Release Date: May 15, 2020
Label: Independent
Rhythms of Tof Miriam was recorded in Israel and is her debut album and music video. Based on what I saw on her website, Marla has quite a presence in the world and is very busy with a number of things that relate to a healthier mind, body, and soul. With that thought, it brings you to the conclusion that a healthier and happy life through her teachings and incredible world instrumental music is possible.
Marla went to an ancient, sacred land to record this album and made it all the more appropriate by introducing equally timeless instruments to accompany her on the frame drum.
Marla’s Bandcamp Notes: At its core, Rhythms of Tof Miriam is about staying positive through challenging times by using the universal language of rhythm to help us rediscover our genuine connections.
I think that is a very true statement. The rhythm of life is the key component that inspires the creativity of this music. I found it very enjoyable and quite fascinating, in fact magical. There are many tracks that I felt in sync with. “Desert Prophecy” made me feel I was there in Israel with her on that mountaintop, watching her play. This music is not only rhythmic, it is spiritual, original, and meditative. I made it a priority to list the credits in this review, so that listeners can identify, or try to pick out, which instruments are being played besides the frame drum.
Marla also plays the flute on one of my favorite tracks, “Awakening.” In a manner of speaking, as well as in a literal sense, it will be an awakening for many of the listeners. This could happen without seeking anything in particular or anticipating any result. I believe this is a process that can be as natural and flowing as the music you are hearing. Personally, I just let it happen: I accept the invitation and let the music take me away, and, even though I never know what mind space it will put me in, I trust it implicitly. Everyone is different, so some people will relate and others will not and will have different approaches to the music. In the end, the result will always be positive; when the music ends, you will know you’ve just had an experience that you will not forget.
The combinations of the instruments are mystical and breathtaking. I think the use of the flute and drums Marla employs is superb, along with the mixture of the other instruments. “Dawn of Truth (Flute Savasana)” is the longest track, coming in at 9:08. The atmosphere and textures are beautiful and it draws you in deeper and deeper. It is the track that has everything, and the length of the song was needed so all the instruments could breathe and build in the track as it continued to evolve. This of course would be perfect for meditation and falls right in line with that particular process.
Rhythms of Tof Miriam is an excellent example of world instrumental music with varying degrees of intensity that mirror the changing tides of human emotion. It is indeed the rhythms that make this so appealing. The drum serves as the heartbeat of the tracks and everything else is like the blood of life flowing through your veins. Let it flow!
Credits:
Marla Leigh: Percussion (all songs but Track 8), Flute (Tracks 2, 6)
|Yair Dalal: Oud (Tracks 1, 7)
Meira Segal: Ney (Tracks 1, 4, 7)
Shahar Kaufman: Mandol (Track 3)
Ori Werner: Kimenche (Track 3)
Gavriel Fiske: Frame Drum + Riq (Tracks 3, 7)
Leat Sabbah: Cello (Track 8)
Oren Tsor: Violin + Viola (Track 8)
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-TFOV Founder
December 10, 2020
Track List:
1. Rhythms of Tof Miriam 06:10
2. Awakening 03:47
3. Longing 03:47
4. Desert Prophecy 03:57
5. Miriam's Well 03:06
6. Dawn of Truth (Flute Savasana) 09:08
7. Rhythms of Tof Miriam (extended version) 07:02
8. Ahava Abba (bonus track) 03:55