Night Passage

Libana, New England's international touring world music ensemble, formed in 1979 by Artistic Director, Susan Robbins, has been researching, performing, and celebrating songs, dances and instrumental music from around the world, especially as handed down through women's traditions. In addition to their deft renderings of World folk music, Libana has garnered renown throughout the New Age and spiritual audiences for their contemplative offerings of rounds and chants. Night Passage: Invocations for the Journey Libana: Lisa Bosley, Allison Coleman, Charlotte Miller, Marytha Paffrath, Susan Robbins (Artistic Director), Linda Ugelow and Cheryl Weber Guest Artists: Margot Chamberlain, Cindy Kallet, Lisle Kulbach, Abby Rabinovitz, Chris Rua and Rosalind Brooks Stowe. 'For countless centuries, we as humans have pondered the mysteries of life, immersing ourselves in attempts to fathom elusive truths inherent to the workings of the universe. Our personal response to music, poetry, or art often brings us to the threshold of a soul level of knowing: a returning home, within ourselves, to a deep source of wisdom and love. In seeking the music that would be included in this album (the third in a trilogy that began with 'A Circle is Cast' and 'Fire Within'), we found ourselves instinctively drawn to songs that evocatively portray the cyclical nature of life. The sixteen songs we chose, each in it's own inspiring and soothing way, reflect upon the personal and universal themes of life, death, renewal, and the longing for mystical connections. Woven throughout are images of the eternal circling of the heavens, the potent cycles of the moon, the earth's perpetual turning from equinox to solstice, a powerful cross-cultural belief in a spiritual dimension, and the fundamental human need to mourn, take solace, and experience unbounded hope and joy. Within our creative community, Libana has sung these songs at moments of passage and times of transition: at the bedsides of the dying, while musing at the ocean's edge, at bar mitzvahs, farewell parties, Seders, and memorial gatherings. From coast to coast, we have also shared them in concert at workshops, and during rituals. These songs have been guides on our individual and collective journeys, creating moments of grace and beauty as we, too search for deeper meaning in life's mysteries. We offer them - for listening and reflection, to sing, and to share within your own circles - with our blessing for deep peace.' Susan Robbins, Artistic Director of Libana. What the reviewers say about Night Passage: Invocations for the Journey: 'This beautifully produced recording showcases the women's voices, by turns delicate, angelic, mesmerizing, and powerful...

I think of Libana as a choir of the Goddess, and Night Passage confirms their position of producing music that is both sonically beautiful and spiritually relevant to seekers of any path' - Carl McColman, Shewings Newsletter '...

All are sung with Libana's unique vocal congruence, perhaps best described as silver strands of sound...

The sound is distinctive and unrivaled--and unforgettable... Contemplative, meditative and transporting, Libana's Night Passage is an enriching experience for anyone's ear and mind.' - The Orff Echo (Publication of the Orff-Schulwerk Music Educator's Association) ' ...it has the same generous, inclusive spirit that has become a Libana trademark...

This is a thoughtful CD, with a gentle elegance that celebrates the strength of cycles of life.'