Michael Stanton

I am so proud to share this record with you; a perfect trinity of songs written by the most excellent friend and musical companion, Julia Gelpke.

After producing her last album El Rio Debajo Del Rio back in 2022, my good friend Julia Gelpke called on me again to help make another record; with the vision of a short album of three songs dedicated to Yemanja, the great mother of the ocean.

Julia and I met with a group of our favourite musicians to begin writing parts and make arrangements of the songs, and then we set about recording them.   The result is something so special, and I feel the production work, including the mixing, is some of my best to date.

Estrela do Mar (Star of the Sea) is a devotional meeting of Afro-Brazilian drums with West African kora and European orchestral instruments; influences that span three continents, all of which share the waters of the great Atlantic Ocean.  There is so much depth and significance to the intention and meaning of these records, for healing and reconciliation, with a prayer and salutation to Yemanja, the great mother of us all.

With Asha McCarthy on Cello and vocals, Lizzie Ogle on Percussion and vocals, Arjun Magee on Kora, George Heartsong on Piano and Accordion, Alfie Weedon on Double Bass, and of course contributions of guitars and production skills from yours truly.

I am truly awed by what we have achieved. At times during this process I have thought "this is simply a masterpeice". I hope you love it as much as I do.

Listen to the full record here:

https://juliagelpke.bandcamp.com/album/estrela-do-mar