Magic & Grace

I have been a fan of Philippo's music when I first saw him play his guitar with David Newman. His CD with band Blues Divine, SHINE LIKE THE SUN has great songs and heart. I fell in love with it and later had Philippo on my radio show, 'In The Spirit' to talk about it. Lately, he was on again, and the focus was on his 'new' CD, MAGIC and GRACE. Unlike his previous CD, this one is all instrumental. 'Heavenly' is the best word to describe it. The music soars and simmers, taking you on a journey to inner worlds you never knew existed. Taken together, these two CDs represent two journeys, Earth and Heaven. By listening to them both, you realize Heaven and Earth exist right here, where we are. - Gary Goldberg, host of In the Spirit, on WRPI 91.5 FM 'A sensual, evocative musical journey to awaken the vibrant shakti and wide open spaces of 'Yes!' within. For the last decade, I have had the honor of working with Philippo and watching his music make magic upon Thousands of students, whether moving them to tears or moving them to their Feet in ecstasy. His music heals, pure and simple. Dive in, take the journey!' -Micheline Berry (Yoga and Dance teacher ) 'Philippo's lush, haunting, heart opening soundscapes are melodic poems which leave me feeling touched by the Mother. He is a troubador for magic & grace.' -Psalm Isadora Tantra and Yoga teacher (Los Angeles ) Philippo Franchini's Magic and Grace touched me upon first listen. What I felt through the music was pure and simple: love. The acoustic strings, spare vocal tracking (provided by Donna DeLory), and easy pulses made for a relaxing experience. This music is rooted in Philippo's study of Nada yoga, or the yoga of sound. Many of the melodies are quite simple and provoke deep reflection. I am really enjoying Kama 's Spell, which is written for banjo. This combination mixes the American tradition we are now creating with the rooted mystical sounds of the East. There is a classical feel to Magic and Grace . Philippo is active in LA's yoga scene, performing with the improv tribal Shaman's Dream, touring with the couple David Newman (Durga Das) and Mira, as well as playing his own music. He's also quite proficient in the studio, having produced Mira's fabulous country-twinged kirtan record Living Prayer. Magic and Grace is topnotch serene music. -Reviewed by Debi Winston Buzil for Yoga Chicago Magazine.