Coming Full Circle: A Didgeridoo Journey with Pamela Mortensen
Review by Judy Grover
I, like many people, have been a bit cooped-up and stuck around home during this period of social distancing/quarantine. So I found Pamela Mortensen’s latest album to be a breath of fresh air. It’s like taking a hike in nature from your living room or wherever you happen to be! It”s also the perfect soundtrack for meditation, relaxation, dancing around the house or having your own “spa day.”
The title track opens the album with ocean sounds that segue into a smooth, low didgeridoo drone that quickly picks up into a rhythmic pace. The accompanying vocals are relaxing and meditative and the bells add a touch of magic.
Then comes “I Spoke With Trees,” a softly spoken piece bearing a message about our spiritual connection with nature. Accompanied by Native American flute (Timothy Gomez) and the sounds of birds, it is a simple and reflective meditation that provokes much thought.
“Shimmy” picks up the pace again with a quite danceable rhythm, and sending the listener “shimmying” right up one of those trees to hear the sound of backyard birds (robins, chickadees, jays).
“Flicker” continues with this lively pace, with simple straight didgeridoo and a few more birds.
“Hele” whispers an enticing invitation to “awaken to your light” and a chant of “hele” (Hawaiian for healing) accompanied by mesmerizing light percussion, shamanic vocals, and nature sounds. This is medicine to my ears and soul right now!
“Remember” slows things down into a meditative trance with layers of swirling didg over nature sounds and chimes, with more ethereal vocals and synth flute.
“Walking Under Cedars” opens with the sound of thunder that segues into gamelan-like bells, didg and Asian-inspired vocals. The entire track has a touch of exotic magic to it.
Finally, “Memories in a Green Cathedral” rounds out the album with NO didjeridoo, just angelic voices (synthetic and real) in what is perhaps the most meditative and spiritual track on this beautiful and reverent album that is a hymn to the unity of nature and the human spirit.
You can listen to and purchase “Coming Full Circle” at https://pamelamortensen.bandcamp.com/album/coming-full-circle?t=1 I highly recommend that you check it out, along with Pamela’s other albums. She also offers videos, tutorials and hand-made didgeridoos on her website, www.pamelamortensen.net.
Please remember to support Pamela and other musicians during this particularly difficult time, by purchasing their albums and/or leaving tips or donations online. Thank you!
