Such beautiful music fills the grooves of Momi’s Borne in a Faint Streak of Light. Released in 1979 on CRI Recording (a private label?), the LP is layered with swaying horns, crisp drumming, delicate harping and Momi’s child-like, angelic voice.
Each track sounds like it descended upon Earth via a falling cloud. Not that the music moves slowly, but Momi and her band of divine messengers play with the warming energy of the sun and the gentle touch of the breeze. Like I said, it’s a beautiful thing to hear.
Momi (Diane Leimomi Riley) was about 23 when Borne was released. The album has been described as warm folk-psych, or even soul music. I’d say it’s roots are in jazz, with a touch of funk/psych and some reggae for good measure (see: “Lambsbread”). Despite the labels, Borne is one hell of an album. It’s heavenly, I mean, and outstanding for someone so young.
All songs arranged by Momi Riley. Produced by Jim Riley (James Weston Riley?) & Momi and friends. Backup musicians include:
Bobby Potter, tenor sax, sax, flute
Rick Myrick, lead guitar, backing vocals (“Baby’s Blue”)
David Moore, bass, synthesizer (“Windows in the Sun”)
Beverly LeBeck, cello (“Sunrise”)
Robert Lokomaika’i o Kalani Snakenberg, Hawaiian translation of “Shine”
Here’s the back cover:
Hello I was in Phase VII in the 80′s.
You have my picture on your site on the Phase VII windjammer Album I am on the far right.
I am not in the videos of the band as I left the group just a few weeks before that time. In fact I don’t see Gil or Billy the bass player and trombone / singer that I worked with while in the band.
I spoke with Joey on the phone a few days ago He is in AZ now after 11 years on cruse ships via Gulf coast.
He said Sandy is a postman or postmaster in California he thought and Clark was a guard in Las Veges.
I saw a video of Gil playing bass with a miss Hawaii singing Wes the guitar player I think is in SOS a well known Hawaiian show band. I have not seen or heard from Billy Hallam he has just dropped off the end of the earth. Also the manager Goerge Chung he should be in his 80′s or 90′s now, Joey did say he has talked with him in the last 5 years.
Also we had a fan club in Japan I have some info on them if they still have the same address it’s been 25 years.
thanks Edd
Posted by Edd English | August 30, 2010, 2:28 pm