A musical journey out of the darkness...into the light Donna invites you to listen while reading these notes... ABOUT THIS ALBUM This 2-disc CD is a companion recording to Donna's first song chant album, “Into the Light.” Originally begun in 2001, this long-awaited release provides a musical journey through original song chants that express searching, hope, healing, joy, gratitude and possibility. Donna invites you to make and use these as your personal musical affirmations in your own healing journey. ABOUT THE TWO DISCS Disc One is highlighted by original vocal recordings as well as a quietly soothing instrumental piano meditation. There is also a beautiful duet featuring Donna and vocalist Gregory Fisher. Listeners can hear the layers of intricate harmonies on the a capella vocal montages “Infinite…” and “Possibility (Reprise).” (Donna sang all the vocals on this album.) The well known “Cradle Me (Reprise)”--already in use at Taize services in churches and at conferences and retreats throughout the country--was built from the tracks of the full-length song. Disc Two features instrumental tracks that may be used for performances and group singing but are also provided purely for listening enjoyment to create a beautiful and inspiring background for creativity, contemplation and celebration. The progression of these songs begins in quiet sadness and aloneness then gradually moves forward into healing, grace and joy. All the instrumental tracks on Disc Two follow the vocal versions on Disc One. (Certain performance tracks with background vocals can be specially ordered. Contact Quarterlight Productions for more information.) These words are written by Donna and appear inside the album: There are times when our hearts are broken and our lives torn apart—times of sadness, loss and grief that seem too great to bear. In those moments, shadows deepen to an endless night and we wonder if we will ever again step out of the darkness…into the light…. This is a musical journey of healing It begins at that deepest hour of darkness and brokenness Slowly remembering releasing receiving hope peace and blessings of Infinite Love and Possibility Brokenness can bring our greatest blessings. Even when we do not know how, something much larger than we are knows. It never leaves us, holding us even when we feel there is nothing and no one there. It is Love. Infinite Love. May this music bring you hope, bring you peace, bring you joy. May it remind you that you are a light in this world and that you are one with that Infinite Love. And may you be blessed beyond all measure. ABOUT DONNA and HER MUSIC Donna Michael, on the Quarterlight label, is a Nashville-based composer, singer/songwriter and nationally known speaker and radical forgiveness coach whose recordings have been described as "a heavenly escape," "food for the soul," and "wondrously healing." Donna's music is perfect for inspiration, creativity, healing, hope, wellness, meditation, massage, yoga, relaxation, and renewal. Her original piano compositions immerse the listener in a world of grace, elegance and quiet passion. Her vocal style ranges from gently expressive and delicately honest to energetic and inspiring. Instrumental Albums MUSIC FOR MEDITATION, RENEWAL and CREATIVITY Donna has released several critically acclaimed instrumental collections, ranging from deeply soothing stream-of-consciousness recordings ("Somewhere in the Silence" and "When Silence Whispers") to music for inspiration, creativity, hope and celebration ("This Feels Like Heaven" and "The Brighter Side of Night"). She also collaborated with hammered dulcimer artist Lee Spears to produce a collection of unique "instrumental impressions for Christmas and the winter season" ("Winterfall"). SONG CHANTS, SONGBOOKS and INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC Donna has composed and created several "life-affirming" collections of inspiring song chants and instrumental accompaniment tracks that are ideal for individual and group singing to celebrate oneness and love ("Into the Light" and "One Mind One Heart"). This release ("Out of the Darkness") was nearly five years in the making. (See above.) “I Feel Joy” is most recent release, a collection of song chants, instrumental tracks and even 2 rhythm tracks to create your own chants or move to the rhythm of Spirit! Songbooks and sheet music are also available for selected recordings. (Visit www.DonnaMichael.com or call (615)383-4989 to learn more.) FORGIVENESS COACHING: Finding Freedom in Forgiveness (and many other workshops and retreats!) Wellness Workshops, Spiritual Direction, Coaching, and Spiritual Retreats Donna is a certified Forgiveness Coach and spiritual director/counselor who conducts seminars and retreats and works with individual clients using this incredibly empowering and life-changing method of forgiveness (visit www.DonnaMichael.com "Calendar" page for more information or email info@DonnaMichael.com). She is also an ordained minister, prayer practitioner,/ministerial counselor and speaker. Her music is widely used for wellness, healing, and inspiration, for meditation, massage and yoga and for creativity and contemplation. To learn more, contact Quarterlight Productions or visit her website: www.DonnaMichael.com