Massage Music and Equipment compilation

[rosemary]

Hi, again!  

So, I have tried to find all of the posts on massage music that we have and place them into an easy category, so that we have a nice place to go for finding CD info easily.  (Ah-ha, and that is what it says in the topic!)

I took liberties to make a list of what most everyone has written so far and will make one post to follow with that info. along with some a few peoples input on massage music/background noise appliances, just so it is categorized along with this, as a help for those who may look for it. - Hope ya'll like what I've done!  

My idea for this thread is to list music by the following thoughts in order to make finding the types of music and ordering it really easy for us (you know- "if something shows up in the top ten for most people, it must be really good!", kind of thing):

• Please list between 10-20 of your favorite CD's (that can be purchased),
  
• a weblink when possible for purchasing purposes, in the order of the most favoite as the first [maybe you have five that are equally good, no problem, just list as 1.) 1.) 1.) 1.) 1.) 6.) 7.) etc.],
• and mention the type of sounds/music it provides along with why or what you really like about the CD.

So, your post would look something like this:

David and Steve Gordon - "Garden of Serenity" - http://www.sequoiarecords.com/SET006.shtml - Beautiful water and light chime background with soothing music. A favorite, never get tired of working to it, and it completely relaxes the client. I use this on all of my "first-timers".

Remember to use your modify button frequently for items in your personal post that may need to be changed or added, so the forum will be easier to navigate.

Since we've all been adding to the different music forums, I hope this will just be another way to get to the MUSIC!!  But because threads sometimes have a way of morphing into other thoughts, I hope this one will be strictly music. Thanks for your help!

 

[Sylar- Goodbye for now.]

Massage Music/Sound Space - Simplified for Eas

First up the good comments about equipment (music compilation is to follow):

Thanks to the original individuals who posted the following info! I re-vamped some of it for ease of information (CalicoComfort, sagetherapist & Sadiedawn + those who wrote the info on the XM who I can't seem to locate names on right now *ack*): None of these brilliant ideas were mine! I am just the messenger.

CD Players
A 3 disc player mounted right on the wall (looks nice but subtle; doesn't take up any space in the rooms).  

Comment: "Most of the time, it's the first thing the client comments on before I've touched them. It shows new clients that I took time for the extra little things for their relaxation experience, meanwhile, it was just as much for my ease and peace of mind, too."

Thought: Can keep on continuous play and change the cd's once a week. Can put three types of music in (Suggestion: 1 classical, 1 new age, 1 nature sound)  Don't get too sick of the music and if a client has a preference, it's the touch of a button to change the style of music. Keeps from ruining cd's collection by getting oils on them or on the machines.

Cost: ~ $300 each  


Sound Machines
Mount them on the walls, in each room, up high where they can blend into the backround and keep them on a VERY low volume.

Comment:   I use the "white noise" feature, as the other sounds (ocean, spring rain, crickets, heartbeat) can be too obviously fake. It cuts down on voices traveling from room to room, or reception to room.

Thought:  Backround noise can make people feel more private, and adds a mental barrier from one area to another. If a client can hear other clients, how secure can that client feel about opening up?

Cost: Drugstore.com has them for $15! Cheaper than anywhere else.


Electric Wind Chime Machine

Comment:  I keep it near the bathroom, so people feel the restroom is a bit more separated. I bought it at , and EVERYONE compliments me on it. It's very subtle, and adds atmosphere.

Cost: Bed, Bath and Beyond - $20.  


"Travel Sound Machine/Alarm Clock Soother" from Sharper Image

Comment:   Small and runs on batteries which can be changed once per month or so.  It has a LOT of sounds to choose from & they are very clear & realistic compared to some I have heard from other machines.

Thought: Mask outside sounds completely by having a velvet curtain covering the door, a sound machine, desktop windchimes which give off a very light sound, a fan (moves the air, moves wind chimes & adds a small amount of white noise) and my music selections. Sounds like alot, but I have them all coming from different corners. The center of the room is a beautiful blend of soundscapes.

Cost: ~ $69. (There's often a $25 coupon if you purchase $75 or more, etc. in the Sharper Image catalogue or a Sharper Image coupon in the Entertainment.com booklets.) http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/productview.jhtml?pid=26695100 &pcatid=4&catid=401


XM Radio
The XM radio has over 100 channels. 7 are jazz and blues and 3 are classical channels. Great choice of commercial free music. Link for the channel listings: http://www.xmradio.com/programming/full_channel_listing.jsp?sort=number  

Optional information when considering this route: "I had a facial at a place that uses XM radio last month. Most of their music was great - even some of the same music that I use. But there was one song... I felt like I was in a dungeon. The music got really creepy - like something out of a vampire movie."


Cassette Tapes

Comment:  "My first massage ever so I was a little uneasy to begin with. The lady had a tape playing of the ocean or something. In the middle of the massage she had to stop massaging and turn the tape over. That was extremely distracting to me. It happened one other time also. The lady had some irish folk music on...not one of my favorite selections and she had to stop and turn her tape over but she didn't just turn it over either, she actually was fast forwarding or rewinding or something. I felt like it was very unprofessional.  So for anyone who reads this post, my suggestion would be to never ever ever ever EVER use a tape. You can get some really cheap nature sound CD's and to me, that would be 100% better than a therapist leaving me laying on the table while they mess with their equipment."

 

[racism is unbecoming]

Previously Mentioned Music

This music list is compiled from all of our members on the different forums here. I hope to add websites someday.Will Ackerman - "Sound of the Wind Driven Rain" - lots of soft guitarAnugama - "Shamanic Dream" & "Shamanic Dream II" - Perfect tempo and tones for bodywork / almost never get tired of it / all time favorite.Bath and Body Store -  "Sleep" - excellentMichael Benghiat - "Harmony", "Yoga", "Sunrise" - http://www.atpeacemedia.com/pages/musicindex.htmlSine and Kate Bush - A favorite.Cirque du Soleil - "Alegria Soundtrack" - Several clients have requested and enjoyed that. Cowboy Junkies - A favorite. Music and voices, nicely mixed.Coyote Oldman - "Thunder Chord" - http://www.nativeamericanwinds.com/cgi-bin/MyStore/shop.cgi?ACTION=thispage&thispage=cdcatalog2.html&ORDER_ID=613457202"Crouching Tiger Soundtrack" - All instrumental except for the last two songs. Great if you want to try something different!! CSN - A favorite.William Elwood - "Music for a Stress-free Day" - classical guitarEnya - A favorite.Dean Evenson - "Healing Sanctuary" - Clients have really been "zoning" out to this one, and I love it, too.  Dean Evenson - "Sound Massage"Dean Evenson & Li Xiangting -"Tao of Healing"John Friesen - "Sotto Voce" - celloMedwyn Goodall  - "Medicine Woman" - A favorite. David and Steve Gordon - "Garden of Serenity" - http://www.sequoiarecords.com/SET006.shtml - A favorite, never get tired of working to it, and it completely relaxes the client. I use this on all of my "first-timers".Halls of the Machine - "Atmospheres for Lovers and Sleepers" - hallsofthemachine.com - all instrumental / very modernistic / almost hypnotizing / incredible to work to / fast and slow beats, followed by soft and loud moments. I've received excellent feedback from it!!Steven Halpern - "Music for Yoga", "Enhancing Massage", "Inner Peace" Steven Halpern - "Spectrum Suite" - ambient, chakrasSteven Halpern  - "Serenity Suite" - music & nature Georgia Kelly, Steven Halpern  - "Ancient Echoes" Michael Hammer - "Radiance" - ambientHanai Music -  7 great and relaxing CDs to choose from - designed to have 50-70 beats per minute, to help induce the relaxation response. The musician is  Hanai.  Her music is absolutely amazing! - http://www.hanaimusic.com Michael Hoppe - "Afterglow" - http://www.silverlakemusic.com/pae/afterglow.html - Everyone loves and asks about. Cello and native flute music.Kitaro- A Japaneses instrumentalist. Some if his newest stuff has voices. Kohala -  "Kohala"  Diana Krall - "Look of Love" - I get the most comments about is this CDLifescapes - "Yoga", "Daydream", "Inner Peace", "Sleep" - available at Target storesLlewellyn, Robin Butterfield  - Healing Massage - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004WKG9/104-2523625-5072730?v=glance or http://www.souloflife.com/musmindbodysoul.htmlMakana - "Koi Au" -  world musicMerlin's Magic - "Reiki"  &  "The Heart of Reiki" -  My clients even comment on how relaxing they are. I use them almost all the time.  Two CD's that I LOVE.Monroe Institute - "Hemi-Sync Gaia" - theta stateMozart for Massage - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000041NR/104-2523625-5072730?v=glance or http://www.silverlakemusic.com/pmp/mozartmassage.htmlMcFadden/Shaw - "Desert Blooms" - harp & classical guitarLoreena McKennitt - Anything by her. - My absolute fav music to put me "in the zone". I usually choose Loreena (depending on the client and type of session)! It's the vocals floating over the tribal drumming that just gets me to where I want to be. The beat is a perfect pace for massage. Narada's - "New Flamenco Romance" - For people who want something a little faster, and not quite so new age sounding.Jim Oliver - "Musical Massage" and "Healing Harmonies" (2 disc set)  - Gotta go with anything by Jim Oliver. I don't get tired of either one. Today I did 4 hours with Musical Massage on continuous replay and I swear I'm still not tired of it. Musical Massage is a little faster and more varied than Healing Harmonies which is focused on healing sound therapy. Marina Raye - "Snow Falling on Silence" - mostly Native American flute - I have Marina Raye's other Cd's and they're just as good. Rosewynde - Flute and Harp Duo. A particular favorite.  Celtic/classical mix.Andre Segovia -  The spanish classical guitar is relaxing and soothing. Solitudes -  "Natural Sleep Inducement" - natural sounds with musicPeter Sterling - "Harp Magic" Various Artists - "The Light Touch for Health and Harmony" Glenn Velez - rhythm CD'sCharlie Wayne - A particular favorite. Native american flute.Dar Williams - A favorite.Some additional comments by our members:"I've discovered that many people associate Enya with private time alone with a significant other, so I don't personally find it an appropriate choice.""Music by Marcey - The one with the blue cover is great for massage. However, I've been told by another massage therapist that clients who have a history of sexual abuse seem to be unable to relax with it.""Loreena McKinnit and Enya are great the first 20,000 times you hear them, and I still cycle back once in a while.""I used to listen to Steven Halpern alot, but it got monotonous.""I made about an hour and 20 minutes of music just off of the free Amazon.com downloads"

 

[Julia B]

My Top CD's

list + weblink + type of sounds/music it + why/what Here are the CD's I tend to use the most. آ Fairly eclectic in mixture, but nice all the same. آ 

• David and Steve Gordon - "Garden of Serenity"  http://www.sequoiarecords.com/SET006.shtml - I use this on all of my new clients, and of course the old ones too. آ It has a very nice soothing music with chimes and water flowing and even little birds in the distance which are very quiet. آ It feels like you are in an asian garden. I never get tired of it.
• Musical Massage - "Inside" http://serenitysupply.com/detail_10022.htm - I am always deeply relaxed with CD.
• Arnold Mitchem - "Desert Dreams" http://www.desertusa.com/web_cart/db/pages/fie.html -Very "southwest". آ Acoustic guitars and flutes, strings and bass plus the sounds of the desert. آ Too bad it is not a full 60 mins.
• Rob Whitesides-Woo - "Rain Dance" http://www.silverlakemusic.com/art/awhitesides.html -Very relaxing. Has a nice beat to keep you moving progressively through the bodywork. Celtic harp, classical and acoustic guitars, Indian flutes, and world drums.
• L'Esprit - "Language of Touch" http://www.serenitymusic.com/otherartists.html - A variety of instruments, guitars, winds, strings and keyboards. I find this to be very relaxing.
• Christopher Franke - "Celestine Prophecy" http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000003ACR/102-3859749-9455361?v=glance - This one is a favorite of a lot of clients, it even has some background chanting, sort of like monks. آ Quite an interesting piece of music which I go back to time and again when I become bored with my other music.
• Dean Evenson - "Desert Moon Song" http://www.desertusa.com/web_cart/db/pages/fie.html or http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000017QR/102-3859749-9455361?v=glance - Native & silver flutes, harps & synthesizers, cyotes far far off in the background, ever so occasionally. آ I really enjoy this CD, though it is a bit light pitched on the flutes for me to use as a consistent CD. آ I need a little deeper sound to use on back to back massages.
• Deuter - "Nada Himalaya"http://www.newearthrecords.com/Catalog_/Deuter/NadaHimalaya.htm - Tibetan bells, chimes and bowls. آ Nice CD, will keep people from talking too much, I have found.
• James Asher - "Lotus Path" http://www.newearthrecords.com/Catalog_/Asher/lotuspath.htm - I have found this to be one I return to when I can't find anything else that seems right for the massage work.
• Lisa Lynne - Celtic Harp with Flute by the Ocean http://www.lisalynne.de/celtic_harp_with_flute_by_the_.html- Music and nature. Very nice for a change.
• Secret Garden - "Songs from a Secret Garden"http://www.spinsilly.com/mall-cds-artists-Secret-Garden.asp or http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/artist/glance/-/52586/ref=m_art_dp/104-2523625-5072730 - Irish folk. آ One track that has muted singing, but itآ is definitely not distracting at all. I have never had a client dislike it and it is the only CD I carry when I perform out-calls.

آ 

 

[Pineapple Shortcake]

Massage Music/Sound Space - Easy Navigation

I just found this one, which may not be to everyone's taste but is EXACTLY what I like

The Tibetan Healing Music Collection by Nawang Khechog.  It is a collection of very calm, very reflective instrumental music, mostly the Tibetan bamboo flute, with a little of other flutes and other instruments.  All three disks are 'massage ready' as far as I'm concerned, and I would n't feel the need to edit any of the tracks out.

http://www.kindredspirit.co.uk/romanpages/shophome.htm is the address, click on Music CDs and Spiritual Music.

You won't be disappointed if you like this kind of thing.

I don't have the rest of a top 10 to offer yet, I'm still working on finding what will work for me, and my clients, now my training is finished (as of this week!).

 

[Amp40]

Massage Music/Sound Space - Easy Navigation

Thanks SDBliss - I haven't heard any of those titles, but since they rank up at the top of your list, you can bet I'm gonna get at least one! If you want to give us any thoughts as to how they sound or what you like best about them, feel free to use that modify button!!!

 

[irishscott99]

" Massage Music/Sound Space - Easy Navigation

I found another link with more favorites, here on our forums, so am adding the info. But, I am still waiting for more of you to tell me about your top ten! Atmosphere - Spanish Nights (new compositions) - found it at Wal-MartMichael Dulin - Piano and some duets which include Native American Flute Enigma - nice for a change of pace / has vocalsBrian Eno -  "Ambient 1: Music for Airports" date:1978Family Circle's Best Ever Guitar Favorites - classical - found it at Wal-MartHanai - "Inspiration", "Serenity" and "Tranquil Forest" are very popular with my clientsNora Jones - "has become a favorite of my clients" -//-"I also like Nora Jones, but not so much after hearing 3 or 4 times in a row."Liquid Mind - good ambient artistCarlos Nakai: "Canyon Trilogy" - Native American Flute - Very simple.  A little guitar here and there.  Meditative.Pete Namlook - good ambient artistSteve Roach - good ambient artistJonn Serrie - good ambient artistSharper Image has also had lovely ones .... "Flamenco Guitar" (slow tempos, very lovely) & "Shiatsu" (just awesome).Spacecraft - good ambient artistChris Spheris and Paul Voudouris - "Enchantment"Zola Van - Piano

 

[votremec]

Massage Music/Sound Space - Easy Navigation

I burn a lot of CD's from the different music I have around. That way there is always a variety, and I can vary the musical pace within a session. Here are a few favorite things that end up getting used frequently:1. Traditional Gamelan music from Sumatra or Bali.  You can find this at Amazon, just go to the Indonesian section under international music (South Pacific Islands) and search for "gamelan". In short, a gamelan is an orchestra of chimes (metal and wood), along with an assortment of other instruments. I find it to be both grounding and heady at the same time. It can definitely be trance-ish. Absolutely LOVE it.2. Mickey Hart. Again, this is percussion based. This is a mix of traditional drumming from around the world, and soundscape type music.3.Kodo. Japanese Taiko drumming. Very powerful and earthy. 4. The "Global Meditation" series. A series of four discs. This is a sampler of meditative, traditional world music, from chanting monks to solo flute and so on. Each disc has a separate theme: rhythm, melody, sorry, can't remember the other two.So much music, so little time...palpable

 

[jlde2001]

Massage Music/Sound Space - Easy Navigation

These are my favorites - I like music with piano, flute or guitar or some combo of them, plus most things by Dean Evenson.

Danny Wright - Soul Mates

Gary Stadler - Reflections of Faerie

Zen Garden - Kokin Gumi

Jim Brickman - No Words

Max Highstein - Path of the Heart

Earth Sutras - Shastro

One Quiet Night - Pat Metheny

Billy McLaughlin - Guitar Meditations

Dean Evenson -  Sound Healing

Dean Evenson - Healing Waters

2002 - Land of Forever

Real Music - Sacred Spa Music Series

Michael Hoppe - Poet: Romances for Cello

Sources for the above music:

http://www.silverlakemusic.com
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.serenitymusic.com
http://www.realmusic.com

 

[HOT GUY CON]

Massage Music/Sound Space - Easy Navigation

Try http://musicdesign.com/ for music at wholesale prices.  I believe you need a resale license and there is a $100. min order.Will follow up with a list of favorite music These are my newest editions: Amethystium: Amethystium & EvermindAnugama:  Shamanic DreamSoulfood:  Mystic Canyon, Spiritual Massage, Yoga RhythmKarunesh:  Heart Chakra MeditationBTribeCybertribeJeff Lorber:  FlipsideTJ Rehmi:  The Warm ChillMorcheeba:  Who Can You Trust, Big CalmDidoNorah JonesState of GraceATB:  Two Worlds**Ryan Farish:  BeautifulOlder Standards:Lisa LynnEnyaSecret GardenSuzanne TengGratz

 

[Hurricane Laura]

Massage Music/Sound Space - Easy Navigation

I am working on my top ten but as I have seen many from Dean Evanson listed I would like to add a few: *"Dreamstreams"  Dean Evanson  I was listening to this one several years before I even became an LMT* "Mountain Meadow Meditation"  Dean Evanson* "Back to the Garden" Dean Evanson* "A Gift For Mother" Dean Evanson, this is an instrumental featuring hymns, I have found it to be very soothing especially for my older clients.Peace Through Music, I believe will get you to Dean Evanson's site.* "Healing Massage"  Sugo Music* Accoustic Alchemy also has very nice guitar instrumentals.Still working on it!

 

[BeBe]

Cari Cole

Cari Cole - "Circle of Fire" - http://www.caricole.com.

Spiritual in nature, Cari has written the music, sings and plays the instruments. No instrumentals on this CD, but very healing, "etheral" lyrics to speak to the soul. Inspired by don Miguel who wrote "The Four Agreements" with whom she traveled.

I recently met her and attended a concert she gave in South Windsor, CT. Truly beautiful and soul-reaching music. It never gets old, and my clients are asking for copies!

 

[Bender]

R. Carlos Nakai (Native American Flute Music...some chanting):
Canyon Trilogy - relaxing and meditative flute, 1989, 58:48 min
Emergence - relaxing and meditative flute, 1992, 59:55 min
Inner Voices - relaxing and meditative flute, 1999, 57:56 min

Alice Gomez (Native American...more upbeat):
Flute Dreams - flutes, drums, rattles, and synthesizers
While The Eagle Sleeps - multiple flutes, ceremonial percussion instruments, Yaqui-style harp, and synthesizers

Lifescapes series, available at Target:
Celtic Harp - Celtic melodies with harp, violin, cello, and keyboard, 50+ min
Calming Massage - soothing modern soundscapes, 60+ min
Just Relax, The Orient - blend of ethnic flutes, yang chin, and lush instrumentation, 50+ min
Calming Sea - sounds of the sea/waves and meditative soundscapes, 50+ min

Alex de Grassi's Interpretations, available at Target:
James Taylor - instrumental guitar, 49 min
Simon & Garfunkel - instrumental guitar, 49 min

 

[Phat_Rabbit]

Found this ion another thread:

Does anyone know of any good Native American CDs???? Please help

Rebecca, I love Native American music especially with flute.

Here are a couple of CD's that I really love:

Through Windows & Walls by Peter Kater & R. Carlos Nakai (mixture of piano and native american flute)
(http://www.silverwave.com). R. Carlos Nakai is a fairly well known flute player in the native american music industry.

Tribal Dreams Music from Native Americans which has 13 artists and is produced by Earth Beat! Records (http://www.earthbeatrecords.com)

Under One Sky Native American Flute & Rhythm produced by Paras Recordings/Red Feather Music (http://www.parasrecordings.com)

Anything Mary Youngblood does is wonderful too. (http://www.maryyoungblood.com) Mary Youngblood has received awards for her innovative interpretations of native american music, the most recent is Feed the Fire.which has been nominated for a 2004 grammy for Best Native American Music

Higher Octave has a group known as Cusco which produces very rich cross cultural sounds which have a lot of native american rhythms, some traditional and some nontraditional (http://www.higheroctave.com).

Sacred Spirits I and Sacred Spirits II which is a compilation of native american music but I don't know who produced them.

I am interested to know if you enjoy any of these.

 

[Kristy]

more music

Hello all-

Ever since I got my Ipod I've been a massage music junkie. I use the Alltech Lansing speaker dock, the sound quality is awesome and it's super portable (about 6"x8"x2" and it can also run on 4 aa batteries!!) for when I do out calls. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their sound system. The speaker dock was about $125.

I geeked out and have my massage music classified into playlists. So I've got a playlist with down tempo music, and up tempo list, ambient/electronic, paino, and classical that way I can easily change the music for each client depending on what they like.

iTunes has a rather limited selection of massage appropriate music but I did stumble onto http://www.omstream.com that has great massage/yoga music that you can download.

Here's my top 10 list:
1. Anything by Anugama- never get tired of listening to. Shamanic Dream 1 & 2, Healing, Lightness of Being are great for first time clients and general relaxation. Tantra and Exotic Dance are up tempo.

2. Namaste- it's a compilation CD, slightly asian zen overtones, with occassional bells.

3. Drolma, Choying & ...., Selwa- beautiful, female vocals that are in some other language.

4.Geoffry Armes, Spirit Dwelling- Sunny guitar and soft procussion makes you feel like you're taking nap in a hamock on a summer day.

5.Anuvida & Nik Tyndall- Reiki Touch of Love- great all purpose massage music

6. Windam Hill Collection- they make several CD's that are compilations Good for getting introduced to new artists.

7. George Winston- Paino solos. Has several CD's with seasonal themes. You'll need to preview the album in its entirety as some albums have songs in the middle that will make you feel like you've had a few too many esspressos that morning.

8. Makyo, Shringara- ambient/ electronica, good for clients who like more complex music

9. Flying Carpet disc 2, compilation- a mix of flute, synthesizer, sitar, up tempo beats

10. Ekova, Soft Breeze and Tsunami Breaks; Heaven's Dust; Space Lulabys- will take you some where else. Again for the client who likes more complex beats. I recommend you listen to this one first as it is not appropriate for all clients.

 

[Pompal 09.]

HI everyone. I just wanted to let you know about my experience with having XM in my treatment room. At first I was so excited, and thought that it was going to be so great! But unfortunatly the new age section played so much more then just relaxation new age. There was a lot of up tempo kind of almost house beat music. Which I loved, but my clients were used to my cd collection which was mainly nature, asian, ocean, and down tempo kind of stuff. So, I felt very uncomfortable when something with quite a beat came on, and found myself apologizing for the music. Now, I think it would work wonderfully for anyone that has a diverse music collection, and has already introduced different beats to your clients. But it just didn't work for mine. I even tried to do classical, and jazz, but then some really loud parts would come up in the music, and it would be overwhelming. I would love to hear if XM actually worked out for anyone. For now I have joined Itunes and I am going to start downloading music.

 

[ricardo d]

re: Massage Music

Hey Texas-gal. Great idea for a forum thread! I've already tried two from your list (Kohana & Desert Blooms) and I love both of them. Here are my favorites that haven't yet been listed on this thread:

Avalon by Stephanie Bennett
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000664RN/ref=cm_lm_fullview_prodimg_4/103-2355939-8951065?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=5174
Slow, soothing celtic music - perfect for relaxation.

Quiet Fire by Stroutsos, Clipman & Eaton
http://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Fire-Zen-Moods-Experience/dp/B0002R2518/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/002-6547836-6084015?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1185558828&sr=1-2
Koto-harp guitar, Chinese bamboo Xiao flute, water drums, udu and other exotic instruments blend into a unique & beautiful CD.

Ladder of the Soul by Paul Baker
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005MCVL/ref=cm_lm_fullview_prod_7/103-2355939-8951065?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=5174
Exquisite solo harp. Clear & beautiful.

A Place Without Noise by Wayne Gratz
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000065CVZ/ref=cm_lm_fullview_prod_8/103-2355939-8951065?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=5174
Solo piano, beautifully composed.

Your Lingering Touch by Govi
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005K9SX/ref=cm_lm_fullview_prod_9/103-2355939-8951065?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=5174
Spanish guitar - a collection of quieter rhythyms gathered from his other CD's.

Reiki: Whale Song by Kamal
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005KCCJ/ref=cm_lm_fullview_prod_16/103-2355939-8951065?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=5174
Haunting songs of the humpback whale interwoven with ethereal keyboards, synthesizer, woodwinds, ambient voices & the sounds of crashing waves. This CD is very different, but exceptional.

Here are my favorites that other people have already recommended on this thread, and I completely agree! :

Afterglow by Hoppe, Tillman and Wheater
Inner Voices by R. Carlos Nakai
The Lightness of Being by Anugama
Shamanic Dream by Anugama

 

[nur azieni]

re: Massage Music

Reiki: Whale Song by Kamal

Just heard this one the other day...awesome!

 

[Hazel K]

Great thread! Thank you for all the new suggestions!

While I love chanting and find it immensely relaxing, my clients by and large do not want to hear chanting, drums, whale sounds, or vocals during their sessions. Or Enya or Kenny G (which is just fine by me!) They don't really care for music that is either too "new-agey" or too obviously classical.

The clients who love old jazz get a specially-blended mix of Chet Baker (all the lovely ballads, both sung and played...here is the exception to the no-vocals), some Paul Desmond low-tempo instrumental, and Ella and Billie at their most softly soulful. As someone else mentioned, George Winston and Miles Davis both have great work well-suited for massage, but albums must be edited first for the crazier tracks.

Sacred Spirits' Yeha-Noha is a GREAT for the person who wanted Native American chanting. I love this but don't work to it because of client preferences. Another great disc for those who like chanting, try Trance I. It has Sufi, Tibetian monk, and classical Indian chanting.

I was surprised nobody has mentioned the start-to-finish utterly surberb album Afterglow, with Martin Tillman, Michael Hoppe and Tim Wheater. An achingly lovely mix of cello, flute and some keyboard (with a tad bit of atmospheric distant rolling thunder and rain) I've remixed it to run 95 minutes and it is has been a favorite of clients of every age, sex and background. They often buy a copy for themselves after their first listen. Perfect for 1st-timers and for myself, because after so many years I've never tired of it, and I still use it nearly every day.

Oystein Sevag and Lakki Patey's Visual needs no editing. Ambient without being cold, no vocals, nice pacing.

Moby's Hotel. Disc 2 is ambient music and a good choice for those not comfortable with the usual new age choices. I find it especially nice for chair work.

Gaiam's Music Meditation series, Unwind and Sleep are both staples.

Kathy Landry's By Wings of Angels. Gentle piano. I like classical but when you know the work it's easy to get caught up in it, not what is at hand, for both myself and clients. This disc is a nice compromise, not classical, not jazz.

Others mentioned that I also like to use for work: Reiki Wellness, aside from the whales. The Dreamer: Romances for Alto Flute, The Poet: Romances for Cello, Stephen Halpern but in moderation (if you've bought one CD, you have them all...too much repetition), and Moroccan Spirit, which requires editing for vocals and tempo, Namaste, again, edited for chanting. I popped this disc into my CD alarm clock and have been waking to track 6, the gradually-increasing chimes, for the past year.

I find the clients who enjoy guitar also tend to prefer more up-tempo music as well. Whether it's classical guitar (Segovia) or flamenco (Armik), both are personal and client favorites. I choose depending on the client's mood and the sort of work we'll do that day and have yet to find an album by either of these artists that doesn't please.

For Thai my hands-down (no pun intended!) favorite is Metta by Uwe Newman. It is specially written for the specific pacing Thai massage utilizes. I also use it for table work as well as meditation. You can find this one online only at http://www.lotuspalm.com

I agree, Norah Jones gets old on repetition. Jack Johnson is a special favorite of one client, who will have them stacked up in her changer, waiting for me. She got me hooked on him but I haven't introduced him to other clients, though I do enjoy working to it.

Any suggestions for more great cello music, shout it out. (Various works by Yo-Yo Ma I already have but didn't list.) This seems to be an all-around pleaser.

I work exclusively from the iPod, with the Altec-Lansing folding speakers for onsite work and an iHome system in the office. The remote that comes with the iHome has been very useful.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Mrs Kitten thats cool you actually have clients that are ok with Jazz. I was thinking I would love to do that, but not sure how well it fits for massage. Like you said you'd have to edit some of the crazier stuff (think John Coltrane on some of the latter stuff in his career (post 1965-1967) like stuff off of "Ascension" "Stellar Regions" "First Meditations" "OM"etc. out of the mix because nothing you can think of worse that would upset a client in a deep state of relaxation to get jarred by a loud crash of the drums or a piercing sax solo. For me it's just any type of relaxation type of cd which works well.

There was this amazing cd I forget the name of the artist, but I used it in a Reiki session and it relaxed me completely during the session I was the one that felt nurtured doing the work. I think it was Golden Bowls or Tibetan bowls or something. If I could ever find that cd I would be soooo happy.