On his second ears&eyes Records release, “The Waters Above”, guitarist and composer Phil Schurger continues down the path of monumental storytelling through symbols referencing the cosmos, and a curiosity for world cultures. As with his first release, “Echoes of the Ancestors”, each composition is multi-dimensional and episodic. The opening melodic statement sets the scene, which is followed by solo sections and interludes, crafted to continue the development of the ebbs and flows of the broader story. The band is dynamic in its ability to sculpt the music, whether propelled by Greg Ward and Phil Schurger as the soloists, or Clif Wallace and Jeff Greene’s dynamic rhythm section playing.
"The Water's Above" as an album title, is a reference to the connection between the higher self and the lower self. The linking of these two parts of the being is a common aspect of many meditation paths. On the Tree of Life, this idea is reflected in several ways as one deepens in their understanding of the relationship between the Sephiroth. In Eastern iconography, often you will see a picture of a yogi seated in lotus pose with the image of a guru hovering above their head. Part of the practice of meditation is to create a continuous, conscious link between the upper and lower aspects of the being. In this manner, the normal, everyday mind can become awakened to these higher waters, and tap into the pools of wisdom through the intuition. For it is in the abstract mind that the root of innovation dwells.
1. Scorpio 11:42
2. Anikulapo 10:04
3. Motion 09:02
4. Yoruba 12:40
5. Inclusion 09:55
6. Nogah 11:36
Recorded at I.V. Labs by Manny Sanchez in Chicago IL USA
Mixed and mastered by Miles Fulwider in Ft. Wayne IN USA
Album layout/design by Rebekah Frey in Ft. Wayne IN USA
