Dreaming Under the Banyan Tree is the anxiously-awaited follow-up to composer/guitarist Randal L Meek’s 2022 release, Longings. While Longings wasn’t Randal’s first album, it was his first major release and was very positively received and reviewed. Both albums were recorded at Imaginary Road Studios in Vermont and feature Will Ackerman (guitar) and several of the other wonderful musicians that appear on many of the albums recorded there. Produced, arranged, engineered, mixed and mastered by Tom Eaton at his Sounds and Substance studio, the sound quality of the album is impeccable! The album itself is something of a love letter to the island of Maui, where Randal has called home for the past several years after a successful law career of 35 years. I loved Longings and I love the gentle, relaxed vibe of Dreaming Under the Banyan Tree, too! In these turbulent times, it’s like a warm, soothing breeze that invites daydreams and happy smiles. CDs are available from Randal’s website that include liner notes that explain the inspiration for each piece as well as which musicians played on which tracks (Randal plays acoustic guitar on all twelve tracks).

Dreaming Under the Banyan Tree begins with “Maui nõ ka ‘oi” which translates as “Maui is the best” and features Charlie Bisharat (violin) as well as Tom Eaton (bass), Jim “Kimo” West (guitars), and John Curtis (mandolin and ukulele) in addition to Randal’s acoustic guitar. Warm, gentle and peaceful, it is contentment set to music! “Petals Falling” was composed while Randal watched plumeria blossoms falling softly to the ground and includes Tom Eaton (piano and bass) and Jeff Oster (flugelhorn) - so dreamy! Warmly refreshing, “Ha’ikū Breeze” includes Noah Wilding (vocals), Tom Eaton (bass, accordion and percussion!) and John Curtis (mandolin). “Whisper” takes a more melancholy turn and was inspired by “an intimate conversation with a loved one who has passed on.” Beautifully expressed on guitar along with cello (Eugene Friesen), plus bass, piano and electric guitar (Eaton on all three!), it’s very deeply touching. Charlie Bisharat returns with his soulful violin on “Papaya Salad,” along with Eaton (percussion) and Michael Manring (fretless bass) - light and tasty! “Serenity” is a gorgeous guitar solo (Meek), that takes its title very seriously, inviting a deep breath or two or three as you listen. Ahhhhh…. “Ahihi Bay” was composed in Randal’s head on one of his daily runs along the shoreline of the ‘Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve, a protected marine sanctuary along the south shore of Maui with crystal clear water and throngs of colorful tropical fish. Randal’s guitar is accompanied by Premik Russell Tubbs (alto flute), Eugene Friesen (cello) and John Curtis (ukulele) - like floating on a cloud! “Drifitng” is equally relaxing and includes, Randal, Ackerman, Eaton (bass and piano), Oster and Wilding. “Lost” describes the feeling most of us have from time to time and is a heartfelt trio for guitar (Randal), violin (Bisharat) and mandolin (Curtis). The title track brings this excellent album to a serene close with a seven-minute tribute to the Banyan Tree, which stands in Lahaina on Maui and is a symbol of hope and resilience - especially after surviving the devastating fires of 2023.

Dreaming Under the Banyan Tree is sure to take you to a place of calm and beauty and is a welcome reminder of just how beautiful life can be. It is available to stream and download on Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes, and can be streamed on Spotify. As I mentioned, CDs are available from Randal L Meek’s website, as are downloads. I give it a very enthusiastic both thumbs up!