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by Mark Maxwell Abushady, NYC Film Simply put, SALT is a work of art – a moving (in both senses of the word), living work of art. The visuals are amazing and mesmerizing, and their effect upon the human spirit (at least upon that of the artist, photographer Murray Fredericks) is explored as Mr. Fredericks immerses himself in the primary, primal environment of a vast Australian salt flat. While questioning aspects of his own life, life in general, and the value of his work, the artist opens up to the viewer in such an unguarded, almost innocent way as to become any ‘everyman’ to anyone who has soul-searched, had doubts, and had regrets. All of this is accompanied by the most incredible images – some stills, but mostly moving, evolving images. SALT could have been titled ‘SKY,’ ‘CLOUDS’ or ‘STARS,’ but, like ‘SALT,’ these would not convey the look and sum effect of this film. The opening sequence is just fantastic, but truly, the whole film is spellbinding. At one-half hour long, I was able to afford myself the luxury of watching it twice, which cemented my view of this as one of the most creative films I’ve ever seen. The music, supplied by Australian group Aajinta, deserves special note; it is so well matched to the visuals, so haunting and evocative of that which is larger and beyond daily life, it compliments this visual masterpiece perfectly. 2501 Migrants: A Journey
This film weaves together the story of the creation and installation of a commemorative, grand artistic project (on a scale similar to that of Christo), the story of the abandonment of towns in Mexico, the severing of cultural ties in the current generation of Mexican emigrants, and individual stories of those who have lost or succeeded in making their way to the United States. Artist Alejandro Santiago, a painter from Oaxaca, Mexico, finds his home town of Teococuilco practically abandoned after returning to Mexico from a cultural foray of several years in France. Determined to pay homage to those who have left for the States and, in some cases lost their lives, Santiago decides to create 2501 life-sized sculptures of men, women and children to represent those who have left. In the process, he provides work, hope, and inspiration to those he is able to employ. The film succeeds most notably in its task to bring home the reality of what life is like for our neighbors just across the border. Mr. Santiago is a gentle, artistic soul who, in the dedication of a number of years of his life to this project, has touched the hearts of many who share the stories, in whole or in part, of those who left Teococuilco
Music There are many meditation music recordings available these days, and while tastes vary person to person, the best tend to be supportive but non-intrusive, without ‘musical ego’ and generally, without performance virtuosity (i.e., more ‘nebulous’ and ‘atmospheric’ in quality). David and Steve Gordon fulfill these parameters and more in this useful and standout offering. I was reminded of the skill with which Brian Eno, years ago, constructed his album ‘Apollo,’ such is the skill the Gordon brothers have demonstrated in creating some of the cuts on this CD. Recommended for what its title suggests – as an excellent meditation accompaniment.
Designed to Fly
I was quite impressed with Sun Palace’s Give Me a Perfect World, reviewed by CREATIONS MAGAZINE in 2005, so I looked forward to listening to this, their third album and first album to be released since 2005. Andriette Redmann’s songwriting talent has not diminished, to be sure. What has happened is a sharing of the less lighthearted, innocent feelings. The songwriter has been burned by love experiences on the physical plane, and opens up about them. Songs more submerged in the earthly experience with the attendant pleasure and pain of attachments and ended love affairs (‘More That You Might Guess,’ ‘Love Streaming Out (the lament)’) are included.The bubbling enthusiasm is not lost, and is also represented by a number of cuts (‘Designed to Fly,’ ‘Peace,’ ‘A Life Bubbling (a new world everywhere)’), but is now balanced by, and informed by, the experiences of life. Included amongst Redmann’s original songs is a fine cover of Bob Dylan’s ‘Dark Eyes.’ An extremely likeable artist, with a distinctive, fresh sound and thoughtful, yet unselfconscious lyrics.
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SALT
Music for Meditation – Inner Stillness 
www.SunPalaceMusic.com