Unity began in 2020, when Raphael met Rebecca while playing a kirtan with a mutual friend. As their friendship and partnership grew, so did the repertoire found on this album. With ten songs offered as a healing balm for the world, Unity is Raphael and Rebecca’s prayer for this time.
Press release by LAZZ Promotions
“I’ve worked with guitarist Raphael Groten over many years,” says Will Ackerman. “And have always been touched by the heart and skill of his music. He has recently completed a new album entitled Unity with violinist Rebecca Kodis which is simply stunning. I found myself listening again and again to the album, discovering layer upon layer of heart and beauty as I went along. Unity is a remarkable creation by two very talented musicians.”
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Returning to Imaginary Road Studios to work with Will Ackerman and Tom Eaton, Raphael brought Rebecca and captured an album of heart opening, soul soothing music. Unity features Raphael’s nylon string guitar and flutes accompanied by Rebecca’s angelic violin. Rebecca’s violin shines, enriched at times with multiple layers, creating an orchestral quality listeners have yet to hear in Raphael’s music. The additional highlights of Eugene Friesen on cello, Michael Manring on fretless bass and Will Ackerman’s timeless guitar weave seamlessly with the meditative and visionary qualities of this recording.
The cover art for Unity is taken from a dream of Raphael’s and was brought to life by Vermont artist Gabriel Tempesta. Raphael shares, “In 2002, as I began my shamanic studies, I had a recurring dream. I was at a large gathering at a house on high cliffs overlooking a mountain valley. I turned from the crowd and walked to the edge of the patio where there was a low stone wall and a magnificent tree. At this moment, a red-tailed hawk took flight from a branch. As I looked up, I noticed it was flying to join a flock of birds. As I looked more closely, I noticed that the flock was comprised of many types of birds. The beauty of this vision struck me and reflected how humanity has the capacity to put aside their differences and live together in peace and unity.”
For more information and music samples, visit raphaelgroten.com.
See our Raphael Groten coverage: newagemusic.guide/tag/raphael-groten
