CD: Dream Slate
Artists: Synthesist
Contact: www.synthesist777.com



We’ve all heard the expression about “making dreams into reality,” well, that is exactly what Christopher Pearre (aka Synthesist) has done with this CD. It all began with a dream he had in which he was meditating by the ocean and heard music in the air and he opened his eyes to see it falling from the sky in prismatic colors and intricate geometric patterns. In the dream, a large wave rushed over him and when he sat up in bed, he heard the wave rushing back into the sea. In that moment, Christopher had an epiphany and went to his synthesizers, closed his eyes and recreated the music that he had just experienced in his dream.  Hence the album’s title: “Dream Slate.”


Like many recording artists who play new age and ambient electronic music, Christopher was influenced by the progressive rock of Emerson Lake & Palmer, Yes, and Genesis in the 70’s, as well as the emerging instrumental synthesizer sounds of Tangerine Dream, Jean-Michel Jarre, Kraftwerk, and Synergy. Although he has been evolving in this genre for many years, in 2003 a near-death experience in the hospital forever changed his life and he began an intense spiritual quest that included meditation, learning about chakras, Kundalini energy, Tantra, and unconditional love, all of which brought a new dimension and intention to his music.



One area of study which has impacted him deeply and which can be heard on this album is the concept of Solfeggio Frequencies. According to Christopher: “These original sound frequencies were apparently used in ancient Gregorian Chants, such as the great hymn to St. John the Baptist, along with others that church authorities say were lost centuries ago. The chants and their special tones were believed to impart tremendous spiritual blessings when sung in harmony during religious masses.” As new age music pioneer Steven Halpern is fond of saying, “Chants didn’t come about by chance.”  Christopher has written an interesting article on the subject which can be read on his website  for those wanting more detailed information.




Each song on the album was created with a specific intention based on our chakras and the Solfeggio Frequencies. As can be inferred by the name he records under, the primary instruments are synthesizers. Christopher’s early influences are evident and fans of Tangerine Dream, Jarre, Vangelis, etc. will find familiar territory being charted here. Although he is using contemporary digital keyboards and computers, some of the sounds have a warm, retro, analog quality to them. The music ranges from very dreamy and atmospheric to slightly more rhythmic with interesting percussive effects and touches of ethnic influences.


While I enjoyed all the compositions on the CD, if I had to pick a favorite it would be the sixth track, appropriately named “6thChakra Suite,” which featured compelling musical evolution through it’s various sections and seemed to tell a story in sound. Another point of interest for me was on a track entitled “Century Man,” which brought to mind the classic song by King Crimson: “In The Court Of The Crimson King” with it’s dramatic and symphonic motif. Christopher’s prog-rock roots also showed through a bit on “Soaring,” the last song on the album. However, this is not to give the impression that “Dream Slate” is by any means a rock album.  All in all, this is very much the kind of music you would hear on Hearts of Space or Echoes radio programs and lends itself to listening with headphones for a meditative journey. As he says in his bio: “This music was created to soothe, relax and take you away to another place.  Tune into your inner self and focus on the positive and the world will be a better place for all.  Help raise the vibration of the planet with Love, Light & Music.” To that I can only conclude with a heartfelt “amen!”