‘Creative Stillness’ new album by Gian Berselli & Jérémy Marais at Peaceful Radio Internet Station
10 March 2022 Artists
Click on logo Astrala Wolf Records Bandcamp page.
When Gian Berselli found himself stranded in his native Brazil in March of
2020 (he was there visiting his parents), due to the newly imposed pandemic
protocols, he was obviously saddened to be away from his wife in California.
However, this isolation took an unexpected yet fruitful turn when his friend,
Jérémy Marais, contacted him from Israel with a proposal. Why not
collaborate “long distance” on a recording, as a way of reflecting on the
tumultuous and scary Covid crisis? Each of them was missing the chance to
compose and record music, and since music files could be swapped easily
enough over the Internet. The result of their discussions was Creative
Stillness, a joint musical project. The goal of the recording was to soothe the
fear and anxiety that gripped the planet during this crisis. The album’s title
also conveyed the possibility that “stillness” presents opportunities and
impetus to us to tap our inner creativity as both individuals and people.
Creative Stillness features Berselli on synthesizers, piano, drum programming,
and sitar, and Marais on saxophones, balafon, and Tibetan bowls. Guest
appearances are by Shivpreet Singh (vocals on “Mouna”) and Eyal Freedman
(mbira on “In the Beginning There Was Water” and harp on “Zen Garden”).
Berselli also adds in some discrete nature sounds throughout the album, e.g.
birdsong on “Zen Garden.” Mixing and mastering by Berselli is excellent and
headphones reveal the mastery of all the artists and the richness of the music,
especially Marais’ lovely sax melodies. Tracks vary from subtly playful to
relaxing to contemplative, each one anchored by not just Marais fluid sax but
Berselli’s masterful keyboard and synthesizer work. Sprinkled into the mix on
some songs are world beat influences, however they never overwhelm, but
instead add to the beauty of the overall feel and mood of the recording. Let Gian
Berselli and Jérémy Marais help you find your own creativity wrapped inside of
stillness.
TRACKS
Rasa Silvia 6:42
Insight 6:00
Arcobaleno All’Interno 6:06
Mouna 5:26
Mama 6:36
Dalat 1:40
In the Beginning
There Was Water 7:08
Zen Garden 8:14
Produced by Gian Berselli
and Jérémy Marais. Music
composed by Gian Berselli &
Jérémy Marais. Additional
music composed by Eyal
Freedman, Shivpreet Singh,
and Angelo Berselli. Mixed
and mastered by Gian
Berselli at Astral Wolf
Records
Creative Stillness is 8 beautiful tracks, and about 45 minutes of soothing, calming,
healing, and contemplative instrumental music… A favorite on this album is
“Arcobaleno All’Interno,” which translates literally to “inner rainbow.” Great, rhythmic
percussion flows along effortlessly underneath Jérémy’s wonderful sax and Gian’s
synth mastery. This is definitely one for the playlist. So very relaxing, and we can
feel ourselves beginning to come alive again. Love this.
Dyan Garris – New Age CD and New Age Notes Radio
Creative Stillness} is a compelling eight jazz-filled tracks
with elements [of] new age, ambient, which combine to
make it suitable for meditation music…There are so many
genres woven into the patchwork quilt of sound it defies
categorization. You will hear sounds of nature abounding,
like rain and birds tweeting, mixed in with smooth
saxophones, guitars, keys, and an abundance of textures,
sounds, and color, that brings you to a place far away from
what dominates your mind at the moment
Keith Hannaleck – New Age Music Reviews
Benno Veugen Creative Stillness, Gian Berselli & Jérémy Marais, New Age, New Age Music, Peaceful Radio, Peaceful Radio Internet Station