Maitreya: The Future Buddha

Album review

To paraphrase Linda Kohanov, all David Parsons CDs are highly recommended. Maitreya: The Future Buddha is no exception. It is pure spiritual music. Parsons has traveled the world in his continuing quest to broaden his knowledge of religious and spiritual tenets. In the liner notes, he states that he keeps coming back to Tibetan Buddhism. He -- jokingly -- refers to it as "Reader's Digest Hinduism." By that he means that he sees the teachings of Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha and a Hindu prince, as cutting straight to the core of the tenets and beliefs. He composed these pieces to reflect those thoughts and feelings. He has the innate ability to translate those feelings and emotions to his music and, ultimately, to the listener. These seven compositions do that effectively and efficiently. The voluminous atmospheres surround listeners with love and serenity. A low and persistent drone carries the ebb and flow as the soundscape rolls along. Parsons is an elite performer and e-musician. He is in a league with Steve Roach, Robert Rich, and Constance Demby.
© Jim Brenholts /TiVo