*************** 2010 Grammy Winner for 'Best New Age Album' ***************** David Darling's unconventional, playful teaching style has helped open the world of music and improvisation to thousands of people. Darling is a classically trained cellist who began his career as an elementary and secondary school teacher and conductor of band and orchestra, specializing in cello and bass. He later taught music and served as orchestra conductor and faculty cellist at Western Kentucky University. In 1969 he joined the Grammy Award-winning Paul Winter Consort, an extraordinarily progressive band for it's time whose sound blended jazz with Brazilian, African, Indian and other world music&emdash; and at times even the voices of animals. During his eight-year stint as soloist, composer and vocalist with the Consort, Darling was immersed in ensemble and solo improvisation. Since he left the Consort in 1978, he has dedicated himself to a solo performing and recording career, and to teaching music and improvisation.
In "Prayer for Compassion", a ten-year journey from the deep, passionate devotion of the greatly gifted and inspirational David Darling and Mickey Houlihan, David Darling, a creative genius using the universal language of music inherent in each of us and understood by all, expresses that which cannot be said in words...the feelings from deep in the soul of love, caring, kindness and concern for all humanity, for the suffering, for this great planet...the wondrous beauty of life, humanity, nature and all her creatures...this Heaven on Earth... a life given and lovingly nurtured by our blessed mothers, a life guided by deep spirituality and love...This music and the message in it is a precious, Blessed gift for all the world to hear and be inspired to an understanding of all peoples, to peace and harmony...very heartfelt thanks, gratitude and blessings to you both.
What an amazing piece of work! I first heard David playing on a compilation piece I had so I ordered this CD. I play it over and over. It's magical. I have several other cello CD's by different musicians and this one stands alone with its heart stirring pieces. Thank you David.
David Darling is my personal friend and classmate! This "Prayer for Compassion" CD won this year's Grammy for New Age Music! Everyone is so proud of all his accomplishments and what he's done for other musicians. I recommend everyone to visit his website and see and listen to his awesome music! Go to: [...] and be amazed!!
Janet Rucker-Smith
I have been a fan of David Darling's music for several years now, and "Prayer For Compassion" is his best artistic expression yet. I cannot recall a title that is more of a perfect match for the feelings this music evokes. It is soulful, it is mystical, and it is in-spiritedly muse-ical.
Farski
Prayer for Compassion is the most beautiful collection of music that I own. It paints a heartbreaking picture of tenderness, beauty, love, devotion, and -- of course -- compassion. What a masterpiece!
