VA - Forest Bathing (2016)

Forest Bathing is an ancient Japanese tradition known as shinrin-yoku—the medicine of relaxing in a forest. Approached with presence, great restorative healing value for the mind and body can be induced, including lower blood pressure, reduced stress and anxiety and a stronger immune system. This music collection has been specifically curated for its compatibility with the cleansing resonance of trees and may be used at any time for relaxation and to simulate forest healing.

Over the years, Real Music has assembled some stunning compilation albums, and Forest Bathing can now be added to the list. Compiled from albums dating from 1988 up through 2016, twelve artists are represented on fourteen tracks (Kenio Fuke and the late Hillary Stagg have two tracks each). The album title comes from the Japanese practice called “shinrin-yoku,” which translates as “forest bathing” and involves spending time in the forest and natural areas as good preventative medicine. In humans, exposure to some of the naturally-occurring chemicals released in the forest can lower blood pressure, relieve stress and anxiety, and boost the immune system. The music on this album was chosen for “its compatibility with the cleansing resonance of trees and may be used at any time for relaxation and to simulate forest healing.” (Quote from liner notes.) There is a very nice balance of piano/keyboards, guitar, electronica, and harp, and the artists are from all over the world, sharing a variety of musical cultures and traditions as well as newer sounds.

The other ten artists who have been included in this collection are Kevin Kern, Gandalf, Eamonn Karran, Carl Borden, Devakant, Mike Howe, Sacred Earth, Haiku, Peter Kater, and Bernward Koch. Ten of the fourteen selections come from albums that were released at least five years ago, so it doesn’t seem likely that many people would have all of this music on the original albums. My own favorites are “Enchanted Forest” by Kenio Fuke, “Fairy Wings” by Kevin Kern, “Run Deep” by Mike Howe, “Magical Land” by Kenio Fuke, “Sunset” by Peter Kater, and “Softly Awakening” by Bernward Koch.

Forest Bathing is a great album for any time of the year, but could be especially helpful as an antidote to the faster pace of the holidays. Recommended!

Tracklist:

01. Kenio Fuke - Enchanted Forest
02. Kevin Kern - Fairy Wings
03. Gandalf - Love is the Answer
04. Hilary Stagg - Beyond the Horizon
05. Eamonn Karran - Fascination
06. Carl Borden - A New Dawn
07. Devakant - Blowing Zen
08. Mike Howe - Run Deep
09. Sacred Earth - Vishnu's Prayer
10. The Haiku Project - Small Plants
11. Kenio Fuke - Magical Land
12. Peter Kater - Sunset
13. Hilary Stagg - Sweet Return
14. Bernward Koch - Softly Awakening