I’ve never been to Burning Man, but I’ve visited the North American desert and danced around in a Baja jacket like the Pittsburghers of Rusted Root have been known to do.
So when I started listening to Voice of the Wind by Trevor Green, I was lifted from the banalities of my everyday routine and brought into a euphoric, transcendental state of mind. (Unfortunately, it wasn’t yet the weekend, and I live in New York, so it lasted only a minute or so.)
Trevor Green Adopts Traditional Elements
Trevor Green is an interesting character whose spiritual life is already farther along than mine will ever be. An adopted member of a Navajo tribe, Green recently traveled to Australia to discover the roots of the indigenous culture he now values as his own, as well as the history behind the instrument he uses frequently throughout his music — the didgeridoo.
Apparently, Native American grass dancers accompany Green onstage when he performs, which precipitates a metamorphosis from run-of-the-mill music show to esoteric experience. (Listen to “Walking Tree” and you’ll understand how well it fits). “Walking Tree,” like many of Green’s songs, is mystical and haunting — a sublime combination.
Green’s music is contemplative. It forces you to think by bringing you to a place deep within yourself. “Chant,” for example, speaks to purpose: “Lead with purpose in all you do / let your soul come shining through.”
During the powerful and introspective journey of listening to this album, released last month it is Trevor Green’s newest, you’re continually supported by the vocals, which are tremendous in and of themselves, but when aided by the sounds of guitar, drum, and didgeridoo, are magical.
Voice of the Wind shows the versatility in Green’s musical abilities. Each song has a distinctive flavor that makes it highly accessible to listeners, and this accessibility is what makes Trevor so appealing. While his biographical story is unique, the themes of his music are universal in their positivity.
“Red Road” reminds me, personally, of the Yellow Brick Road from The Wizard of Oz. All immature references aside, the lyrics are light and encouraging: “Chosen one to walk the red road / your story of truth is all that is known.”
The final song on the track, “Open Minds,” talks about coming home. It is probably my favorite, and it’s all the more rewarding with the knowledge that Trevor Green traveled to Australia to discover the history of his adopted people and finally come home.