Be In This World is guitarist/multi-instrumentalist/composer Michelle Qureshi's first solo recording on the Wayfarer Music Group label, but she has released a very impressive number of award-winning albums, EPs and singles since her 2012 debut. A classically-trained guitarist, Michelle's music has had tens of millions of streams on global music platforms. One of the things I appreciate most about Michelle's music is her refusal to be boxed into one specific genre or style. She keeps exploring, experimenting and going in different directions, and Be In This World is no exception. Quoting her website:

"Imagining myself as a wayfarer, world traveler, even a musical nomad, the album title and music is inspired by this quote: 'Be in this world as if you were a stranger.' Sahih al-Bukhari"

Acoustic guitar is the lead instrument on several of the twelve tracks, and other instrumentation includes percussion, flutes, electric guitar and keyboard/synthesizers.

In addition to her many recordings, Michelle's Harmonic Sound Immersion™ events are transformative sound meditations created by the healing vibrations of ancient and modern instruments which she describes as a kind of "horizontal concert."

Be In This World begins with "Enigmatic Hearts," a warm and peaceful piece for guitars, hand percussion and colorful synth washes. "Behind That Smile" is more ambient and somewhat mysterious with a strong rhythm behind an assortment of other instruments. "Just Passing By" has an easy, unhurried feeling with tones that seem to float in the air, soothing the mind as they drift by. "Embracing Shadows" is darker and more mysterious, alternating between ambient and more melodic passages. Guitars, synths and light percussion paint a picture in deep blues and purples with occasional splashes of bright color - a favorite! The bright and lively "Blue Daisies" is springtime set to music! "Looking Glass" goes much darker and feels very cinematic. Mostly synth until a little past the middle of the piece when the guitar takes the lead, the mood is almost mournful - very powerful and emotional! Much lighter and more care-free, "Red Clay" almost dances out of the music player with a Native American-style flute along with guitars and percussion. "Down To You" combines acoustic guitars and light percussion with synth washes to create an easy, relaxed slow-dance. Although it is very ambient, a strong beat drives "Gathering Clouds" along with electric guitars and various synth sounds. "For Another Time" returns to a more light-hearted mood and a more relaxed pace. "Uncertain Certainties" is a beautiful and deeply-felt acoustic guitar solo with some light keyboard, reflecting on how many of us are feeling these days. The album comes to a close with "Vista," an ambient soundscape of peace and serenity.

Be In This World is another great album from Michelle Qureshi and can be streamed and/or downloaded from Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes and is also on many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. Very highly recommended!