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Soul Journey

by Scott Lawlor

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Included in Kathy's list of favorites for 2018: mainlypiano.com/favorites/kathys-favorites-2018
This album was inspired by the profoundly touching story of Nancy Rynes and her near death experience. Her radio interviews moved me to tears and struck a chord within myself for the longing of a divine presence which I had connected with earlier in my life, a presence which I walked away from consciously long ago but on a more profound level, the longing was still there, drowned out by the busyness of life and dysthymia, a mental condition not as deep and episodic as depression but one which is more longstanding, like a faint shadow of gloom over most of my existence.
For many years, tainted by the dogma, rigidity and inflexible rules of different Christian denominations I had tried to embrace at different points in my life, and wanting nothing to do with those interpretations of spirit, I came to the conclusion that yes there was a god but he was impersonal, an intelligence who set the universe in motion and just let it run down with no intervention.

Still in shock over my brother Joe's death last year, and then finding out that I recently lost another dear friend in an automobile accident, the need to reach out beyond myself and try to connect with the spirit world was rekindled along with a profound desire to be open to signs that those who I love are doing okay in the afterlife.

After hearing Nancy's account of her experiences and those of others who have had NDE's, (I took comfort and solace in hearing the stories and accounts of those who have gone and returned)
I felt a calling to respond to what was happening internally and so, as usual, music is the vehicle for those internal responses and it is my hope that this album will have a profound effect on you, the listener and that it will take you on a journey to the interior where you will also encounter your own divine presence by way of a profound soul journey.

To Learn more about Nancy and her work, visit nancyrynes.com

"There is something so transcendent about the work of electronic musician Scott Lawlor; he has in his time created great cathartic symphony’s through the medium of his synths, and to be honest it is always a wonderful musical journey I travel each time I get to review a new Lawlor album.
In my opinion Lawlor’s work has steadily improved from release to release and now on Soul Journey those floaty synths seem to be the master creator at manifesting such ambient landscapes that seem to stretch into infinity, like the first track off this new album, which is rightly the title track.
Soul Journey and the journey of souls has been a work in progress for me for many years, even more so after the incredible work of Michael Newton and his book Journey of Souls, then the thought came to me, I can read that book again and listen to this album, it seems so fitting, its spacious and calming and the music seems to float all around me, without any intrusions, the perfect ambient offering indeed.
Scott Lawlor has an ability to truly feel his music, so that when he releases it, he immediately connects with his audience in a soul to soul way, now listen to the charming narrative of our current voyage of souls through the piece Divine Presence. The style reflects more towards the ambient side of the new age genre here, in fact this track reminds me a little of Deuter but without the flute, the reference to this new age giant is that Lawlor seems to have manifested in a similar style, a perfect state of oneness on this offering, and by adding the bells and choir, given the arrangement a true ethereal feeling to enjoy.
Structure of Love is our third track off this four piece album and is another splendid slice of tranquillity from the artist. However it feels like a new narrative is being drawn here, one can sense both a reality of lightness within this offering as if something is being constructed ever so slowly, with great care and attention to detail. There is something quite beautiful about this offering that seems to transcend the normal use of the word, beauty as in, deep within the structure of the very essence of love perhaps. Scott Lawlor’s performance here is sublime and with each note played he manifests a whole new dimension of ambience.
Our last piece from this four part album is called Celestial Guide, the movement here across this wide expanse of music is profound, and at this juncture perhaps we are meeting the energy of our soul teacher, our guide through this realm. This is the longest piece off the release at well over half an hour, and I urge you not to look at the timings when listening to this album, they are largely irrelevant, the journey is the main thing here, by giving yourself to this release with an open mind and heart, you will find it a most pleasurable and peaceful experience indeed.
I found Soul Journey by Scott Lawlor a truly healing voyage of great electronic music, in my view this is his best work so far, the elevation of purpose and energy this album manifests is blissful, this is a wonderfully fulfilling and ethereal escape into the realms of ambient music, one that is filled with an abundance of love and letting go. Soul Journey by Scott Lawlor would be perfect for any meditative practises, or just for a restful sleep, as this superb new album creates all around you, an atmosphere of tranquillity like never before."
Review by Steve Sheppard, One World Music Radio

"Scott Lawlor’s Soul Journey was inspired by the story of Nancy Rynes and her near-death experience after being hit by an SUV while riding her bicycle. Quoting from her site, Rynes explains: “I should have died, but while surgeons worked to repair my traumatized spine, my spirit was in Heaven. Instead of dying, I was overcome by a powerful beauty, love and joy - and allowed to return to Earth to share what I learned.” Profoundly moved by listening to Rynes’ radio interviews, Lawlor found himself longing for a divine presence that he had connected with earlier in his life, but walked away from long ago. Still reeling from the deaths of his brother and a dear friend, Lawlor found that a need to “reach out beyond myself and try to connect with the spirit world was rekindled along with a profound desire to be open to signs that those who I love are doing okay in the afterlife.” Feeling a call to express some of these internalized emotions and reactions, Lawlor did what he does best and went to his synthesizers and keyboards to create the music for this album. His hope is that it is “a journey to the interior where you will also encounter your own divine presence by way of a profound soul journey.”

Soul Journey consists of four ambient, ethereal tracks that are soothing, but truly feel like a journey. This is the fifth of Lawlor’s many albums that I have reviewed, and his music always seems more “musical” than that of many ambient artists. I’m not sure what that special something is, but Lawlor’s albums go far beyond the categories of “space music” or “healing music” to a realm of deep emotional expression coupled with a bit of magic.

The title track begins the Soul Journey. Dark and mysterious at the beginning, strings, voices and orchestral and atmospheric sounds surround the listener, beckoning him or her to follow, effortlessly soaring heavenward. The darkness lightens and the pace slows to a graceful feeling of floating through an endless calm and gentle warmth. I’m fascinated with Lawlor’s ability to convey power and a soothing peacefulness at the same time.

“Divine Presence” is the second track. Ethereal voices, strings, pipe organ and chimes create an atmosphere of beautiful light that surrounds the listener/traveler with warmth and a profound comforting of the spirit.

“Structure of Love” is somewhat more mysterious, adding flute sounds to the gently flowing instrumentation. It’s 14 1/2 minutes of heavenly bliss!

“Celestial Guide” is by far the longest of the tracks at almost 32 1/2 minutes, but what a wonderfully uplifting guided tour through the stars and heavens. and what a gift to be able to escape to a place where all is well, and there are no conflicts, diseases or unhappiness.

Soul Journey is an exceptional ambient musical experience by one of the genre’s most exceptional artists!"
Review by Kathy Parsons of MainlyPiano.com

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released October 31, 2018

Cover by Julie Marsh
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Scott Lawlor Albuquerque, New Mexico

I am an ambient artist who composes in many sub-genres such as dark and light ambient, solo piano, cosmic drone, avant-garde and noise music both as a solo artist and as a collaborating partner. My music is created with intentionality, creating a sonic space for the unfolding of personal stories as well as exploration of spiritual and cultural themes which profoundly influence our society. ... more

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