New Natalie Merchant album with plenty of cello

photo by Michael Bloom

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.

photo by Kathleen Murphy

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

Dear Friends and Family,

I hope that life is treating you well and that you're finding time and space to enjoy, despite the current challenges we face. Its not easy out there! But with some effort we can carve out a place inside that's peaceful. I'm very grateful to be involved in some musical projects that support me in that department, and that promise the same for listeners. 

This year I've been performing live and recording cello with Krishna Das, a great standard bearer of the Chant world. KD has a powerful voice and presence that has helped thousands of people discover their inner spaciousness and joy. This week a video was released about my role in the album, which is due out this Fall. 

Also in the Chant world, I've begun producing the new album by artist Nina Rao. Nina is the real deal- a singer with beautiful sound who also brings a powerful connection to her songs. Nina will be leading the Ocean of Chant Retreat at Kriplau June 23-25, and I encourage anyone looking for a place to rest their weary head to come along- I'll be playing cello there too and enjoying the beautiful Berkshires.

I'm looking forward to the launch next weekend of the new album by beautiful Natalie Merchant, on which I play.

In the short term, Fabian Almazan's Rhizome, the Jazz octet of which I've been a part for almost 10 years, celebrated the release of its 3rd studio album with a show at Brooklyn's National Sawdust last Wednesday. Fabian, who is also the pianist for Terence Blanchard Group, is dedicated to creating social change through his complex and beautiful compositions. 

Take care of yourselves and each other. That's about all for now. I'm looking forward to seeing you at an event or to hearing from you via email. Your support is deeply appreciated. 

Noah

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A beautiful new photo by Ioana Boambes, taken at a Brooklyn kirtan, one of my favorite places to play.