Accounts of bio-electronic seashells appear in many of the old stories from the time of the Black Oaks and the great Battles of Sea and Sky. The most famous of these tales is that of the hero, Blacwyd. By learning to harness the energy of the shells she was able to rescue the world from a great peril.
Due to the recent discovery of one of these ancient seashells and the development of specialized equipment that can amplify the trace sounds which remain inside, it is now possible to experience Blacwyd’s journey in vivid detail. By making this series of recordings available it is our hope that listeners everywhere will be able to add their own insights to the growing body of knowledge surrounding the Blacwyd legend.
Put the shell to your ear and you will begin to hear the call of the waves.
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1 CALL OF THE WAVES - ADRIFT
Ever since finding an unusual seashell from which mysterious sounds emanate, Blacwyd has been making preparations for a voyage. At last, conditions are favorable to begin. Blacwyd sets out, leaving the clamor of shore behind her as she travels swiftly away.
Blacwyd’s steady course begins to falter as the night sky undergoes an unsettling shift in appearance. Something has changed.
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2 THE MIRROR CAVE
Blacwyd realizes a strange force has pushed her into an unknown realm. With no way to turn back, she risks exploring a cavern of twisting labyrinths. At its center she learns an ominous truth and receives insights and powers that will help her on her journey.
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3 WETLAND — PREMORDIAL LULLABY — ANTHEM
Blacwyd emerges from the cave into a strange new world. In this unlikely place she will find a teacher to guide her on her quest and a welcoming place to practice fledgling skills.
As night falls, the hypnotic sounds of the marsh transport Blacwyd into a vision-filled sleep.
A solemn ceremony and song of thankfulness bid farewell to Blacwyd as she prepares to depart.
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4 CITY OF SMOKE
Nurtured by her long sojourn among the Wetland, and now keenly aware of the importance of her mission, Blacwyd begins a long trek. Along the way she encounters both splendor and danger, friendship and treachery.
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5 BALCWYD'S VOW
After harrowing escapes and tragic missteps, time is running out and Blacwyd must strengthen her resolve. Blacwyd makes amends and pledges her love. As she reflects on all that is at stake, her strength reaches its full power.
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6 BATTLE TO SAVE THE SKY
The crisis has reached an apotheosis and requires all Blacwyd’s courage. She floats across a scene of devastation. She will rescue as much and as many as she can. Victorious but depleted, she drifts away.
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7 SHELTER — METAMORPHOSIS
Blacwyd finds herself in a tranquil refuge, a place of pure tranquility, a place beyond regret.
As her grief evaporates, she undergoes a physical transformation.
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8 CORTEGE
With other ways of return closed to her, Blacwyd attempts a perilous route through darkness and becomes disoriented. A chance encounter with a procession of rare denizens proves fortunate.
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9 HOMEWARD
A dew drop catches the golden light of morning. In the distance a ridge of purple mountains slumber. Blacwyd has her feet again. She makes her way along the steep road, pausing to delight in each familiar sight. She passes a woodland pool with cold spring water flowing up from the sandy bottom. She hears the twitter of birdsong and breathes the scents of pungent soapweed and twining honeysuckle.
A little melody has welled up in her mind. She wonders if it is an olden tune, or something completely new? It does not go away, so she gives it full voice as she walks along.
The last, beloved bend is before her. She knows the way so well that she can picture just how it would look if she were to rise into the air from that very spot. Raising the seashell overhead and releasing her beautiful wings, she spirals upward for the sheer joy of it.
Blacwyd is home.
credits
released May 6, 2022
Aralee Dorough: Flute
Markus Reuter: Live Looping and Treatments
Colin Gatwood: English Horn
Music by Aralee Dorough and Markus Reuter
Recording Engineer: Bill Munyon
Mixing and Mastering by Markus Reuter
Produced by Markus Reuter
Recorded in Houston and Berlin on March 11, 2021
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