Under the Bodhi Tree

Jonathan Still

New World Music

www.newworldmusic.com 

4 Stars 

Reviewed By: Kindah Mardam Bey 

Still may be his namesake, but still is not where Jonathan Stills music will take you. With illuminating, sensual and calming sound Under The Bodhi Tree is a tour de force of symphonious and understated beauty. In 2001 Still had brought his original and melodious sound to audiences with his debut collection In Awe of It All, it is now Under The Bodhi Tree that we see the metamorphosis of Stills music.  

Far from the Eastern influences that ruminate in Stills instrumental musings, the gentle and flowing melodies are reminiscent of a land far away from the hometown of Dallas, Texas that Still lays claim to. His artistry is felt with every note, like a finely textured patchwork quilt. Stills songs have a universal quality with hints of specific international influences layered in. He seems a seasoned musician far beyond his years, which is probably one of the reasons why this collection won an Independent Music Award.  

Tracks like ‘The Realization’ are evoking of sweeping film soundtracks, as if it was a part of The English Patient, or some other sweeping love story. Other tracks like ‘The Chain’s Beginning’ are gentle and evoking. The listener can be welcomed into a calm state of being, and while Jonathan Still follows his spiritual journey through his music, we are all along for the enjoyable ride. This is a collection to take pleasure in over and over again, preferably with a good book and a great cup of tea.  

1. 1. See The Light
2. 2. The Realization
3. 3. Then The Rains Came
4. 4. Oddtimes
5. 5. Reflections
6. 6. Oceans
7. 7. The Chain’s Beginning
8. 8. The Chain’s End
9. 9. I’m Free