elfenworks Music Projects: Tammy Hall "Rejuve"

Editor's Picks: Media--Body & Soul Magazine, "On the transporting CD Rejuve ...
jazz pianist Tammy Hall breaks from the tradition of performing covers and plays mesmerizing songs
she composed with the express intention of helping listeners recuperate from illness."

All-original music to comfort, inspire and encourage
In partnership with Greater Bay Area Chapter of the
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society [press release]

The 2006 release of "Rejuve" healing music was recorded with two pianos, one featuring a special well-temperament tuning. This CD of all-original music, to comfort and encourage those whose lives are in need of healing was first released in association with the Greater San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and then made available to Package of Prevention, a group which raises awareness about cancer and reduces harm by encouraging prevention and early intervention. Jazz pianist Tammy Hall was accompanied by violinist Lauren Speeth and percussionist Michaelle Goerlitz. The CD was recorded August 22nd and 23rd, 2006, at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California.

If you work with such an organization and would like to discuss this effort, please contact The Elfenworks Foundation. If you are interested in new, original, positive efforts, please use our contact page to get in touch with us, because we'd love to hear about it.

Technical Details

The sessions were recorded using a combination of vintage tube analog microphones and state-of-the-art modern microphones. Two grand pianos were used, a 7' concert grand which has a brighter sound, and a 9' concert grand with a richer, more earthy sound. Both pianos were specially tuned by John Callahan of Callahan Piano in a variant of the historical well temperament rather than the equal temperament to which most pianos are customarily tuned.

Partial Track Listing

Maui Shimmers
Home
Gratitude
The Awesome Moment
Love Source
Current
A Joy Restored
Grow

Some notes from John Callahan, piano technician, about the tuning

Modern keyboard tuning has been in “equal temperament” for nearly the past 100 years. This means that each half step in an octave is spaced equally from the rest, a compromise that makes all of the intervals slightly out of tune, but allows for exactly the same sound in every key signature. Historical, or “well temperament” means that the half steps are not equally spaced – the result being that some key signatures have a more harmonious, in-tune sound, while others sound more dissonant. The pianos were tuned in an historical “well temperament” and Tammy Hall specifically composed and performed these melodies in the key signatures that can be perceived as more harmonious in this tuning. The effect is a calming, soothing musical experience.

Recording Details

Rejuve was recorded August 22 and 23, 2006 at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California using specially tuned pianos and the highest resolution practically available and an array of vintage and state of the art microphones to provide the listener as much depth, clarity and organic warmth as possible.

• Producer / Executive Producer: Lauren Speeth, elfenworks productions, www.elfenworks.com.
• Engineer: Stephen Hart, Fantasy Studios, [now reach him at Bay Area Sound Studios].
• Session musicians: Tammy Hall, piano; Lauren Speeth, violin; Michaelle Goerlitz, percussion.
• Composer: Tammy Lynne Hall.

Liner Notes from Tammy Hall

Most of us are familiar with the concept that music can be a healing force. I believe it to be an absolute truth. I also believe that part of what makes music healing is the intent of the composers and performers behind the music. The concept that sounds can have physical and emotional effects on listeners has been studied, argued, validated, and disputed, for hundreds of years. After all of the research that Lauren [my best friend, producer, and musical collaborator in this, our latest effort] and I have done on the subject, we have reached the conclusion that the power of music as a healing force is dependent on the intent within it.

When we recorded the music you are about to hear, our aim was that the listener experience wellness, comfort, and resolve. These original compositions were inspired by our own life journeys. With this project we hope to reach those who struggle in ways that we can only imagine: those who suffer from serious illnesses, those recovering from radical procedures, and those experiencing deep emotional or spiritual trauma or loss. We believe in the power of music to help heal, comfort, inspire and encourage.

These pieces were composed to serve as a kind of blank palette-uncolored by past associations-so that you, the listener, can interpret them for the first time, taking from the music what you will for your own well-being. Rejuve never felt like work; instead it has been a labor of love, a work of gratitude. We invite all who listen to take solace in the sounds. Please find whatever comfort you seek in these songs. They were written for you, with a singular intent… to Rejuve.

Thank you.
Tammy L. Hall

Non-Medical Disclaimer [as printed on the CD]

We are not engaged in professional medical services and assume no responsibility for patient outcomes. Medical advice and decisions are appropriately made only by a competent and licensed medical practitioner, who must make decisions in light of all of the facts and circumstances in each individual and particular case. We absolutely do not advocate that anyone turn away from their current treatment or support -- this music is intended to augment, not replace, such treatment. -- and The Elfenworks Foundation and elfenworks LLC.