Born to parents of Belizean-Creole and Garifuna ancestry, Justin Godfrey was introduced to the rich and complex sounds found throughout the Caribbean, at an early age. These sounds, so unique and truly a pastiche of African and island rhythms, served as excellent fodder for inspiration. After beginning his musical career at the age of thirteen and becoming accomplished drummer, Justin later discovered what he called a marvelous creation – the “Hang Drum!”
There are only two people who build Hanghang (its creators apparently don’t like the name ‘Hangdrum’), the inventors Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer. They have a little workshop in Bern, Switzerland where every Hang has been created. The Hang was developed in the year 2000. It is 52 cm in diameter and has a height of 24 cm. The two deep drawn steel hemispheres of the Hang use some of the same basic physical principles of a steelpan. Typically played on the player’s lap, depending on how it is played, it can sound like a harp, bells, or harmonically tuned steelpans.
Justin said that when he heard this instrument, he felt spiritually connected. It relaxed his mind with its rich resonance, producing polyphony so uplifting he felt unable to fully communicate his emotions to others. In his own words it made him imagine “the liveliness and sparkle of a Caribbean Carnival combined with the spiritualism of the Orient.” Having taught himself how to play the instrument Justin then set out to write some of his own music.
One of the results is the 4-track Ep, “Metallic Clairvoyance”. If you’re in a place where you need avoid having a silly grin on your face then this is definitely not the Ep for you to be listening to! But if you want to enter a realm of sonic jubilation and feel the imaginary ocean breeze fluttering your hair (even in the middle of NYC) then give it a spin. Each tune on has its own groove within an almost calypso-sounding framework, as Justin Godfrey creates an awesome ‘Hang’ experience with this music.
“Divinity of Steel”, “Time Enigma”, “Palace of Platinum” and “The Golden Ocean”, are songs that represent musical improvisations to engage the body, mind and spirit – played on the “hang” which is as melodic as it is percussive. This joyful, spontaneous music is designed to stimulate states of bliss and promote the movement of energy, the releasing of emotional and spiritual blocks and the integration of higher vibrational states.
The rich and coherent harmonic content of the songs on “Metallic Clairvoyance” is both stimulating and balancing. The Hang in the hands of Justin Godfrey proves itself to be beautiful, uplifting, transcendent, graceful and pure. It induces lucid dreams, like standing inside a kaleidoscope.
Justin Godfrey’s album of hang drum songs is mesmerizing and inspirational. Everything I expected and more, from an amazing instrument and from an obviously superior talent!
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