by Robert Phoenix
One of the best musicians you’ve probably never heard of is Layne Redmond. To those in the know, she is nothing short of a marvel. A world class percussionist, she was named one of the most influential drummers of the nineties, by Drum Magazine. There she was, the lone woman amongst 53 heavyweights like Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Zakir Hussain and Mickey Hart, being recognized for her mastery of the frame drum, tambourine and other, more exotic forms of hand percussion.

In addition to being a kick-ass drummer, she’s also a master teacher, sharing her love and knowledge of rhythm with the world at large. And…adding another layer, she’s also a music healer, a seasoned practitioner of music therapy. Layne puts it all together on recordings such as Chakra Breathing Meditations and Invoking The Muse. Following Redmond on her journeys into the sacred realm of trance is like circumnavigating the contours of an archetypal realm, an expansive labyrinth of discovery. If an adventurous listener wants music for a dance workshop, or moving yoga, then Redmond should not be overlooked. If one simply wants to be enveloped by music that will take them on a sublime journey, then stop and listen to the magic of Layne Redmond.