The arrival of my new album is new to you but old to me, as have enjoyed it months in advance. I held it back for release in ‘22 as got ahead of myself recording. Lockdown for me was a productive home studio blissful indulgence for musical hermits. I hope you get the same enjoyment listening to these, finding favorites, creating playlists of my music, as I do composing, recording and performing them. There is a favorite section/ bridge in The Triple Goddess 2 mins 46 seconds in that I love. It is the sound of love and divinity to my ears.
The follow up from my Earth Tree Healing album Goddess. (Track Goddess Temple is a worldwide favourite) Which accompanies the album GODS. Goddess 2 is released Second February Twenty Twenty Two. 2.2.22.
I composed and recorded it at my home studio ‘Claudsville Studios‘ (which is also my meditation and art space and its way to small) most of it during the lockdowns of 2020/2021. I assure you! .. it was a great escape from the doom, gloom, loss and restrictions, fears and benefits of the Pandemic too. Without being a sign of the times. It is a captured reflection of my creativity during strange times, leaning to the advice, support, protection, love of Deities.
Its an ode and a conduit to connect. Music of dedication, essence. The Divine femininity of Deities. An album dedicated to melody, beauty and esoteric rhythms. Whilst there are lots of Goddesses to chose from. These are relevant, synchronistic and were chosen during this particular journey. You can go about your routines, rituals, relaxation to it. Whilst my partner Ange taught some of these Goddesses during her workshops via Zoom. I recorded their resonance.
Track Listing: I’ve selected articles for links on the name titles to articles on these Goddesses. But please do research for in-depth understandings.
The Triple Goddess The three goddesses Persephone, Demeter and Hekate are the original triple goddess, each an aspect of the one great goddess:- Persephone the maiden, Demeter the mother and Hekate the crone or older goddess.
Demeter The Olympian goddess of the harvest and agriculture, presiding over grains and the fertility of the earth.
Isis The ancient Egyptian goddess of fertility and is also known as the goddess of motherhood, magic, death, healing, and rebirth.
Venus is a Roman goddess, whose functions encompassed love, beauty, desire, sex, fertility, prosperity, and victory.
Áine is an Irish goddess of summer, wealth and sovereignty. She is associated with midsummer and the sun.
Blodeuwedd Goddess of flowers, emotions, the wisdom of innocence and initiation ceremonies. She is also known as the Ninefold Goddess of the Western Isles of Paradise.
Frigg in Norse mythology is the goddess of motherhood and is herself the mother of Balder, Hodor and Hermod. Frigg is also the goddess of marriage and her name comes from the verb “fríja” = to love.
Freya is a goddess associated with love, beauty, fertility, sex, war, gold and seiðr.
Lilith Was the first wife of Adam who left the Garden of Eden and became the mother of demons and the supreme empress of Hell. She is also credited as the creator of the Turok-Han, an ancient species of vampire, and is thus regarded as the Mother of Vampires.
Nemesis Nemesis was the goddess of divine retribution and revenge, who would show her wrath to any human being that would commit hubris, i.e. arrogance before the gods.
SaraswatiThe Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, art, speech, wisdom, and learning.
Mawu is a creator goddess, associated with the Sun and Moon in Dahomey mythology. Mawu’s themes are creativity, Universal Law, passion, abundance, birth, and inspiration.
Making of Goddess 2 videosVloggingThe Triple GoddessLilith’s EmbracePersephoneDemeterIsisVenusÁineBlodeuweddFriggFreyaLilithNemesisSaraswatiMawu
Last night I dreamed of the ocean in a room. A queen size bed with white sheets situated in a field. The sea at one end with waves lapping a grassy shore. I began to ‘film’ this on my iPhone (as I do many of my videos) even though I wasn’t aware it was a dream I was experiencing. To me it was a reality that I didn’t question. To capture the awe, the purity, the power was a beautiful sight and feeling. Next I was then lying in the bed, but looking down from above. I was neither ill or dead in body. Just relaxing. The waves and tide began to flow towards the bed.
The bed then wildly bobbed about in the water, carrying it about the room. An awesome ride. I wasn’t scared. Just excited to witness it.
This dream place I’d arrived it was discovered whilst (in my dream) en route to the toilet. That door was at the back left this ocean room. Ange and I were at one of the Lizian Events Well-being Markets.
Real awake life: Ange and I had been talking about when we’d go to one of the smaller shows at Trowell in Nottingham. I then temporarily woke for an in the night real wee wee. I often have toilet dreams of not being able to pee, or sat naked on toilets in open rooms, with people about and being rather uncomfortable. I then got back in my real world bed and nodded off again, stepping straight back into the dream world. I think the day when I actually pee in a dream.. Will be the time to get a waterproof mattress cover and continence pads. (One has to plan for these things in ones mid 40’s)
Dream: Ange and I watched the TV screen as our Lottery numbers came up. We had won! The relief and elation of being able to chase our real dream felt fantastic, but at the same time..unreal. In this vision. Ange was telling me to resign from my job, I was saying I wanted to finish my course. I then had a conversation with beer and whisky with Ashley, Ange’s business partner. Saying we will look after him financially. We kept trying to find out the amount we’d won.. But this dream didn’t show it.
I keep dreaming lottery wins. Its not a wishful thinking obsession. the intention is to have the opportunity and ability to move to our retreat. But a previous dream did show very clearly. £3.2 Million pounds. 5,7,15,26,33,47.
Real life: We actually spent the drive to the hospital (my workplace) divvying up and listing what we would give to family and some close friends. Being extremely firm about the ‘no and fuck right off’ to the ‘out of the woodwork’ creepers and strangers that would suddenly appear.’ The money will be wisely invested to help others and animal the proper way. Not just for hangers on, the self entitlement believers, users, con artists and false ‘friends.’ The purchase of the Earth Tree Retreat – The triple bottom line. Which will benefit people, the local economy, sustainability and eco living. Paying off mortgages and the purchase of a Villa for Family to use. If one thing lockdown did for me and Ange. It was accepting it really is time to take action and move. Planning, procrastinating, dreaming and deciding our rat race escape.
Maybe the ongoing Reiki meditation practice, Mugwort biscuits and full body CBD oil massage treat last weekend did something. I have slept the deepest of sleeps this week. Nature’s herbs have wonderful relaxing effects and benefits. Maybe it was the brussel sprouts with dinner last night, or the non-filtered water with the cup of tea with a ‘film’ on it from NHS office taps and scaly kettles…
Real awake life: Yesterday as I was fussing the cats. I thought I’d lock the window ‘ajar’ so they get a little breeze in ‘their’ bedroom, as they like to sit on the window sniffing the air, looking at the birdies and world go by. Then a thought, feeling popped into my head… What if some sudden cloud, pollution, something bad or swarm of bees comes…They will get in?
I hesitated, but left it ajar. Later that evening after work, I perused the news briefly. To see a ‘close your windows advice’ a large industrial fire pumping out smoke across the city centre. Not too far from where we live. But looking at the map. Not too near either. Coincidence? Are we in the Matrix?
Upon discussing this… Ange said ‘You need to start writing, blogging your dreams again.’
Well dear readers.. Get ready for some weird shit!
Also in last night’s dream adventure. I was at my Auntie’s house.. but it wasn’t. It had many rooms I don’t recognise, a little inner/outdoors square space, surrounded by odd buildings and rooms.. As a wandered about. I entered an outside rivers edge. There were small furry animals. A bit like Lemmings. I then saw a huge Otter beast. She looked at me, and then collected her little furry babies. Put them in her den. I tried to indicate I was no threat. She then began to attack me, lunging.
RAAAAARRRRRGH
Flash cut scene to a dusty sandy, hot place abroad. Wandering, witnessing dream humans interactions. A sandy ditch when one of my old bosses was, who had bought the plot. A group of them walked into it and pointed. He picked up some kind of wooded carved tribal doll and looked very worried… As if their land had been marked.
The Law of attraction is to get the funds to set up our retreat. I work relentlessly on channeling and creating music. We both work hard and don’t claim benefits. I hope I can earn enough from it to sustain us. The retreat and the land it is on, whilst using modern innovations and technology. Needs to utilize sustainability. Looking at its carbon footprint, renewable energy. I want mostly off the grid but the real escape is to be around like minded folk with shared goals. The kind of campfire harmony of happiness, discussion, activities and off the land living.
Ange’s new businesses (Fenix Flames and of of the Directors at Fenix Flames publishing – which treats the authors a lot fairer, and encourages their creativity, than some publishers) that are the building blocks to her sustenance have many branches that all link up to Earth Tree Healing. It’s not ‘all about the money.’ We are very much driven with on our own integrity. We’ve all been twats and done twattish and regrettable things. Some folk learn from them and grow. Like I say… As long as we have enough abundance to survive and be comfortable. We want to give back. Complete and enhance the cycle. I’ve seen so many unhappy people with, money in the bank, possessions, nice holidays, good jobs. But all they want to have sometimes is love. Being along whilst not alone is a reality. Being alone, whilst alone can be an unbearable emptiness. I’ve found spiritual practices, I’m not talking religion – as I am not religious. I believe in lots, have faith in energies, spirit guides and beyond. Whatever gives you happiness and hope. The greater good. The selfless soul. The connected kind. Finding your tribe. We all want a good life and a good death when we exit.
We can’t take possessions with us to the next life. What we can do is make positive impacts on this one, whilst adventuring and learning our lessons. Sometimes the body and memories fade. Which is another reason; Ange and I document and make videos of our adventures. Posterity.
This weekend, as well as my 2nd Covid vaccination. (Hoping I’m not going to feel as lethargic this time) _ Like I said, growing gills and mutating into an amphibian before 60, is not my first choice of the dream bod, but I will give it a go kids! Variety, spice and all that jazz.
We will begin de junking our house, selling, giving away, and donating items that no longer serve us. Bar sentimental possessions. A declutter, tidy and creating space is a good thing for us. I’m a big fan and believer of ‘pay it forward’ and synchronicity, serendipity.
I’ve also pre warned our neighbour to ignore the screaming abuse and shouting that will ensure. Unfortunately and hysterically for some. (If you have ever travelled in our car with us and witnessed it) Every time we try to clear up the space behind the TV, under the stairs. A rage engulfs us both. Team work makes the dream work. Domestic Blitz! This week already, the tape measure has caused upset, anger with incorrect measurements. The Poof in the middle of the living room gets in my way, Ange loves it, fills it with shit. (Oops her shit… it’s not shit) I wanted to make an ‘Adventures with Clange’ time-lapse and documentary of this. Ange said no! Because she knows the row will affect our ‘public upstanding citizen reputation’ into foul mouthed angry stubborn bitches that can’t play nice together. This is why we don’t play ‘Monopoly’ or ‘Risk’ together anymore. With trivial bickerings. We both deeply love each other.
Claudine AKA Claud, Claude, Claudia, Claudette, Clorette Lovey, Pauline, Bob 2, Brittany, Clods and a number of things. I’ll answer to anything.
You can also follow Adventures With Clange on our YouTube platform. These are mine, Ange’s records of trips, food, family. Check out the older playlists too from myClaudine West Channel.
Earth Tree Healing. New Age, Spiritual and instrumental music for meditation and relaxationMusic links
It is September 2020 already. Yes. We managed to get a holiday. We’ve just returned from time well spent in Glastonbury. After along weekend in Portsmouth visiting family, day in Lyme Regis – lying on the beach, watching (laughing at) the militant seagulls attack and swoop down on unsuspecting small children and adult’s lunches.
The recharge was needed. We both love Somerset and feel very connected to it.
Littlemead – Drinking Mead, Meare, Glastonbury
We have both been fortunate to do a little travelling in ‘Fanny.’ Exploring the rolling big wide open spaces and skies of Lincolnshire have fed us lockdown respite freedom during recent months. We do live opposite a country park with lakes and a river so have been lucky. A few doom curing early morning bike rides have done me good.
Lincolnshire
We’d enjoyed the Summer Solstice sunrise from the river near us.
Hoveringham, River Trent
At least once a year we head to Somerset. We come here to detox not ‘retox.’ So the days spent relaxing, eating vegetarian lunches at Rainbows End Café. (Amazing veggie good food for body and soul) A good clearing was experienced. We both had a fantastic and very needed massage by Ana @ https://www.naturalconnect.co.uk/ (eternally grateful) Puts once back on track, resets.
I found the readjustment back to work and ‘normal’ the following week pretty tough. Ange and I constantly plan our escapes.
There are a few new videos on our Adventures with Clange YouTube playlist.
Adventures With Clange
Musically. Well. No furlough. (For me that would have been a creatively indulgent bliss) But working from home March until September, enabled me to spend that extra time that was commuting, composing music for an 81 track Wu Wei Wisdom Project. The Tao Te Ching. (more of that when its officially announced. Thank you Alex and David for the honour- It has and is a beautiful experience) https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/free-resources-blog/ Some of my music is featured below.
I have a true love for animals. Its very easy to share the horrors of the world on social media. Does it stop people doing bad things? Does it stop nature being nature? Does it make folks become Vegan/ Vegetarian? Maybe (plants have feelings too) Have you been in the presence of an old tree and felt its whispers of wisdom, been in awe of its vastness. I wish I could ‘unsee‘ some of the terrible things this human race has done. Deeply disturbing, cruelty, neglect, abandonment. Even ‘Sam’ the dog in I Am Legend had me crying for hours, Ange had to tell me to stop and pull myself together as was only a film. Supervet is a write off. I love the DODO videos. I focus on the good and try to invest in the recovery or prevention.
If you bombard the darkness, and scribble horrors, the dark will remain with darker scars. Donating to the lightbulb to turn the skies sparkly, enables a positive focus to get things done. Actually doing something realistic, instant and practical to help is far more productive in my opinion, than procrastinating and angering. I unfollow the ranters. We’ve adopted 3 cats, 2 that were abandoned. We love them with all of the love that we are. Fundraising for rescues, even if its a small amount – on the scale of things helps. It goes directly to and for the animals not admin. I feel very protective of the vulnerable. So I’ve completed Wiccaweys Music For Dogs EP. (and some relaxing tunes for their owners too) releases on 10th October 2020. I composed the journey of reassurance, rescue, survival, the heart-warming vulnerability of animals, when they find a forever home, acceptance, love, life and in the end for all living beings.. passing over. The track Sleepy Time has been a favourite and relaxed the dogs and humans. (It has been literally road tested with Wiccaweys with the doggies settling down) ‘Goodbye My Friend’ is poignant and very beautiful. Giving something back to the Angels that rescue and care for animals is something we continue to do. Check out https://wiccaweys.co.uk/
Wiccaweys
And finally. I’m still working on my 2021 new album release. ‘Gods’ It is powerful with Eastern influences.
As 2020 heads in to more lockdowns, waves. Love those physically close. Look after those far away. I’ve not hugged either of my parents since March. Its painful. I’m in my own bubble with Ange with the news switched off. Being kind, selfless and creating good vibes, growing my hair back. Otherwise anxiety would become destructive to my emotional wellbeing.
Then the return to jamming with the band Stinking Rita. Battered shoulder after months of not drumming, but worth it. Check out all of our improvised tracks here.
Stinking Rita
I’m really pleased with music work outputs, as was so exhausted and busy in my NHS work at the start of lockdown.
The Deity, God, Supreme Being, Immortal. In these instrumental works, there is a capturing of the pure essence of divine rulers and creators. A respect for their beauty, beliefs, supremacy, power and love.
Earth Tree Healing – GODS album launch interview with Claudine West & Angela Barker. Watch the discussions with Claudine West and Angela Barker.
The intention said and ask has been made. The musical channelling has begun. It floats and ideas, feelings, notes, sounds rhythms. The week of 22nd July 2020 (my first full week of annual leave for a very long time.) Lockdown in the UK did not provide me with Furlough opportunities. I work full time in the NHS. The first 3 months of working in Procurement during lockdown have seen the biggest challenges and fantastic coming together of teams within the team. ‘Unprecedented.’ A word that has been over used and banned in our household! ‘Some form of normality.’ Dear reader. You know the rest, the story, the news, politics, conspiracies, wrong and right decisions, social media commentary, opinions, facts, truths, manipulations, speculations, lies, arguments, finger pointing, hoarding toilet roll (you can never have enough!) indulgence, weigh gain, dancing nurses, lots of dancing nurses! I stated at the start of this people will be remembered for their actions and behaviours during this. They sure will…
The tragedy of lost loved ones, friends, colleagues has been the hardest. The fear will affect many for years to come. Through the darkness, the grieving, the anger, the why them, why me. The collective love of nations. The clap for carers, for front line workers. For people dropping off food parcels. People fundraising or supporting those who cant help themselves. Some would call you Angels. All are heroes.
Unless of course. You switched it all off, indulged in Netflix. kept safe and entertained yourself and looked after your wellbeing, exercised? Did you? Are you? If you tried meditation for the first time, good habits can create good feelings.
With my soulmate Angela Barker https://angelabarkertarot.com/ suggesting I follow up Goddess (she has been pestering for a while) composing and recording began. Even though I’m busy with other collaborations (some really exciting stuff TBA and released) It was comforting to indulge with Earth Tree Healing music. I sent my intention, meditate, connect.
Track 1 Ganesh
Track 2 Apollo
Track 3 The Dagda
Track 4 Cernunnos Powerful string arrangements and probably maybe my most complex composition arrangements to date with.
Track 5 Lugh
Track 6 Horus
Track 7 Neptune
Track 8 Zephyrus
Track 9 Freyr
Track 10 Dionysus
Track 11 Ra
Track 12 Pan
Track 13 Myrddin
Track 14 Janus
Track 15 Hades
Interview by Angela Barker with Claudine West 25.1.21
The masters have been road tested on trips to Lincolnshire to watch the sky.
I sat in our healing room. The dowsing rods, from The Pyramid Lady answering questions. Pointing to the Mac, then back to me. I like to check in with them now and again. I was planning to take a break from composing Earth Tree Healing music for a few months… to recharge, not that it tires me out. Clearly 2 weeks of the lurgy, weird dreams that come with it and a shot of Night Nurse and that…was my break.
There is intermittent beatboxing coughing in the house. Frankly I’m sick of hearing it now. (The joys of working on hospital wards and in an open plan office. Excellent virus exposure!) The cats are very much more needy of fuss, as are trying to make both mummies better. Rambo cat has been pouncing on me throughout the nights in bed. But I love him. Tipsy is Queen of the duvet hogging. I’m surprised I’ve not pee’d the bed, as she will not get off easily when she is lying on top of you. In a weakened state where even my toes hurt, moving about was just silly. I feel like I’ve been pummeled by a meat tenderiser. Even Pattie Pops honoured me with a duvet cuddle. Have had far worse, but still a week of feeling pretty ghastly, I could have done without. Wellness is returning slowly.
We’d taken a drive outdoors, had breakfast. Visited the tree planted in Arnot Hill Park for Sarah Louise Kay. Layed roses. She died a year ago suddenly, 26 years old. Ange’s business partner and co-founder of candles and magical herbal incense Fenix Flames
Ange layed a Pentagram of Roses around Sarah’s Tree
Then a trip to The Real Milk company for some veg, organic milk. Love it there. Donations box.
So spirit guides, powers that be. We’d cancelled a band rehearsal. Don’t want to spread it, nor am I up for drumming quite yet. I sat and though I potter about surrounded by musical things. Played some acoustic guitar – just to check me aching fingers still work. The compulsion to set up a mic was overwhelming. The seed of an idea to make my next recordings very natural acoustically, with an array of instruments had been dormant for a while. Germination time. This channelled.
Trees of Kyoto
Wooden Xylophone and Shaker
Handpan Drum
I’d bought the wooden xylophone from a stallholder whilst performing at Under The Castle festival 2019. The shaker from a stallholder in Portsmouth. The handpan drum – Massive Thank you Pia from Pagan Tribal Gathering.
Why Trees of Kyoto? It popped in my head. May be a past life, future life. It is something bigger that the vessel that I am that created this music. I totally respect it. Definitely want to visit as it looks beautiful in bloom.
My Music Altar
My music altar is attracting and honoring such wonderful vibrational energies and creativity. It brings reassurance, law of attraction, comfort and beautiful peaceful moments.
Salt Lamp
Salt lamps bring warmth the the dark nights of January 2020. Apart from the bathroom. They adorn each room. I love the glow. Great for Reiki and meditation practice.
Introducing the new Earth Tree Healing album by multi-instrumentalist Claudine West. Western Mystical Tradition. Released 28th September 2019.
Somewhat crudely, esotericism can be described as a Western form of spirituality that stresses the importance of the individual effort to gain spiritual knowledge, or gnosis, whereby man is confronted with the divine aspect of existence. — Historian of religion Henrik Bogdan, 2007.
A multi-dimensional 11 track (1 hour 16 minutes) collection of acoustic guitar based pieces, meditative electronic synth environments to explore. Themes of inspiration from the moon, the sky, the sea, the sun, the cosmos. Channeling Universal Life Force Energy through music, from past lives. The conscious element is intention, to create and perform a beautiful, higher vibrational, harmonious soundscapes.
Track 1: Capodastro We begin with a sweet and sunny acoustic guitar ditty.
Track 2: Ethereal Sunset 432 Hz – Inspired by the beautiful mystic energies of sunsets on Benirrás beach, Ibiza. As the blissful darkening introduces us to the night. The orange and pinkest skies bring awakening light. (10 minute extended single (Boho Mix) version also on digital stores. Why 432 Hz? This is the natural frequency of the Universe. Music is traditionally tuned to 440 Hz. Read about it here : https://attunedvibrations.com/432hz/
Track 3: Murmuration – Soundtrack for the Starlings, for the patterns in the sky for the people that have ascended. For when we look up to the sky and see the magic and true beauty that befalls us.
Track 4: Mantra multiple layers build upon the foundations, rising, thickening, rhythmical enchanted affirmations for self.
Track 5: Sorrow of Souls. The ones we encounter that so brightly shine. They illuminate and touch lives. they remain undiscovered, to the masses and a Saviour to the few. A philanthropist that doesn’t need to donate money to help others benefit.They donate selflessness, love, tolerance. When a loved one departs their body. There are regrets at the unsaid. Peace in the mourning and sorrow until we meet again. Built upon piano, acoustic guitar and strings.
Track 6: Archipelago. By a moonlit sea in Es Canar. I recorded the night waves. I’d been to Ibiza for a holiday earlier in 2019 and explored. Illuminated and inspired the essence of a sunset of Benirrás Beach, boat trips, the land train exploring the island. The vibe at Café Mambo. The Balearic islands vibe entertain beautiful chilled out times.
Track 7: Motion of the Moon. Watching night sky watching the moon. The changes that occur in life, the circles we covet. There is a full original version I recorded years ago of this with my vocals. I’ve always loved performing this – so recorded an instrumental take of it.
The next 3 track are a trilogy of chill out music. Journey in to cosmic calm. 432 Hz.
Track 8: Orbital Ghosts. It’s now to down lights, close your eyes, adventure, relax, meditation, do yoga, adventure. The voices of apparitions invite you in.
Track 9: Zodiacal Light (24 mins) The powerful rumbles in the awe and glow, ebb and flow of mystical reflections of light in the night sky. 432 Hz for deeper meditations.
Track 10: Moonlight Arc Ambient space, the cosmos. For travellers, explorers of ascension.
Track 11: Eulogy – Simply piano. I had a very strong urge after a family member’s funeral to compose something fitting that combines, love, loss, and celebration and remembering.
Album art painted by Claudine West
Enjoy, meditate, travel, relax, love, explore, be grateful, be kind.
When opportunity knocks, the knocking get my mojo dancing and romancing. I spent a wonderful weekend performing sets at Lizian Events Well Being Show. Liz and Ian have given me a fantastic opportunity and challenge to explore and perform ‘Earth Tree Healing’ music live. I embraced, I rehearsed, I took essential hooks and melodies from my repertoire. I improvised and jammed it out, surrounded by stall holders, mediums, the public, ghosts. I premiered this live debut and it felt really good. The trance is the dance of music. With closed eyes a new chapter was born. Electronic tambura, acoustic. This opportunity to reach new audiences cemented how much I do enjoy live performance. Solo or in bands.
Watch: Guitar, keyboards and loop pedal improv
I’d decided from the conception that live meant ‘live.’ Solo recreation of home studio multi tracking of instruments, without cheating to backing tracks. Music is vibrational and gravitational. Using real instruments is satisfying. The feel, the sweat. even ghosts love music. Armed with a loop pedal, my acoustic guitar, digital piano and hand pan drum.
Watch: Tambura, Acoustic Guitar, Handpan Drumming
I’d had a reflexology session with Chandu Solanki on Saturday. Walking on air and tranquility. Sunday. Tamra Butler @ TamPara shoulder/back massage, unblocking stuff and her gifts which are magic, sent me off into land beyond time in a very good way. I ended up almost creating a new album during my 2nd set of the day. Wellbeing and wellness doing what one loves.
Thank you all for the great feedback too! – Claudine
Watch : ‘Happiness’ Piano – from my album ‘Reiki’
Claudine West is a multi-instrumentalist and composer at Earth Tree Healing
“Goddess by Earth Tree Healing is one of those albums that captures your heart as it plays, it has 14 tracks within the album, but each one is manifested with such unique methodology and musical prowess that you never drift off and you literally can’t wait for the next offering to arrive. To be honest this has been a refreshing change for me and one that I really enjoyed immensely, I have no problem recommending this release, it is inventive, artistic, well thought out and professionally produced and played, this album is what the new age music genre really needed right now.”
Goddess By Earth Tree Healing Written by Steve Sheppard I first came across Earth Tree Healing (Claudine West) just a few years ago with the release of her impressive album 8 Sabbats. The album intrigued me as does this latest release Goddess. Be ready now for a voyage of voyages within the realms of this release and our starting point is Artemis. As you can imagine we have many buildings with this name here in Cyprus, the Greek goddess of the hunt and a daughter of Zeus. The steady purposeful movement on the keyboards here is a reminder of her stealth and guile perhaps. Next up is one of the most beautiful tracks off the album, it’s has a wonderfully reflective quality and quite mournful in parts, and called Selene. Selene is the daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia, and sister of the sun-god Helios, the latter very well known here on the island, at just short of ten minutes, this is the longest track off the release and to be honest I wouldn’t have minded if it had been 19 minutes long it is simply divine, this is new age ambiance at its very best. The shadow of Hecate now drifts over our senses, the goddess of magic and all that moves in the dark realms of the night. This is the complete opposite of the last track with an intense percussive beat and some fantastic string work, creating an atmosphere of ritual and energy being raised, a full flowing harp also adds weight to what is a superbly powerful composition. How can one not get swept away by the sheer beauty of this next offering called Gaia, for those who are not sure, she is the Greek goddess of land and Earth, the mother of all life, and we must all be grateful she lets us walk on her back. The keyboard structures a really charming musical narrative here that is almost film score in style, and draws the portrait of our mother with a pristine clarity through music. I must admit I was really looking forward to this one, as we live on the island of love and just a few miles from Aphrodite’s birthplace at Petra tou Romiou, a beautiful place to visit and just a few miles east of my current location. The composition Aphrodite is idyllic, I could sit at her rock by the ocean and listen to this piece; it is so redolent of the subject matter. The gentle keyboards remind me in parts of some of the more ambient work of UK electronic musician Kevin Kendle and yes you have guessed it, this was my favourite piece off the release. I have now played this three times in a row, simply stunning indeed. Goddess Temple is now upon us, there is a real lightness of spirit about this offering that is so very compelling. There is a slight intensity of performance here which is fantastically alluring and the perfect track to place, as we edge ever closer to the mid-way point in the album, very classy work indeed. So that mid-way juncture has been reached and by doing so we have opened a portal up to the next composition called Bast, as now we travel over the ocean to Egypt to find, the protector of Cats, the warrior daughter of the great Ra himself. The smooth performance on this offering gives us an image of this sun drenched location with ease, and the keyboards and effects really manifest something so redolent of the subject matter. It seems as if this album was destined to land in my lap as now I move to the land of my ancestors in Wales and we visit the goddess Cerridwen, she who is the mistress of rebirth, transformation and inspiration. Listen out for the melody on this track it is addictive and beautifully constructed and the performances on keyboards is delightful and crafted sublimely. Now we must watch and enjoy the tones of this next composition with a deep seated interest, as we are presented the piece Morrigan, and our journey has taken us over the sea once again to Ireland. Morrigan, the great queen of the phantoms is a rhythmic track of great percussive quality and a stylish bass line. The Irish energy is strong in this one, as is the almost hypnotic performance on keyboards, a compelling arrangement indeed. One of my other favourites now plays before us, as we stay in Ireland for the track Brigid. The guitar here is so full and colourful it is a total pleasure to listen to, add the keyboards to this majesty and you have a truly poetic offering, which of course should be a given, as Brigid was considered the patron of arts, crafts and poetry among other things. This has to be the most charming arrangement off the album with ease. The percussive start for this next opus entitled Athena is startlingly superb and almost a little rocky in parts, which I have no problem with at all, the keyboards manifest a wondrous composition about the goddess who is credited to have brought and been responsible for, bringing the first Olive Tree into the world. There is a really clever regal element weaved into this composition which make it so powerful and attractive to listen to. We have now entered into the deeper waters of the release and have journeyed long and far to the east for this next composition called Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity. The performance here almost manifests a slight chill out styled motif, one that has a specific sense of the subject matter beautifully portrayed, with a stylish percussion and a delightful and fluent keyboard all contained within. For our penultimate offering we stay in India and pay a visit to the goddess of time, creation, destruction and power, Kali. Now you may have expected an all guns firing rhythmic offering here, but the artist has been really clever and crated a composition the flows with the benevolence of a mother who protects her children from misfortune. The sensitive performance on keyboards here truly shows what a class act the artist is and further highlights a whole new side to the goddess Kali. So to finish this project off with style, let’s raise the energy for the last offering called Dance of the Goddess. This is a track that simply does what it says on the can, a smooth dance motif is created by a compelling performance on keyboards and simply the most relevant way possible to close down what has been a simply fantastic journey of myth, magic and goddess for us all to enjoy. Goddess by Earth Tree Healing is one of those albums that captures your heart as it plays, it has 14 tracks within the album, but each one is manifested with such unique methodology and musical prowess that you never drift off and you literally can’t wait for the next offering to arrive. To be honest this has been a refreshing change for me and one that I really enjoyed immensely, I have no problem recommending this release, it is inventive, artistic, well thought out and professionally produced and played, this album is what the new age music genre really needed right now.
Goddess by Earth Tree Healing released 2nd February 2019. New Age instrumental music From British composer and multi-instrumentalist, Claudine West. Recorded in 2018 in Nottingham.
Available now on digital stores. CD’s from Amazon Music.
Sometimes I create my best works when I feel vulnerable, at a loss with life. My escape into Claudsville, into rapture. Music is my Panacea. I’ve struggle at times with depressive episodes. If I don’t look after myself. If sustained stress encapsulates me, I fight but eventually crumble into a desert wilderness. Low mood, the fog, hopelessness surrounded me in 2018..many many months.
A sustained draining and soul destroying circumstances bled me to the brink. I’d put on the acting face of ‘everything is ok.’ Eventually my health and wellbeing became cake left out in the rain. Deterioration lead to the inevitable health, emotional and mental health issues. I’d gotten quite poorly so took time out to heal. I didn’t want to lose my relationship or sanity.
Cycling round the lake. Being amongst the beauty of the trees. Meditation, and music making. Months later.. week by week. I began to feel like myself again. It became a very private withdrawn time. Talking about it did not help. My recuperation plan worked. My Lesson: Never let the day job damage and drain me to the walk to the edge of a chasm and dip my toes in the despair. When the sunshine gets shut out during a heatwave, it’s time to swim upon the tides of the moon.
The experience I am grateful of… As I will never have to suffer it again. I won’t allow it to happen again. I let myself down and others by not being fully honest with myself and allowing the harm and anger to take hold. We are all accountable for our actions. Humans can be selfish. Some don’t care about the ripples in the water they create, that build up to tidal waves. Life lessons are there to teach us. In some ways I’m far too sensitive to exist in this maddening world. Put an empath in a tunnel of pain and observe the carnage.
I found Zen creating this album. This infinite and connection to Goddesses.
There were days when I’d call upon a particular Goddess. But a different one appeared. The music poured, oh how it eloquently poured out. It was like lying on snow looking up to the sky. With every detail of snowflakes tinted with rainbows. My breathing returned after being stifled. The warmth embraced and travelled beyond the timeless gentle deeper dark of my meditations. The connection to Earth, Trees.. the healing of the skies. The composing became a cycle of daily therapy. It energised. It comforted. I indulged in sunsets and horizons. It made my world more alright.
The Triple Goddess, The Maiden, The Mother, The Crone )0( I sought Goddess of the hunt, Artemis in the wilderness. Under a magical moon I meditated to Selene. At the crossroads I asked for guidance and protection from Hecate. I became one with the Earth in the woods and the sky with Mother Earth, Gaia. In my darkest times I reached for the sea and asked for the return of feelings and love from Aphrodite. I retreated into meditations often in the Goddess Temple. Protector of Cats, Bast… Our 3 cats were very much part of recording this. I enjoyed further inspiration, music and creativity with Cerridwen. I called upon Morrigan, Goddess of war and fate. To help me endure my battles within. Healing came from The Celtic Goddess of Fire, Brigid, which I have also honoured with my track Imbolc from my album 8 SabbatsAthena gave me direction and taught me how to better cope. We drove around Snowdonia under blue skies to her sounds. Asking for assistance from LakshmiGoddess of abundance. We lit candles in the dark. Helping us see the way and what we have to do for the self sustained life we aim for. When you dance with death, there is the liberation of rebirth and Motherly love. I thank Kali. The 14th and final track in this album is Dance Of The Goddess. It comes from Blood Moon We end this journey with honouring and free movement and expression of dance for all. New beginnings…
Breath in the awe-inspiring. Recharge by the sea. Be well, indulge, connect, ask, sleep well.
My name is Claudine. I channel beautiful things. I’m a Multi-instrumentalist, Composer, independent self published Musician, Artist and Author of my Kindle book; Claudsville Blogs and Biog of a Bog Woppit.
I compose, perform, record and release instrumental, soundtrack, meditation music. Listen here > Earth Tree Healing. I create colourful abstract oil paintings on recycled canvas I find at car boot sales etc. I’d be eternally grateful of funding to invest in release my musical content to the world and ideally, to be creative and collaborate with others full time. I’d like to be able to focus wholly helping others relax and embrace higher vibrations through music.
I’d like your help, your kindness to pursue my dream and realise my true potential. To give more to the world. Please invest in me so I can invest more into creating music and art. If you cannot invest financially. Could you invest with sharing my music to help its exposure to the world. Could you invest in sharing contacts to help me?
Claudine West Music 