New Natalie Merchant album with plenty of cello

Hello Dear People!

I hope the Summer has been treating you all really well! I'm doing a lot of music stuff as well as resting and enjoying Nature. How bout you? I traveled to Maui last week to study with my wonderful teacher and mentor Ram Dass, who was also a cellist for many years! I played a recital for him there on my travel cello, including a lot of his favorite Bach and some originals. It was an unforgettable privilege for me.

And while I was in Hawaii, a 10-CD retrospective of Natalie Merchant was released by Nonesuch. It includes a new album, Butterfly, of music with string quartet, including a bunch of cello solos by me. It was amazing to work with Natalie, former front woman for 10,000 maniacs- her voice is one I consider a national treasure. Being in the room with that sound did something to me. The new album is only available with the box set. You can preview and buy the collection here.

And in other great news, Alcanza, the new album by Fabian Almazan and Rhizome was released last month to beautiful reviews, receiving 5 stars in Downbeat Magazine. We're an octet playing together for almost a decade now. Wow! Time is trippy, no? Preview and buy the album here.

Upcoming, more recording with Krishna Das and a September retreat with him and great teachers Sharon Salzberg and Robert Thurman in upstate NY. Includes public concerts. Find out more about that here

I'm looking forward to seeing you soon at a live event or elsewhere. Enjoy your August! Take care and I hope to hear from you soon.....

Love,

Noah

Natalie Merchant and Other Good Stuff