“Through music we develop the ability to live an inspired life, imagine the possibilities of global well-being and contribute to the innovation of life itself.”
- Kevin Asbjörnson, contemporary pianist and keynote speaker

CAROL GRACE ANDERSON is an author, motivational speaker, and songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. "Get Fired Up Without Burning Out" (1997), "Some Angels Have Four Paws: Life Lessons From Our Dogs" (2001), and "The Butterfly Factor" (2003) are all available from Rock Hill Publishing, and "Get Fired Up!: 10 Songs That Will Motivate And Empower You" (2002) is available from Anderson Programs, Inc. Carol Grace Anderson is CEO of Anderson Programs, Inc. and Rock Hill Publishing, and has contributed to Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen's "Chicken Soup For The College Soul: Inspiring And Humorous Stories About College" (1999) available from Health Communications Inc. Carol is an award-winning songwriter who has also performed with Jimmy Buffett, Johnny Cash, Roy Clark, Mickey Dolenz of The Monkees, and Willie Nelson among many others. Website: www.getfiredup.com
Interview: April 29th 2009 Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Photo: Carol Grace Anderson / Anderson Programs, Inc.

“Music can be more memorable and inspiring than the spoken word. Our spirit is touched and stirred by music.” - Carol Grace Anderson, author of "Get Fired Up Without Burning Out"

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JOHN BRACKETT is an author, conference speaker, music researcher, music theorist, and Assistant Professor of the Music Department at The University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. His book "John Zorn: Tradition and Transgression" (2008) is available from Indiana University Press. John Brackett has contributed to music-centered journals, presented papers at several regional and national conferences, and hosted many presentations on the music of John Zorn. Topics include "Magick and Mysticism in John Zorn’s Recent Music" (2006), "Appropriation and Transformation: Compositional Strategies in John Zorn’s Recent Concert Music" (2008), and "From the Fantastic to the Dangerously Real: Reading John Zorn’s Artwork" (2008). Professor Brackett is also a member of the Society For Music Theory, Society For American Music, and the American Musicological Society. Website: www.utah.edu
Interview: April 18th 2009 Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Photo: N/A

“Music requires listeners who approach any piece or song with their own views which will probably be different from those of the original creator.” - John Brackett, author of "John Zorn: Tradition and Transgression"

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DAN KIMPEL is an author, educator, journalist, and musician from Los Angeles, California. "Networking In The Music Business" (2000) is available from ArtistPro Publishing, "Networking Strategies For The New Music Business" (2005) is available from ArtistPro Publishing, "How They Made It: True Stories Of How Music's Biggest Stars Went From Start To Stardom" (2006) is available from Hal Leonard Publishing, "Electrify My Soul: Songwriters And The Spiritual Source" (2007) is available from ArtistPro Publishing, Don Grierson and Dan Kimpel's "It All Begins With The Music: Developing Successful Artists For The New Music Business" (2009) is available from Course Technology PTR, and "Church: Songs Of Soul And Inspiration [2CD]" (2003) is available from Universal Music. Dan Kimpel contributes to a variety of books, interactive CDs, magazines, new media, videos, websites, and has conducted interviews with hundreds of musicians and singer-songwriters. Website: www.dankimpel.com
Interview: May 9th 2009 Los Angeles, California, United States
Photo: Dan Kimpel / DanKimpel.com

“I interview many songwriters who express to me that they feel their songs often come to them fully formed, and that they, as the writers, are simply channeling what already exists into a tangible form.” - Dan Kimpel, author of "Electrify My Soul: Songwriters And The Spiritual Source"

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DANA AGNELLINI is a Christian singer-songwriter from Fredericksburg, Virginia. "One Light At A Time" (2005), and "For The Light" (2006) are both independently released and are available from CDBaby.com and Silver Lining Records. Dana Agnellini plays a multitude of musical styles including blues, country, gospel, folk, pop, and smooth rock. Dana Agnellini is committed to a world of peace through personal transformation. MySpace: www.myspace.com/danaagnellini and Website: www.danaagnellini.com
Interview: May 6th 2009 Fredericksburg, Virginia, United States
Photo: Andrea Hope

“The spiritual significance of music to me is that music can be pure source energy, or God in expression. This source energy can be received and experienced without filtration for healing, enlightenment, and liberation.” - Dana Agnellini, singer-songwriter

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KURT BESTOR is a Christian arranger, composer, performer, and pianist from Pleasant Grove, Utah. "Seasons" (1994), "Evening Angels" (1994), "Noel" (1995), "One Silent Night" (1997), "Christmas 1" (1999), "Christmas 2" (1999), "Sedona: Spirit Of Wonder" (1999), "Sketches" (1999), "The Dance" (1999), "Innovators" (2000), and "A Kurt Bestor Christmas By Request" are all available from Pinnacle Music. Kurt Bestor is a National Advisor for ASCEND, a non-profit organization providing African and South American countries with sustainable solutions in education, enterprise, health, and simple technology. Website: www.kurtbestor.com
Interview: April 22nd 2009 Pleasant Grove, Utah, United States
Photo: Kurt Bestor / KurtBestor.com

“Music digs deeper and for this reason is it virtually the universal way of worshipping.” - Kurt Bestor, composer and pianist

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FAITH FACTOR are a Christian heavy-metal band from Mantua, New Jersey. Their debut album "Against A Darkened Sky" (2008) is available from Retroactive Records. Their musical influences include Demon Hunter, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Sacred Warrior, and Stryper. Faith Factor is also fronted by Ski, former vocalist of Deadly Blessing. MySpace: www.myspace.com/faithfactorrocks and Website: www.faithfactorband.com
Interview (Ski): April 23rd 2009 Mantua, New Jersey, United States
Interview (Blaine "Priest" Booth): April 19th 2009 Mantua, New Jersey, United States
Photo: Faith Factor / FaithFactorBand.com

“The spiritual significance of music is to glorify God with sacred lyrics. To give praise and honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” - Blaine "Priest" Booth, guitarist in Faith Factor

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NATHAN KING is a Christian guitarist, singer-songwriter, and vocalist from Christchurch, New Zealand. Zed's "Silencer [2CD]" (2001), and "This Little Empire" (2003) are both available from Universal Music, and Nathan King's debut solo album "The Crowd" (2008) is available from Hum Records and Universal Music. Nathan King has toured throughout New Zealand, Australia, and Europe with Zed playing shows supporting Ash, The Calling, Coldplay, and Robbie Williams. Website: www.nathankingmusic.com
Interview: May 3rd 2009 Auckland, New Zealand
Interview arranged by Nick Lowe, Hum Records and Jane Torrance
Photo: Nathan King / NathanKingMusic.com

“God spoke through the words of psalmists and prophets in the Bible, and continues to do so today through contemporary musicians and their music.” - Nathan King, guitarist, singer-songwriter, and vocalist

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H. LESLIE ADAMS is a composer, educator, and pianist from Cleveland, Ohio. Darryl Taylor and Robin Guy's "Love Rejoices: Songs Of H. Leslie Adams" (2001), and Maria Corley's "Twelve Etudes" (2004) are both available from Albany Records. H. Leslie Adams has performed with the New York City Opera, Opera North, Inc., Prague Radio Symphony, Iceland Symphony, and Cleveland Orchestra among many other symphony orchestras. His guest composer appearances and residencies include the Julliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, Joy of Singing, Lincoln Center, Univeristy of California Irvine, and AGO Cleveland. H. Leslie Adams is also an Artist-in-Residence with Creative Arts, Inc. Website: www.hleslieadams.com
Interview: April 29th 2009 Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Photo: H. Leslie Adams / Creative Arts, Inc.

“Music speaks to and connects with the soul like no other medium, and constantly makes life more interesting and fulfilling.” - H. Leslie Adams, composer, educator, and pianist

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KEVIN ASBJÖRNSON is a contemporary pianist, keynote speaker, professional leadership and performance consultant based in Littleton, Colorado. "Awakenings" (1998), "Inner Voices" (2000), and "Collage" (2003) are all available from PianoOne, Inc. He has presented many inspiring and motivational seminars with topics including "Artistry Of Leadership - Creating Meaningful Connections®", "Eight Keys To Inspired Leadership™", "Exploring Inspired Leadership Through Music", "Innovation Results From Inspired Leadership", "Inspiration Vs. Motivation", and "Transformational Leadership In The Twenty-First Century". Kevin Asbjörnson is also recognized in the 2009 Marquis Who's Who in the World of Global Citizens for his creativity with the integration of music, performing arts-based learning, and 21st century leadership. Website: www.inspireimagineinnovate.com
Interview: April 23rd 2009 Littleton, Colorado, United States
Photo: Kevin Asbjörnson / PianoOne, Inc.

“Through music we develop the ability to live an inspired life, imagine the possibilities of global well-being and contribute to the innovation of life itself.” - Kevin Asbjörnson, contemporary pianist and keynote speaker

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BRUCE BECVAR is a composer, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist living in Lahaina, Hawaii. "Rhythms Of Life" (1992) was available from Higher Octave Records, "Arriba" (1993), Eight Lamas From Drepung's "Tibetan Sacred Temple Music" (1994), Nada Shakti and Bruce BecVar's "Samadhi" (1993), "Jiva Mukti" (1994), "Forever Blue Sky" (1994), "Take It To Heart" (1994), "The Nature Of Things" (1994), "Time Dreams" (1994), Bruce BecVar and Deepak Chopra's "The Magic Of Healing Music: Pitta" (1995), "River Of Gold" (1998), Bruce BecVar and Brian BecVar's "The Magic Of Healing Music: Vata" (2003), Bruce BecVar, Brian BecVar, and Deepak Chopra's "The Magic Of Healing Music: Kapha" (2004), and Bruce BecVar and Lani Star's "Mystic Jazz" (2009) are all independently released and available from Shining Star Music. Websites: www.shiningstar.com and www.mysticjazz.com
Interview: April 24th 2009 Lahaina, Hawaii, United States
Photo: Bruce BecVar / Shining Star Music

“Music can transcend the mind, body, and emotions as a catalyst in healing through vibration.” - Bruce BecVar, composer, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist

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HEATHER DALE is a musician, producer, and songwriter from Toronto, Canada. "The Trial Of Lancelot" (2000), "Call The Names" (2001), "This Endris Night" (2002), "May Queen" (2003), "The Road To Santiago" (2005), "The Hidden Path: Live & Rarities" (2006), and "The Gabriel Hounds" (2008) are all available from Amphisbaena Music. Heather Dale is a proficient multi-instrumentalist performing music on the bodhran drum, bowed psaltery, hammered dulcimer, harp, mountain dulcimer, percussion instruments, piano, recorder, tin and low whistles. Her music is inspired by Celtic folklore, history, and mythology, and influenced by Celtic folk, jazz, and world music. "The Hidden Path" was nominated for a 2007 Aurora Award, and her songwriting skills earned her a double nomination for the 2005 Pegasus Award. Website: www.heatherdale.com
Interview: April 22nd 2009 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Photo: Heather Dale / HeatherDale.com

“If music isn't a fundamental expression of our common spirit, then what else makes it so universal?” - Heather Dale, musician, producer, and songwriter

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DANÚ are a traditional celtic-folk band from Waterford, Ireland. "Danú" (1997), "Think Before You Think" (2000), "All Things Considered" (2002), "The Road Less Travelled" (2003), "Up In The Air" (2004), "When All Is Said And Done" (2005), and "One Night Stand [DVD]" (2005) are all independently released and available from Danú, and "Dual" (2008) is available from Machair Records. Danú has received dozens of awards, hundreds of five-star album reviews, and performed on over a thousand stages worldwide. Website: www.danu.net
Interview: April 23rd 2009 Waterford, Ireland
Photo: Colm Henry / Danu.net

“Music is my life and whether in good times or tough times it has been a powerful enhancement on my well-being and frame of mind.” - Benny McCarthy, accordionist in Danú

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SUZANNE DOUCET is a New Age music composer, musician, and producer from Los Angeles, California. Doucet & Miraz's "Resonance [Re-Released]" (2005), Suzanne Doucet and Tajalli's "Tantra Zone" (2005), "Shasta: Sacred Mountain [Re-Released]" (2006), "The OM Sound" (2006), "Reflecting Light [Re-Released]" (2007), Suzanne Doucet and Christian Buehner's "Transformation: A Journey To Glastonbury [Re-Released]" (2007), Suzanne Doucet and Chuck Plaisance's "Sounds Of Nature [22 CDs Re-Released]" (2005-2007), and "Tranquility Series [22 CDs Re-Released]" (2005-2007) are all available from Only New Age Music. Suzanne Doucet is also a recording artist, singer-songwriter, leading expert, and pioneer in New Age music. Websites: www.suzannedoucet.com and www.newagemusic.com
Interview: April 27th 2009 Los Angeles, California, United States
Photo: Suzanne Doucet / Only New Age Music, Inc.

“Certain types of music have always been used as essential elements in sacred ceremonies by religious and spiritual leaders, by medicine men, healers or shamans.” - Suzanne Doucet, composer, musician, and producer

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JULIA FELDMAN is a composer, educator, and vocalist from Jerusalem, Israel. Julia Feldman Ensemble's "Words Are Worlds: A Tribute To Billie Holiday" (2006) is available from Hed Arzi Music. Julia Feldman's singing combines free improvisation, modern classical music, and multiple jazz genres. She has collaborated with many musicians including Arnie Lawrence, Judy Lewis, Bob Meyer, Ed Schuller, and Yitzhak Yedid. She also fronts the Julia Feldman Jazz Quartet, and has performed at various festivals including Shuni Jazz Festival, Tel Aviv International Jazz Festival, and the Israel Festival. Website: www.julia-feldman.com
Interview: April 23rd 2009 Jerusalem, Israel
Photo: Julia Feldman / Julia-Feldman.com

“Music has the power to connect between people by crossing borders created by mankind, be it language or cultural differences, and by that music makes us better human beings.” - Julia Feldman, composer, educator, and vocalist

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MATHIAS GRASSOW is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, music producer, and vocalist from Wiesbaden, Germany. "Psychic Dome" (1993) is available from Aquarius International Music, "Ambience" (1995) is available from Divine Frequency Records, "Lifecycle" (1996), and "Prophecy" (1998) are both available from Aquarius International Music, "Deeper Purity [CD-R]" (2006), "Elixir [CD-R]" (2006), "Clear Light Of Death [CD-R]" (2007), "Calibration [CD-R]" (2009), "Dissolution [Re-Released CD-R]" (2009), "Transpersonal [CD-R]" (2009) are all independently released and are available from Practising Nature, "Himavat [Re-Released]" (2009), and "The Fragrance Of Eternal Roses [Re-Released]" (2009) will both be available from Musical Philosophy. Mathias Grassow creates music on flutes, guitars, singing bowls, tambouras, zithers, and some home-built instruments. Website: www.mathias-grassow.de and www.el-culto.eu
Interview: April 17th 2009 Wiesbaden, Germany
Photo: Mathias Grassow / Mathias-Grassow.de

“The best teaching is "charisma" in music, to develop your own mind by feeling and practicing rituals and meditation.” - Mathias Grassow, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist

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BOB GRAWI is a composer, musician, performer, and inventor of the Gravikord® from Florida, New York. Bob Grawi's Gravikord Ensemble's "Rising Tide" (1991), and "Cherries & Stars" (1996) are both available from Amazon.com and Gravikord.com. Bob Grawi plays a lyrical double-harp called the Gravikord®, creating a new high-energy polyrhythmic harp tradition in America. His fascination with polyrhythmic music and African instruments inspired him to invent the Gravikord, which is named after himself and the kora. The Gravikord has been featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and in Bart Hopkin's "Gravikords, Whirlies & Pyrophones: Experimental Musical Instruments [Book & CD]" (1996) previously available from Ellipsis Arts, featuring a forward written by Tom Waits. Bob Grawi's production company White Bear Enterprises has also pioneered the Whale Bone Bass™, the Gravi-kora™, Bob's Endless Seltzer™, and a new game Chess In The Round™. Website: www.gravikord.com
Interview: April 20th 2009 Florida, New York, United States
Photo: Bob Grawi / Gravikord.com

“Music is perhaps the most universal and transcendent form of longing and spiritual expression that exists.” - Bob Grawi, inventor of the Gravikord®

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MICHAEL MAULDIN is a composer, conductor, educator, performer, and public speaker from Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Albuquerque Boy Choir's "Songs From Our Sixtieth [Live]" (1997), and "Tomorrow Shall Be... [Live]" (1999) were both independently released and available from the Albuquerque Boy Choir, Michael Mauldin's "Love Without A Name: Music I Wrote For My Students" (1997), Michael Mauldin and The New Mexico Symphony Orchestra's "Enchanted Land: Five Orchestral Works Inspired By New Mexico" (2001), "Earth Spirit: Chamber Music By Michael Mauldin" (2004), and "Enchantment: Music By Michael Mauldin" (2007) are all independently released and are available from Michael Mauldin. He has composed and conducted music works for chamber orchestra, chorus, children’s choir, instrumental solos with piano, pipe organ, and classical guitar. Michael Mauldin completed a Master of Music in composition at the Univerisity of New Mexico, served as President of the New Mexico Music Teachers Association and the New Mexico Composers Guild, Student Composition Chair of the Music Teachers National Association, and he actively promotes private and public arts-education throughout the United States. Website: www.mmauldin.com
Interview: May 6th 2009 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Photo: Michael Mauldin / MMauldin.com

“Music is temporal, like peak experiences themselves. It stimulates aural memories, the frequencies of which were felt inside ourselves...” - Michael Mauldin, composer, conductor, and educator

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SOUNDS OF BLACKNESS are a Grammy Award-winning vocal and instrumental ensemble from Minneapolis, Minnesota. "The Evolution Of Gospel" (1991), "The Night Before Christmas: A Musical Fantasy" (1992), and "Africa To America: The Journey Of The Drum" (1994) are all available from Perspective Records, "Journey Of The Drum: Remix Collection" (1995) is available from Polygram Records, "Time For Healing" (1997) is available from Perspective Records, "Reconciliation" (1999) is available from Zinc Records, "Very Best Of Sounds Of Blackness" (2001) is available from A&M Records, "Soul Symphony" (2002) is available from Sounds Of Blackness Records, "The Night Before Christmas, Vol. 2" (2004) is available from Atomic K Records, "Unity" (2005) is available from Lightyear Records, "Kings And Queens: Message Music From The Movement" (2007) is available from Atomic K Records, and "The 3rd Gift: Story, Song & Spirit" (2009) will be available from Sounds Of Blackness Records. Gary Hines is Music Director and Producer for Sounds Of Blackness having arranged, composed, recorded, and performed music for the group. Gary has also conducted countless music workshops, seminars, lecture demonstrations, and master classes across the United States and internationally about the history, impact, and evolution of African-American music and culture. Website: www.soundsofblackness.com
Interview: April 22nd 2009 Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Photo: Gary Hines / SoundsOfBlackness.com

“Music exists throughout the entire Universe and in all Creation... music is clearly a Spiritual entity.” - Gary Hines, music director and producer for Sounds Of Blackness

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TIM WHEATER is a composer, flautist, performer, public speaker, and vocalist from Midhurst, England. "Heart Land" (1995) is available from Almo Sounds, "A Calmer Panorama" (1996), "Eclipse" (1996), "Green Dream: Before The Rains" (1996), "Timeless" (1996), and "Whalesong" (1996) are all available from Audio Alternatives, "Fish Nite Moon" (1996) is available from MG Records, Michael Hoppe and Tim Wheater's "The Yearning: Romances For Alto Flute" (1996) is available from Teldec Records, Julia Cameron and Tim Wheater's "This Earth" (1997) is available from Sounds True Direct, "Incantation" (1999) is available from Real Music, Michael Hoppe, Martin Tillman, and Tim Wheater's "Afterglow" (1999) is available from Hearts Of Space Records, Michael Hoppe and Tim Wheater's "Wing Songs [Live]" (2001) is available from Spring Hill Records, "Into The Healing" (2004) is available from Gemini Sun Records, "Peace Of Mind 1: Calling Wisdom" (2004) is available from Real Music, "Sound Medicine Man" (2005) is available from New World Music, Tim Wheater and David Lord's "In Unity" (2007), Tim Wheater, Natalie Shaw, and David Lord's "Invisible Journeys" (2008), Tim Wheater and David Lord's "SoulStorm" (2008) are all available from Gemini Sun Records. Tim Wheater has co-presented alongside many of the world's finest authors, healers, and musicians including Deepak Chopra, Donovan, Eurythmics, The Grateful Dead, and Neale Donald Walsch. He has performed for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, The King and Queen of Sweden, and most recently His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Website: www.timwheater.com
Interview: April 17th 2009 Midhurst, England, United Kingdom
Photo: Tim Wheater / TimWheater.com

“Music conveys itself through the ethers, sculpting the airwaves. It's rather like hand delivering a letter to the ears.” - Tim Wheater, composer, flautist, and vocalist

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REYNALDO YOUNG is a composer, arranger, guitarist, teacher, and workshop leader based in London, England. He has written several music pieces for concert, dance, theatre, and video with many of them performed worldwide. Reynaldo Young's main field of expertise is writing, directing, and performing contemporary and improvisatory music with mixed ensembles of professional and non-professional musicians. His music activities include performing with electro-acoustic trio "lrs", and algorithmic-junkestra "Halal Kebab Hut". Reynaldo Young is also the Founder and Director of The Cardboard Citizens New Music Ensemble, the only homeless people's professional avant-garde and experimental music group in the United Kingdom. MySpace: www.myspace.com/ccitznme and Website: www.reynaldoyoung.com
Interview: May 7th 2009 London, England, United Kingdom
Photo: Reynaldo Young / ReynaldoYoung.com

“Participants of a music-making ritual can reconnect, both individually and interpersonally, with the continuous flux of time-space.” - Reynaldo Young, composer, arranger, guitarist, and teacher

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