It is rare these days to discover an artist so committed to his vision that he incorporates all aspects of his musical, cultural and spiritual experiences into one cohesive whole. Such creative diversity forms the core of BEAUTIFUL WORLD, veteran composer/producer Phil Sawyer's cosmopolitan mosaic which interweaves image-laden textures of exotic world beat, environmentally conscious musical vision, Eastern mysticism and even a pop-dance vibe.On the project's internationally successful debut ...IN EXISTENCE, Sawyer blends English and French lyrics, as well as the traditional chants of the Hopi Indians and from the East African Swahili, underscoring these elements with melodic, meditative pop music. The theme of the eleven-track masterpiece derives from a translation of a Swahili phrase meaning, "A perfect world has been created. It is already in existence"."There are many aspects of my life which contribute to the inclusion of so many elements here," says the London-based Sawyer, who boasts an extensive resume in TV and film scoring, after a remarkable run in popular rock and roll bands. "A few years ago, I wrote music for a commercial to be shown in Kenya, and worked with vocal chants for the first time. When I translated the Swahili, something deep hit me. I found the poetry reflected both my music and my life."
"In many ways, BEAUTIFUL WORLD is a celebration of life," he adds. "So many horrible things are happening in the world today, both to people and the natural beauty of the planet. My idea is that we don't have to accept these tragedies, we are not helpless. We have the power to both appreciate our environment and make changes starting with the beliefs we hold in our hearts."
Although Sawyer insists that the compositions on ...IN EXISTENCE were not recorded to reflect an ongoing storyline, the tracks tend to reflect signposts in the journey of his life. Soothing, rhythmic atmospheres and hypnotic chanting lead to a symphonic crescendo on In the Beginning, which opens the path towards a tribal, world percussion groove already In Existence. The Silk Road takes us to an ambient, open-air arena filled with Eastern mysticism, and there we meet the Magicien du Bonheur, who offers happiness by way of throbbing bass grooves and snazzy jazz keyboard melodies.
Spoken Word offers a haunting, Enya-like vocal over a coolly eerie atmosphere. Its spell is cleverly broken by the whimsical possibilities of Wonderful World, where Sawyer displays his ample keyboard prowess. The sojourn comes full circle on The Final Emotion, whose throbbing bass undercurrents reflect the rhythm of life, while the sweeping melody allows our spirits to soar.Born and raised in London, Phil Sawyer's initial focus was on rock and roll. He began his career at age 14 as lead singer and guitarist in bands like Fleur de Lys and Shotgun Express, which later gained fame as Fleetwood Mac. He then joined Camel, a progressive band featuring Pete Bardens. At 18, he replaced Steve Winwood in the legendary Spencer Davis Group. "The music from the 60's truly came from the heart," Sawyer reflects. "It was much less contrived than pop is these days."
Phil's work has offered him the opportunity to travel throughout the world and soak in the knowledge of exotic cultures and their vast histories, much of which is reflected on ...IN EXISTENCE. "I've even traveled to some interesting places in the United States," he says. "In Yellowstone Park, for instance, I felt the spirit of the Indians and began to do research on the Hopi tribe. I was so fascinated that I felt compelled to incorporate their chants as part of BEAUTIFUL WORLD. And I had a top Swahili linguist in London help me with the more exotic African sounds."
His discovery of Buddhism sixteen years ago has also inspired all aspects of Sawyer's life. Such a spiritual philosophy may enhance the listener's appreciation for the artistry of BEAUTIFUL WORLD and ...IN EXISTENCE, but it is only one of the many threads running through Phil Sawyer's delicate, yet powerful tapestry. Whether it prompts you to take stock of your deeper spiritual self, energizes you to take action or simply helps soothe your nerves and contemplate the here and now, BEAUTIFUL WORLD is a musical experience you won't soon forget.
Personnel:
Phil Sawyer (all instruments)
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Doreen Chanter (vocals)
Ella Harper (vocals)
Cori Josias (vocals)
Beryl Marsden (vocals)
Ricci Price (vocals)
Brigitte Sawyer (vocals)
Miriam Stockley (vocals)
Ian Whitmore (vocals
Tracklist:
01. In The Beginning (Sawyer) 3:39
02. In Existence (Sawyer) 4:01
03. Evolution (Sawyer) 5:27
04. Magicien Du Bonheur (Sawyer) 5:23
05. I Know (Sawyer) 4:47
06. The Silk Road (Sawyer)
07. Love Song (Sawyer) 5:29
08. Journey Of The Ancestors (Sawyer) 7:30
09. Revolution Of The Heart (Sawyer) 5:22
10. The Coming Of Age (Sawyer) 5:20
11. Spoken Word (Sawyer) 6:47
12. Wonderful World (Sawyer) 3:25
13. The Final Emotion (Sawyer) 4:22
ARMU 2169 (shareplace)