The Soul Wakes - Michael London

With Phyllis Chapell on vocals, Paul Butler on sax, clarinet and wood flute, Bob Kline on shakuhachi and flute

About The Album

I am deeply touched by the poetry of Jelaluddin Rumi, a 13th century Sufi poet whose work is infused with his profound relationship with the divine. My own encounter with Rumi has been a life changing inspiration that has moved me to create music and songs with his magical words at the center. Many of these pieces came through meditation and improvisation, and were composed and refined over time. In staying true to the essence of Rumi’s spirit, I wanted the music to be immediate - born in a state of flow and carrying that loving energy to others as they experience the words and music together in a new way.

In performing these songs, I’ve been struck by the incredible chemistry that happens. The words and music seem to be a channel for each other, the room becomes alive and all of us in it wake up. That they can connect with us so effortlessly and completely is both a testament to the translators, and to the exquisite beauty, soul and power of the work, originally written in Farsi (the Persian language).

I want to thank Coleman Barks, Jonathan Star and Kabir Helminski for their inspiring translations; and to Michael for his generosity in offering his exquisite illustrations. I thank Phyllis, for her hauntingly beautiful voice; Paul, for his soulful reeds; and Bob, for the wonderful serenity of his flute. I thank Jamey Reilly for his selfless guidance and beautifully attuned design; and Anne for her deeply personal photography. I thank my friends, colleagues and students for keeping me vibrant and passionate and schooling me on poetry, dance and collaboration. Above all, I thank Lisa for her loving presence, poetic soul and insistence that this music be heard. All have supported this project in ways too countless to imagine.

— Album Credits —

Produced by Michael London Recorded at Big Fuss Music Mastering by Glenn Barratt, Morningstar Studio Photographs by Anne Knoll Graphic design by VirtuaLux Digital Studio	Illustrations courtesy of Michael Green Poetry translations courtesy of: Coleman Barks - Tracks 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12 Kabir Helminski - Tracks 2, 11 Jonathan Star - Track 7
Source References for the poetry translations 1.The Reed 6:04 From The Essential Rumi, trans by Coleman Barks with John Moyne, A. J. Arberry and Reynold Nicholson. Castle Books 1997 from a poem entitled “Constant Conversation” p. 94-95 2. A Thousand Robes of Wisdom 4:41 From The Rumi Collection, Edited by Kabir Helminski, Threshold Books 1998 adapted from a poem entitled “Because I Cannot Sleep” p. 161 trans by Kabir Helminski with Lail Fouladvend 3. What is the Soul? 5:59 From The Essential Rumi, trans by Coleman Barks with John Moyne, A. J. Arberry and Reynold Nicholson. Castle Books 1997 from a poem entitled “Who Says Words With My Mouth?” p. 2 4.The Material World 5:07 From The Soul of Rumi. A New Collection of Ecstatic Poems. trans by Coleman Barks with John Moyne, Nevut Ergin, A. J. Arberry, Reynold Nicholson and M. G. Gupta Harper-Collins 2001 From a poem entitled “Not Intrigued With Evening” p. 159 5. Breathe Into Me 4:19 From Rumi. The Book of Love Poems of Ecstasy and Longing. trans by Coleman Barks with John Moyne, Nevut Ergin, A. J. Arberry, Reynold Nicholson and M. G. Gupta Harper-Collins 2003 From a poem entitled “Some Kiss We Want” p33-34 6. Refuge 4:06 From The Soul of Rumi. A New Collection of Ecstatic Poems. trans by Coleman Barks with John Moyne, Nevut Ergin, A. J. Arberry, Reynold Nicholson and M. G. Gupta. Harper-Collins 2001 From a poem entitled “Refuge” p. 169 7. Gone to the Unseen 5:36 From Rumi.: In the Arms of the Beloved trans. by Jonathan Star. Jeremy P. Tarcher Books, paperback, 2000 From a poem entitled “Gone to the Unseen” 8. The Ruby and the Sunrise 5:25 From the Essential Rumi, trans by Coleman Barks with John Moyne, A. J. Arberry and Reynold Nicholson. Castle Books 1997 from a poem entitled “The Sunrise Ruby” p. 100-101 9.The Soul Wakes 8:23 From The Soul of Rumi. A New Collection of Ecstatic Poems. trans by Coleman Barks with John Moyne, Nevut Ergin, A. J. Arberry, Reynold Nicholson and M. G. Gupta Harper-Collins 2001 From a poem entitled “The Source of Joy” p. 82 10. Courage 4:16 From The Soul of Rumi. A New Collection of Ecstatic Poems. trans by Coleman Barks with John Moyne, Nevut Ergin, A. J. Arberry, Reynold Nicholson and M. G. Gupta Harper-Collins 2001 From a poem entitled No Here p. 144-145 11. The Springtime of Lovers 5:36 From The Rumi Collection, Edited by Kabir Helminski, Threshold Books 1998 adapted from a poem entitled “Springtime For Lovers” and “The Intellectual” p. 148 trans by Kabir Helminski 12.This Is Your Home 6:35 From The Essential Rumi, trans by Coleman Barks with John Moyne, A. J. Arberry and Reynold Nicholson. Castle Books 1997 from two poems entitled “Buoyancy” and “Music Master” p. 104-106
Released on "Illumined Heart, Peaceful Mind"