Constance Demby - Skies Above Skies (1978)

Previously on OPIUM HUM:
Constance Demby - Sunborne (1980)
Constance Demby - Sacred Space Music (1982)

Constance Demby's early works are among the most stately, transcendent music to come out of the New Age movement. Maybe it's her classical training, maybe it's her powerful but restrained vocals, maybe it's her instrument of choice -- hammered dulcimer -- but it feels as though these records actually reached the heavenly heights that so many of her peers merely invoked. Demby's debut album, Skies Above Skies, is, of course, built around her virtuosic hammered dulcimer-playing, and a bit of synthesizer, but features a stronger emphasis on her vocals than would be heard on her next few records.

Track listing:
1. Om Mani Padme Hum
2. Endless
3. Peace of God
4. El Mie
5. St. Francis Prayer
6. Sant Ji
7. God Is

Hidden light shining in every creature

Constance Demby - Sunborne (1980)

Previously on OPIUM HUM:
Constance Demby - Sacred Space Music (1982)

I've been sick as a dog since late Thursday night. Here are the gentle, cosmic sounds that I'm listening to while awaiting the sweet release of death.

Track listing:
1. The Dawning
2. Darkness of Space
3. Lift Thine Eyes
4. Sunborne
5. One with the Light

Endless

Constance Demby - Sacred Space Music (1982)

Two stunning, meditative pieces by Californian new age composer Constance Demby. Built on the magical, kaleidoscopic sounds of hammered dulcimer, and fleshed out by lush clouds of viola, synthesizers, piano, chiming bells, and angelic vocals, Sacred Space Music is pure, immersive New Age gold.

Track listing:
1. The Longing
2. Radiance

Endless