Dawn to Dreams
Lifting the Sky
Lifting the Sky’s (LTS) debut album, “Dawn to Dreams” defies classification and does so by blending
ambient, instrumental and meditative gestures with notes of resilience woven through the songs. This
ascending genre is Immersive Music. Whereas the term immersive is used very broadly in many
different contexts, LTS approach is to engage the listener through the extraordinary properties of the
bowls by stimulating brain entrainment as it is interwoven within the broader musical lyricism of the
flute thereby shaping a new compositional language. The organic and richly textured sounds from the
innovative electronica sector provide a fresh sonic mirror for introspection.
Dawn to Dreams is a song cycle expressing the movements of day as we progress from waking to sleep.
The arts, religion and home grown philosophers throughout the years have reflected on these daily
passages as it is a common point of life we all share and ripe for interpretation. The album is designed to
give pause to our personal transitions as day crosses to night becoming weeks turning to years.
Many are familiar with crystal singing bowls as the essential instrument in sound baths. The bowls are
composed of quartz crystal, which is the largest conductor, transmitter, receiver, and amplifier of
information on our planet. Alchemy bowls are then infused with various precious gemstones, minerals,
metals, and earth substances that deepen the individual qualities of each of the bowls. These bowls are
of the highest quality and Deva draws upon one of the largest individual collections of bowls in the
country. For Lifting the Sky, over 50 bowls were specially chosen to help amplify the energies/qualities
of the day as the album starts at dawn and progresses through the night ending with dreams.
The flute was chosen for its deep rich sound and emotional expression. This handmade Japanese Boehm
flute serves as an extension of the breath invites a warm, curious and reflective sound, inviting the
listener to come inside the music
Other sound sources were carefully chosen. Plant sonification was used to “play” a synthesizer. Field
recordings were sprinkled in representing sounds of the day. Many other sounds were used from
unusual sources more often featured in the electronic arts field. Tongue drums, kalimbas and other
percussion instruments provide light pulses within the compositions
Come listen; come take the journey; wrap yourself in this immersive tapestry of sound.
Credentials
Produced by: Peter Gordon Associate Producer: Deva Munay
Mixed and Mastered at Zen Oaks Studio, Carmel Valley, CA
Spatial/ Dolby Atmos Mixed and Master by Forrest Lawrence at Working Title Recording Studios, San Mateo, CA
Alchemy Crystal Singing Bowls recorded Spring 2023 to Spring 2024
at K-Ranch Art Barn/Sacred Sound & Wonder Studio, Big Sur, CA
All other instruments recorded and composed from Winter 2023 to Summer 2024 at Zen Oaks Studio, Carmel Valley, CA Compositions by Peter Gordon, Published by Thirsty Ear llc
Art Director: Amy Bennick - Photography by: Patrice Ward Cover and Back Panel Photo by: Deva Munay
Deva Munay, Alchemy Crystal Singing Bowls
Peter Gordon, Miyazawa Flute, Osmose Keyboard, Guitar, RAV Vast Tongue Drum, Monome Norns, Field Recordings and assorted percussion instruments
Deva Munay: Special thanks to John Krasznekewicz for opening up his amazing ranch for this exploration of sound and music and for allowing us to transform his tango studio into a recording studio. Special thanks to Crystal Tones for making these divine instruments of love and peace.
Peter Gordon: Special thanks to my wife Donna who put up with countless hours of musical exploration, always with a smile, even if it wasn't deserved. My sons, Jeremy and Nigel who constantly teach me about life. Rahsaan Roland Kirk who taught me to play with inner purity, without fear. The Santa Lucia Preserve for its power of rejuvenating inspiration. To all of the muses and magic that inspire us along the way.
Tracklist
1. DAWN
2. AWAKEN
3. WONDERMENT
4. DUSK
5. DREAMS