Artist description An acoustic mix of alternative, world beat, reggae, and folk music. All songs were composed and recorded between June 1998 and August 1999. Instruments are guitar, doumbek, didjeridu, flute, and harmonica. Something unique about this collection of songs (at least for me) is there there's quite a bit of vocal work -- not necessarily singing, but I was in a creative and experimental vocal mood during this time period so I made some interesting sounds in these recordings. For example, check out "Turning the Dark" to see what I mean

Music Style Acoustix mix of alternative, reggae, world beat, and folk

Musical Influences The Cure, The Samples, Dead Can Dance, Cocteau Twins, Bob Marley, Ali Farka Toure

Similar Artists The Cure, The Samples, Dead Can Dance, Cocteau Twins, Bob Marley, Ali Farka Toure

Artist History This collection of songs is called "The Mescalero Sessions" as I recorded these songs when I was living in a hotel in Tularosa, New Mexico. I lived there for just over a year to do research on the Mescalero Apache reservation for my dissertation in Native American Religions. I didn't have much in the way of recording equipment, instruments, or recording space but I did have a good amount of time and inspiration to record. These songs are the product of this year that I spent away from home in a beautiful place. The background image on the page is a stylized rendering of White Mountain, a sacred mountain on the Mescalero reservation. I decided to put this page up after my other mp3 page had been doing quite well. My other page has songs in many more genres, many of which have been in their respective top 10's and 20's. These songs also feature many more instruments.

Group Members Just me

Instruments Acoustic/electric guitar, flute, doumbek, didjeridu, harmonica

Albums Jade Buddha, Framents of the Absolute, Birds of a Feather, Rainbow Mountain Reggae, Shaman Songs

Press Reviews Martin Ball creates masterpieces of song without even trying, or at least seems effortless on his part, he has mastered his talents so well. I checked out his mp3.com/runestone page and fell in love right away with his celtic creations. I particularly loved his song "Rising Sun", an appropriate name for a song that, upon listening, fills you with such an incredible warmth. Truly beautiful music. I was so intrigued by Martin's talent, I continued on to discover (to my immense delight!) even more of his wonderous works of art at his mp3.com/Martin-TMS (The Mescalero Sessions) page. The song "Rainbow Mountain" is simply wonderful! And to realize, while you're listening, that the song was created on just a 4 track while he was living in a hotel room, is amazing! You'd certainly never know it. Martin's next page, mp3.com/MysticMountain, offers even more mystical creations like "Oceans Between". Hypnotic and relaxing music that allows you to experience new worlds without ever physically having to visit them. Absolutely unforgettable music. And last, but certainly not least, on his mp3.com/MartinBall page, when I didn't think it was possible, I was impressed even further by this man's many styles. The song "Joy" is a mesmerizing song with beautiful flutes throughout, yet offers just enough pep to keep your toes tappin'. I now long to own every one of his 6 amazing CDs. If you haven't experienced the intoxicating sounds of Martin Ball, you are certainly in for a very moving experience that will keep you forever longing to hear more. ~ Lolly Fleming, Digital Artist Music Network NMA Rep.

Location Santa Barbara, California - USA

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