This album is a prayer. A prayer for me, my family and our community. The music and poetry explore seven principles: Faith, Hope, Love, Peace, Beauty, Respect and Determination. These principles give birth to eleven meditations. The concept of Love is explored from different angles throughout. The opening poem looks at God as a mother ascending to earth. She, the Supreme Being, creates life from love. We, the children, blossom and are inspired by our core. At the core of each of us, there is Beauty. The beauty within is unique. Our “imperfections” make us beautiful. Listen as waves of energy flow from one musician to the next representing the energy we receive from the sun that creates a path with beauty all around us. Guiding us on our path is the unseen hand. She knows our heart. Faith is confident that we will succeed no matter how impossible the situation might seem. She is aware of our stumbling blocks. She simply asks us to believe. We must believe in the dream we have for ourselves. Hope steps in and reminds us that despair is not a dream’s reality. When we are in pain, she still shines like a warm Caribbean sun. Feel the rhythm hope nurtures in your spirit. The spirit of Love has been around as long as time. The folk like melody has been passed down over centuries. We listen to love. The essence is in the roots that support the trees. It’s in the air we breathe. It’s between lovers. The exchange is simple at times and complex at others. Love is challenging us to be our best. As we navigate life, road blocks challenge our spirit. Determination becomes the force to remove the obstruction. As the melody goes through twists and turns, we finally arrive at our destination together. When we arrive, we realize that chaos might exist on the outside but true Peace begins within. The counterpoint of conflicts blend into consonant harmony. The harmony represents the peace inside us. With inner peace, the ultimate truth is revealed. The discovery? The Gift of You is a blessing. Our blessings cultivate Love and Respect. After listening and meditating to the music and poetry, we must just love (divine, self, family and community)… Reginald Cyntje April 2013 Musicians: Allyn Johnson – piano Amin Gumbs – drums Christie Dashiell – vocals (tracks 3, 4, 5 and 11) Heidi Martin – vocals/poet (tracks 1 and 10) Herman Burney – bass Lasana Mack – poet (tracks 3, 8 and 10) Todd Marcus – bass clarinet (track 9) Tosin Aribisala – percussion (track 3) Victor Provost – steel pan (all tracks except 1, 8, 10 and 11) Reginald Cynte – trombone All songs and poetry written by Reginald Cyntje Recorded on February 23, 2013 and March 2, 2013 at Blue House Productions Mixed and Mastered at Blue House Productions Producer: Reginald Cyntje Recording Engineer: Jeff Gruber Artwork: Ricardo Levins Morales