Waves of Light is an incredible four-track EP by pianist/composer/vocalist and artist Elika Mahony. Quoting Elika’s website:
“I create piano and Bahá’í-inspired music that lifts the spirit and brings moments of peace, joy and spiritual connection.” I reviewed Elika’s
Glimmerings, her fourth album, back in 2012, so this has been a very nice re-connection! Three of the four tracks on
Waves of Light are soulful solo piano, and one includes wordless vocals. Three of the pieces were released as singles over the past several years, and two are spontaneous improvisations. Well-suited for listeners seeking calm, healing and inspiration, my only criticism of the album is that I wish it was longer!
A citizen of the world, Elika’s parents are from Iran and she was born in the US, raised in Kenya, and lived in China for a time; she now lives in Boston, Massachusetts. A classically-trained pianist from the age of five, Elika began composing instrumental music in college. That’s also when she started singing and setting the Baha’i writings to music. She released her first album,
Fire and Gold, in 2008, and has released ten more albums and many singles since then.
Waves of Light opens with the title track, the newest piece of the four. It begins with a short, rather melancholy intro before becoming a lighter minor-key waltz. Tracing a journey from challenge toward hope, it's a very beautiful and passionate start! “Dance to Freedom” was composed spontaneously and in response to the courage of the women of Iran during the Woman, Life, Freedom movement as they stood up for freedom and dignity under extremely difficult circumstances. There is a very powerful
video that goes with this piece that I very highly recommend. In Elika’s own words:
“I named the piece ‘Dance to Freedom’ as dancing is not permitted in Iran. In fact, neither is singing or performing. I often think about what a privilege it is to be able to freely sing, dance and record my compositions. I am immensely grateful for that. To honor these women in Iran, I chose video clips of women dancing in different cultures around the globe. My heart goes out to all the children, youth and women who are suffering and pray for their well-being.”
The deeply emotional “Light for the World” is for piano and voices and is amazing in its passionate expression - and without the use of any words. Gorgeous! “Waltz in Heaven” is the other spontaneous improvisation and was created when Elika first learned that her dearest friend had suddenly passed away. Sigi loved to dance, so that the piece is a waltz is a perfect tribute to her memory. Warm yet bittersweet, it’s also a loving memorial.
Waves of Light is truly a musical breath of fresh air and I give it my highest recommendation. It is available to stream and download from Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes and Bandcamp, and can be streamed on many platforms including Spotify and Pandora. Don’t miss this one!
