Crafting SoundscapesSound Artists Cynthia and Rick Quintanal of Crystal Cymbalogy create intentional sounds to lead attendees into a state of present awareness, using crystal sounding bowls, drums and voice. It is in this state of presence where we might receive more fully our complete experience of nature, our food and the gifts of our environment.
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Sound TherapiesSound Healing, Acoustic Ecology and other sound therapies are emerging fields of research and study. Although some of the simplest and oldest forms of “Sound Healing” are the most profound as demonstrated by Aboriginal Medicine (Wo)Men. Sound is such an amazing measure of our environmental health, be it physical, mental, emotional, nature, political or other. Some researchers are using the sound of our voice to uncover unconscious beliefs and behaviors as well as detecting markers for illness. New research is consistently rising around using sound with plants and water as in the work of Masaru Emoto, Kathleen Harrison, Monica Gagliano and Pam Montgomery.
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Cyn and Rick Lifelong musicians, Cynthia and Rick bring their passion and expertise to the idea of inquiry into intentional sound. Rick has toured performing with The Don Ellis Orchestra, Kenny Rankin and Jorge Santana’s Malo. Part of the recording scene of LA and San Francisco, now plays with multiple New York Metro area groups in a range of genres. A lifelong singer and performer, Cynthia has performed in a range of settings from concert venue to the spiritual. She is currently with Crystal Cymbalogy and working in New York City theater. She has kept a vibrant healing practice in Connecticut for well over 20 years, combining Sound, energy work, Craniosacral and other forms of body work.
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Birth of Crystal Cymbology
photo credit Laurie Klein Photography
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Cynthia and Rick met through musical friends at a Kirtan on the beach under a full moon. It was decided then that they should collaborate and after their first date at a jam at a local farm, fate sealed them together as a couple. At first they practiced Cynthia's "tunes" that she had written and pulled together a band with some of Ricks favorite jazz and rock players. After a session with Dave Anderson in their home studio one evening of completely improvised music and poetry, hearing the playback, it was determined that something bigger was at play and thus the birth of Crystal Cymbalogy.
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The BandThe first gig, at a local Yoga studio, of this collaboration then included John Marshall and Rick on percussion and Dave Anderson on bass, along with Cynthia and Rick playing crystal and tibetan bowls. Cynthia had poetry lined up on her iPad as well as created in the moment sound and poetry.
Subsequent gigs included Karl Spicer on shakuhachi and bass and Peter Onofrio on Native American flute and didgereedoo. Recent giigs have included Premik Russell Tubbs on various wind instruments. At this time the band has a very modular format so that in smaller venues, Cynthia and Rick can play with bowls, keyboards and drums and cymbals. In larger venues they add the other members depending on the size and intention of the event. |
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Their GoalTogether, their great desire is to expose others to the direct experience of their own exquisite beauty residing inside oneself, around oneself, and leading one to recognize their authentic Self.
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