As you observe the Summer Solstice, take some time to pause and reflect on the first half of the year. The Solstice presents an opportunity to let go of what no longer serves you. Make some time to realign your energy with what brings you joy and fulfillment. To enhance the atmosphere of peace and reflection, take some time to listen to new music that cultivates a quiet and contemplative mood.
Hidden Lake - This contemplative playlist starts with Hidden Lake, a transportive conversation between three musical genres bluegrass (Bela Fleck), Indian classical music (Zakir Hussain), and Western classical music (Edgar Meyer).
Kings - We then move to Kit Downes' “Kings” played on a Willis pipe organ at Union Chapel, one of the most renowned organs in the world. Not your traditional pipe organ music, this song envelops you in layers of sound and texture.
Lyskaster - Next is Lyskaster from Jakob Bro — a Danish jazz guitarist and composer. He also has the most beautiful website.
Solopgang - Another piece from Denmark, Solopgang, is meditative jazz from Morten McCoy (piano) and Jonathan Bremer (bass).
Himmelbjerget - Hvalfugl makes it a third from Denmark! I am a big fan of the tranquil and minimalist melody in Himmelbjerget.
Teil IV - Part of a four act opera from Icelandic composer Kjartan Sveinsson. When is the last time you listened to an Icelandic opera?
To Remain/To Return - Described as a “portal to another universe,” this song’s trance-like mood is pierced by Arooj Aftab’s spellbinding singing in Urdu.
Lullaby - from jazz drummer Makaya McCraven is enigmatic and timeless.
This Solstice playlist is also on → Amazon Music.
Not only is it the first solstice of the year and the longest day, but it's also our wedding anniversary.