Darrell North - Hope, A Musical Therapy

Published Sunday 9th March 2008
Darrell North - Hope, A Musical Therapy
Darrell North - Hope, A Musical Therapy

STYLE: Ambient/Meditational
RATING 6 6 6 6 6 6
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 34525-13318
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Ian Hayter

Darrell is an American professional musician who was diagnosed with cancer in 2005. His subsequent experiences led him to record this 12 track disc of instrumental music as an aid to reflection and relaxation for those suffering from cancer themselves. The cover notes feature endorsements from two of the physicians who were involved with North's treatment - indeed, one of them, Dr Everard Hughes, is credited as co-producer of the album. With the exception of an arrangement of "Amazing Grace", these are all original compositions by Darrell and the direction of the composer's thoughts can be guessed at from the titles: "Peaceful Emotions", "Reflections", I've Got Hope". There are some which point towards a Christian worldview - "Crucified", "Seventh Day", "Amazing Grace" - but this an album which sounds pretty well like any other ambient album you might buy in the High Street. It's competent, pleasant and good background music. How effective it is in helping to cope with cancer I'm afraid I don't know.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Darrell north in Garden City, Kansas @ 04:06 on Dec 27 2007

Darrell North here. I thought I would comment regarding the purpose behind "Hope, A Musical Therapy".

I fought cancer 2005 and 2006. The longest two years of my life and the most inspiring. As God allowed this to happen, He has strengthened me through the process. I wrote the album under the influence of prescription drugs, I'm sure. My health was slowly wasting away and I felt like there was nothing I could do about it. I looked terrible about half way through radiation and chemotherapy treatments. I had two surgeries. Still today, I suffer from the effects of my treatments and surgeries. You know what, I'm still alive and with God's influence in my life, I am able to help others get through their darkest days. The album was completed about midway through the battle and recorded in a Kansas City studio.

The album is instrumental with the sounds we all love to listen to in quiet moments of reminiscing and meditating. The sound of wind chimes, trains, wind, rain, thunder, the surf and wolves howling in concert with the music give you a peace you cannot achieve elsewhere. It can put you to sleep or take your mind off of your problems as you relax. If it can do that for you, you have successful healing moments in your day. The album is available through my web site, www.darrellnorth.com or if you are a cancer patient at Southwind Oncology in Garden City. If you know of anyone that needs help, turn them on to "HOPE". I thank God for his healing. How else could I effectively mentor other cancer patients?

God Bless you music fans and Cross Rhythms. Darrell

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