MICHAEL LONDON & FRIENDS

Michael London's music is inspired by the deeply moving, transcendental poetry of Rumi, the 13th century Persian Sufi mystic. He'll be performing selections from his new CD, "The Field". Much of the CD was recorded live before an enthusiastic audience at the PSALM Salon at a previous performance, with more new compositions self-recorded at his personal studio.

"I am deeply touched by the poetry of Jelaluddin Rumi, a 13th century Sufi poet whose work is infused with his profound relationship with the divine. My own encounter with Rumi has been a life changing inspiration that has moved me to create music and songs with his magical words at the center. Many of these pieces came through meditation and improvisation, and were composed and refined over time. In staying true to the essence of Rumi's spirit, I wanted the music to be immediate - born in a state of flow and carrying that loving energy to others as they experience the words and music together in a new way. In performing these songs, I've been struck by the incredible chemistry that happens. The words and music seem to be a channel for each other, the room becomes alive and all of us in it wake up. That they can connect with us so effortlessly and completely is both a testament to the translators, and to the exquisit e beauty, soul and power of the work, originally written in Farsi (the Persian language)."

A local favorite, Michael London performs in concert, at workshops and conferences, and in support of sacred rituals. He is also a teacher of leadership, organizational behavior, group dynamics, and management at Muhlenberg College. Michael records his original compositions in the meditative space of his own recording studio. He has released two albums of original music.

There will be lots of special guests to help celebrate Michael's new release, including such local luminaries as Paul Butler on sax and clarinet, Ken Ulansey on sax, Jan Alba on flute, Ron Kravitz on percussion and Ted Jordan on guitar.

In 1999, Paul and the Hot House trio were honored by being selected Jazz Ambassadors to the Middle East by the United States State Department and the Department of Cultural Exchange. Their Ambassadorship consisted of performances and teaching residencies throughout Syria, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Morocco, and Tunisia.

He has performed concerts of improvised music with Grammy nominated Cellist David Darling that encompass this gift, most notably at the International Cello Festival in Montreal, Canada. Paul has collaborated with David on the Massage Music Balance and Massage Music - In Tune CDs, and on the soundtrack for the Knosis film, The Song of the Stars. Paul's improvisational work with David Darling and others has fostered a delicate intuitive ingenuity in his music.

www.michaellondon.net