Into Light by Sante

A deep sense of spirituality infuses the work of ambient electronic artist Sante'.

"My music is really about effecting folks positively on deep energetic levels," she says. "The CD 'Into Light' is really a small universal journey which highlights a few very important historical timelines, introduces a few rarely visited locations, and features an in depth audio emotional statement from The Mother."

Musically, Sante's is a trained guitarist with roots in classical, flamenco and progressive rock. She credits such diverse sources as Al Di Meola, Jeff Beck, Ralph Towner and Egberto Gistmonti with influencing her style.

To extend her musical palette, Sante' began experimenting keyboard and guitar-control synthesizers. Influences by artists such as Steve Roach, Giles Reaves, Kevin Braheny and Tim Clark, she began to develop her own style.

This led to a sound filled with auditory imagery rooted firmly in classical melody and new age rhythm. The compositions on "Into Light" leave listeners with the feeling Sante' has finally become at one with her art.

"It was during the making of 'Into the Light' that I truly relaxed into the medium and just became," Sante' says. "In this way I was able to explore much more fully the various degrees of awareness within myself, expressing it as auditory imagery."

Compositions such as "Aton" are particularly stirring. Using riffs from eastern and western musical tradition superimposed over a liquid foundation of new age rhythm, Sante' creates a constantly shifting barrage of images.

The result is breathtaking. From the eerie, dark world of "Cetacea" to the sparkling mists of "Waterdown," Sante' weaves magic into her music. I was repeatedly amazed at her ability to tell stories with sound rather than words.

A key to her success in this album is the layering of her compositions. In "Anasazi," for example, a slow, steady heartbeat lurks behind the melody, giving the impression somehow that the earth itself is alive and waiting, watching for something. Meanwhile "Emergence" lives up to its name, as tiny, clear bubbles of lights seem to rise from the depths of a dark, swirling base.

"Into Light" goes beyond simple sound effects and music and bursts into the world of sonic storytelling. Sante carefully chooses each tone, melody and harmony to further the impression of growth and movement. As you listen to this CD, you immerse yourself in the unfathomable mind of a living creature.

"I was able to move beyond 'toys' and melt the sonic textures into a vivid, breathing energy capable of imparting its own reality," she explains. "I know the journey within is always just beginning and that is the revelation."

It has been a privilege tagging on along on a part of the journey with Sante'.

Samples of "Into Light" can be heard at http://www.mp3.com/SANTE. The CD contains 11 tracks and runs just under one hour in length. The CD is also available from Amazon.