Hammock - 1

The Sleepover Story: Marc has been studying both Zen and Christian mysticism for the last two years. There are two books that have had the most impact on him, "The Still Point" by William Johnston and "The Ground We Share" by Robert Aitken and Brother David Steindel-Rast. The Sleepover Series is inspired by both of these traditions of mysticism. The titles of the tracks and the music itself is an attempt at suggesting the ineffable through sound. The highlight of the record is track #5, "The Still Point." This track is the longest piece on the record and is meant to be used as an aid for quieting the mind in preparation for times of silence and sleeping. All of the music on this record was composed after moments of centering prayer and/or sitting zazen. It is Marc's hope that this music will help the listener become more aware of the silent place within. On the Record: The Sleep-over Series Vol. 1 features Marc Byrd's densely layered, electric guitars. The music itself draws from the subtlety of Ambient and the serenity of New Age. In these compositions, you will hear echoes of guitarists Jeff Pearce, Michael Hedges and William Ackerman, the ambient/atmospheric approach of Steve Roach, Brian Eno and Deuter's Nada Himalaya album, and the influence of the sleep music/meditation therapy research of Dr. Jeffrey Thompson, Don Campbell and Master Charles' Synchronicity Series.