the Southwest.

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