Light Body is the latest in a continuing series of healing music recordings by pianist/composer Peter Kater. Kater performs on piano and synthesizers and is joined by Trisha Bowden’s vocals and Paul McCandless on oboe, penny whistles, English horn, and sax. Created as an “uplifting and supportive audial companion for life’s many challenges, transitions and metamorphosis,” the music has been found to be “particularly healing, comforting, and inspiring for people facing everything from common daily stress, disease, trauma and even the process of dying.” The titles of the pieces are named for the seven chakras, which are used as a map for a “musical journey towards love, peace and acceptance that can provide significant relief to individuals and loved ones facing life changing circumstances.” (All quotes from the liner notes.) Even though this music was composed with a specific purpose in mind, it is very beautiful to listen to for its own sake. More ambient than melodic, and often very ethereal, it makes a soothing background for working, reading, relaxing, driving, and many other activities that can be made more enjoyable with unobtrusive music that evokes feelings of peace and calm. I also need to mention the striking cover artwork by Valerie McManus - gorgeous!

Light Body begins with “Root Chakra,” a piece built on layers of atmospheric sound, occasional percussion, and angelic voices that accompany a slow, simple and very beautiful piano lead. While feeling very relaxed, the mind wanders to pleasant thoughts and memories, creating a sense of warm well-being. “Sacral Chakra” features McCandless’ hypnotic oboe combined with repeated patterns on the piano and Bowden’s gentle humming. “Solar Plexus Chakra” is especially graceful and haunting as it soothes mind, body, and soul. McCandless is again incredible with his soaring playing. “Heart Chakra” is very quiet, tranquil, and serene. “Throat Chakra” conveys dreamy feelings of effortless floating and of being at peace. “Intuitive Chakra” is a bit darker and more dramatic, with a singing bowl shining through the mysterious atmospheric sounds and very spare piano. McCandless’ penny whistle adds sparks of light as the piano becomes more energetic. “Crown Chakra” is the final piece in the set, and is perhaps the most ambient and peaceful of the seven as piano, English horn, and voice merge in a union of tranquility and well-being.

Light Body is a great album for anyone looking for a peaceful musical escape. It is available from peterkater.com, MysteriumMusic.com, Amazon, iTunes, and CD Baby. Recommended!