Music for the Soul

It is official, Music for the Soul tour has begun and the kick off concert at the home of the Talebreza's in Santa Fe was amazing.

It was Thursday May 29 2008, it had been a bright day all along, sunny and no clouds, just the big blue sky. In the evening, the sun was still blessing us with a beautiful New Mexico day, when friends started to show up at the Talebreza's. By 7:40pm over 5o people had gathered, each taking a seat, some standing in the back because all the seats had been filled. The seats arranged in a semi-circle, the audience sat facing the fireplace decorated with flower arrangements and works of Art. With an adjacent window providing a fantastic view of the city's hills, they could get inspired by our music and the enchanting view outside- What a blessing.

The djembe call was sounded and the chattering crowd became silent. It was announced that officially, Music for the Soul has begun and how happy and overjoyed we the musicians were by such show of support and encouragement. We introduced ourselves beginning with Ali, then Amelia and myself. After explaining why we have the tour as Music for the Soul and why most of our songs are quotes from Sacred Writings and inspirations thereof, the show began with the first song 'The Subject'--A mix of Hafiz's poetry and the sayings of Abdu'l-Baha on Love.

Seven songs later, we were ready for an intermission. The whole group singing Family Member in acapella in the likes of an African chorale. The song talks about being part of a family where only Love, Unity and Harmony exists.

During intermission, I got the chance to make new friends, chat with some old friends and bask in encouraging words and compliments.

Ten minutes later, we were back on the show. Ali started with a Spanish song 'Todos Juntos', which describes the beauty in the diversity of the world, and how we're all in this together. To close the show we ended with a prayer "O God refresh and gladden my spirit..." and the audience participated in singing a translation of the verse Purify my heart in Barombi- Tamba Mwem Meng. Barombi is one of my tribal languages.

We did our best to make the show inspirational, meditative and light with punctuations of humor, introduction of the songs and their sources of inspiration as well as recitation of a few Sacred verses.

All in all I will say that it was a great show. Taking into account that it was the first time Ali, Amelia and I were giving a concert together.
The atmosphere was that of Love and Encouragement. So many people came to us and offered compliments, best wishes and words of encouragement. We were showered with smiles. I felt this air of upliftment during and after the show. It was like sitting on Aladin's mat eating the sweetest apple and taking in the glories of the heavens.