Matthew Kocel
The Vision
by Brent Cole
Whats Up! Magazine
Bellingham, Washington
May 2009
It's a rare treat to be able to listen to a local artist that is truly and without question, unique. Bellingham's music scene has long been known for its diversity, but no one quite like Matthew Kocel has ever been part of the rich tapestry.
A recent transplant to the Bellingham area, Kocel's sound is derived in a large part from Tuvan or Overtone throat singing a unique style of singing "in which the singer manipulates the resonances created as air travels from the lungs, past the vocal folds, and out the lips to produce a melody" (according to Wikipedia). The sound produced is reminiscent of a didgeridoo, but with a more full and engulfing sound.
On his most recent recording, The Vision, Kocel forgoes any synthesized sounds and focuses on soft, meditative instruments that are used to bring rhythm to the gentle rumble of Kocel's singing. Within minutes of listening to the recording, a sense of relief naturally occurs within the body (the songs are meant to do) to say the songs are beautiful would be to short change their sound. They are a force and a presence on top of a soothing essence.
In truth, no reviewer can describe Kocel with any great accuracy his music is simply is something that needs to be heard and experienced. There's a transcendental beauty to Kocel's album that is best enjoyed while in meditation (or, for this reviewer, acupuncture).
Matthew Kocel's disc is a thing of spiritual beauty, bringing a whole new dimension to an already rich tapestry
LOCAL SHOWS
Whats Up! Magazine
Bellingham, Washington
April 2009 Issue
Matthew Kocel
March 21 - Wise Awakening's Orca Theatre
by Melanie Merz
Matthew Kocel is the Om Shaman. For the last 12 years he has been leading Sound Healing meditations across the country, using throat singing (also called overtone chanting) as his primary instrument. Kocel uses his voice to create "multiple harmonies and healing frequencies" while performing. He lulls audiences into therapeutic states by also playing the harmonium, a set of crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, tuning forks, tingsha cymbals, and a conch shell.
Sound Healing boils down to the idea that everything and everyone is in a constant state of vibration. Sound Healing can help when our vibes are thrown off kilter, or maybe more appropriately put: off pitch. An example would be using the soothing resonations from a tuning fork, or singing bowl, to realign or harmonize our vibrations.
I really wasn't sure what to expect when I walked into the Orca Theater, tucked behind the book/stone shop and the Inner Dimensional Sound Chamber at Wise Awakening on Holly St. Kocel's hour long performance really shouldn't be called a "show." Yes, it was interesting to watch him gently play his array of unusual instruments, but to truly benefit from the "experience," it seemed best to get comfortable, close my eyes, and let the music waft over my senses.
Kocel could manipulate his voice to sound at times like a guttural drone, and others a cultivated purr. At times it surged out in waves, sometimes in docile ripples. No sounds were abrupt or angular; every element rang out clearly and openly. While most of the music was entirely foreign to me, I was struck by one melody that reminded me of church hymns that I'd heard growing up. That song turned out to be the last piece, and Kocel asked the audience to join in. It was curious to hear how each person interpreted what Kocel had been singing. From what I could catch, I doubt that any two people were humming the same melody, but somehow, it worked as a whole.
Before his performance I wouldn't have considered music to have healing power in such a literal sense, but the effect of the experience was undeniable. I walked out feeling relaxed, reinvigorated, and the weight of some of the concerns I'd carried in with me seemed considerably lighter. No doubt the result would be different for everyone, your openness being the most critical factor in it
