David Parsons – Maitreya The Future Buddha

As far back as I can remember I have been strongly attracted to both Hinduism and Buddhism, although, because I have an interest in other religious philosophies around the world, I have never fully committed myself to any one belief system. By doing so, I worry that I might be tempted to exclude the great truths existent in other philosophies—so I keep an open mind. I have been very privileged to be able to travel, courtesy of Celestial Harmonies, to many countries, documenting and recording some great musical traditions. This has allowed me to experience other cultures, more from their people’s point of view than would have normally been possible. This is something I wish we could all experience—it would certainly go a long way towards dissolving some of the hatred, ignorance and lack of cultural sensitivity so rampant in the world today. Throughout all of my travels I gained a better insight into and respect for Islam, as well as a new appreciation of Christianity via the Armenian Apostolic Church. However, my thoughts still keep leading back to the Indian philosophies. I have always had this love of Hinduism, probably because of its absolute human approach. I am very drawn to Tibetan Buddhism mainly because they have kept some of the pantheon of Hindu deities and the result, for me anyway, is a fascinating synthesis. It has all the logical, intellectual aspects of Buddhist thought together with the rich kaleidoscope of Hinduism. I have always believed that when the creator placed the world in the care of humanity he gave the Tibetans the workshop manual. It is with these thoughts in mind that I have composed the tracks on this album. The track titles are only the starting points for the listener. I’m sure the music will mean different things to different people and I don’t particularly want to impose my feelings about the music in any concrete way. It is perhaps enough to say that the music is simply the fleeting sonic impressions of a 21st century electronic composer of a great world teaching, that perhaps one day he might find the courage to commit to.

David Parsons – Maitreya: the future Buddha
CD review by Chris Spencer

The short review for this CD is new age, ambient, meditation music!
The long review: I’ve been exposed to this sort of music for nearly 25 years, as my wife has listened to a variety of relaxation tapes and music over much of that time.
I’ve never been enamoured with the whole genre of ‘music’ so I was wary of reviewing this CD, especially as it had some influence of music and themes associated with Hinduism and Buddhism.
Parsons calls himself an electronic composer, and has sampled different sounds from various monasteries in India and New Zealand and incorporated them into this album.  He has also used sounds of traditional Indian instruments such as the sitar to create the soundscapes.
“Realm of the Hungry Ghost” incorporates a sound that is similar to monks making dirge like noises.  There’s a deep rumbling bass on “Shambhala” that leads into sounds akin to prayer bells while “Maitreye”, the title track has rumbling thunder instead of the bass and also has the prayer bells and the sounds of the monks again.

Three of the seven tracks extend for more than 10 minutes, and unlike tapes and records, one doesn’t have to interrupt their thoughts to turn the media over for over an hour with this CD!
Readers also need to note that this CD was recorded in 2002, and Parsons has released more recent material.
Only for those who wish to listen to soundscapes or ambient music while they relax and meditate.