Album Review–Out of Doors

Lessons From Nature’s Whispers For Meditation And Healing

Music for meditation and healing has become a mainstream topic. Searching the database of the music world, you are sure to find several hundred titles under this category. During my latest research, I came across “Out of Doors”, which the producer describes as music for contemplation, renewal, and healing. Wells Hanley, going by the name of Bodhiheart, has accomplished this album in association with producer and field recordist Matt Wyatt.

After personally experiencing what the album had in store for me, I just could not discount this work as one another title under this banner. In many ways, “Out of Doors” is a beacon light in this genre setting tall standards for future works to emulate. This album heavily draws from Hanley’s rich personal experience in meditation, psychology, and Jungian studies. Matt Wyatt’s production and mixing have helped surface Bodhiheart’s musical talents in a distinctive way. 

The predecessor to this album

Bodhiheart has earlier collaborated with a number of maestros in different genres. However, he formed an amazing team with Noah Hoffeld with whom he said he had a special musical relationship. These two shared their common interests in meditation and the result was the album “Love Rules”. As meditative music, this album attracted a huge following.

Following up with this highly acclaimed musical work, Bodhiheart contemplated the idea of “Out of Doors”, for which he joined hands with Producer and field recordist Matt Wyatt.

How “Out of Doors” is born

The scheme of “Out of Doors” is astounding and has helped the artist achieve his intended purpose in a big way. Nature’s sounds set the tranquil canvas for Hanley to paint his vast piano improvisations. He says he is inspired by Rumi’s poetry which outlined how the ecstasy of being in nature can lead a man to experience communion with the self.

In this album, the duo has created a heavenly sonic environment that is ideally suited for contemplation. The profound healing effect of the tunes relieves the mind of its pains and promotes a deep focus on the inner consciousness. The outcome is a heavenly joy that experiences communion with nature, the cosmos, and the higher self. Let us now walk through the tracks to study them in depth.

1. Departure [2:23]

To experience the best of the other world, you must first depart from here. The first piece prepares the table to serve the delightful delicacies that will follow in due course. Hanley has thoroughly exploited the versatile capabilities of piano to create calming music for his audience, transporting them to the other world of stillness and joy.

2. First Signs of Spring [5:38]

The joys that spring brings with it are incredibly promising. The happy sounds of birds, the aromatic freshness of the air, the beauty in the colorful scenes of the environment – all these nice aspects of nature indicate to us that times have changed for the better. The second track is an invitation to glorious moments.

3. The Rainy Season [5:12]

Rains are a beautiful occurrence in nature. Freshening up the environment with its cool showers, rain is a symbol of life’s continuation on the earth. The canvas of this opus is made of the soft sounds of rain showers and the silky notes of the piano create a lovable ambience to focus on the inner self.

4. Daybreak (the Sun) [5:30]

Daybreak is a lovely time when the world wakes up for the day’s activity. Everything around you feels so fresh and energetic. The new vitality gained from the night’s rest fuels the journey forward and you get set with your goals enthusiastically. The sounds of nature at the time of sunrise are replicated in the song’s background very well and the magical tunes engage in an intimate conversation with your soul.

5. Derecho [5:48]

Named after devastating storms, the fifth track ‘Derecho’ dwells on one another startling aspect of nature. But when your mind is focused and still enjoying the perfect communion with the self, no turbulence outside of you can hinder your joy and peace. This track is another example of the silent beauty of music for concentration.

6. Migration [7:53]

Migrations are of different types happening for different purposes. Every act of migration happens in search of something. The sixth track ‘Migration’ represents a journey towards something better. The background sounds like ocean waves over which the migratory journey takes place. The transforming effect of the melodies makes you feel you are no more the same at the end of the journey. 

7. Snow Melt [4:20]

Snow melts at the sight of the sun. Sun’s rays set the inactive ice into happy motion. Drops of melting snow gather to create streams that start their lovely journeys. The setting that creates the background for this track is something very unusual and not commonly found in compositions of such kind. This is one of the best songs in the album.

8. Creek Song [5:55]

Creeks are beautiful sights at the seaside. They expand the scope of the ocean waters to explore the land at the seashore. This is the point where the land and the sea engage in a friendly conversation with each other. The notes get brisker in this song and seem to have a profound healing effect on the mind. The scenes simulated by the tunes thrill you beyond compare.

9. Midnight (the Moon) [5:09]

Midnight has its own eerie charm. The ninth track is a skillful assemblage of soft melodies that produce a deep psychological effect on the listener. Take the concept of the track from the title, fashion the corresponding scenery in your mind and commit yourself fully to the song and you are bound to move into a peculiar world that heals and comforts.

10. Ocean, Sand, Skin [5:47]

Gazing at the ocean, your eyes are fixed on the vastly expanding waters while your skin explores the comforting touch of the beachside sands. The tenth track is the result of gathering some mesmerizing notes from the piano to cause a deep impact on your being.

11. Summer Storm [6:26]

Though storms are dreaded, they have their own unique charm. They remind us of the mighty power that nature is. ‘Summer Storm‘ is a scintillating composition in this album. The tunes whisper in your ears that you are free and never bound to anything. The notes of the penultimate track produce a stunning effect on you aligning you with your cherished goals.

12. Other Worlds [8:14]

The final track ‘Other Worlds’ suggests that you have reached your chosen destination. The silky tunes bring charming scenes and comforting light in front of your eyes. You begin to feel that you have been transformed, elevated, and inspired. There is a magical spell incorporated into each of the notes in this track.

Final word

The one hour and eight minutes you spend listening to this album are worth millions. Very few albums released under this category have such a profound effect on your mind. In many ways, this is certainly a laudable musical work bearing testimony to the masterly skills of the musician and producer.