Katrina is a name that brings up vivid memories and sense of helplessness for all who witnessed the massive devastation of the largest natural disaster in American history. 

Michael Brant DeMaria, PH.D.  is a clinical psychologist, composing musician, poet, author, and dedicator of his Healing Sound Series to all hurricane survivors past, present, and future.  In his psychotherapy practice, Michael created ONTOS (  Greek for Being  ) to help people live more meaningful and effective lives, and his ambient music is designed as therapy to help assist survivors by easing their return to coastal living again.

While writing this review I learned  Michael was among those who lost their family home during the  2004 – 2005  hurricane seasons, so his therapy support does arrive from a first person perspective.

My main passion and professional work is helping and supporting individuals on their journey towards wholeness – helping them become more conscious, compassionate, and creative human beings while being more integrated and effective in their personal and professional lives.   

Michael Brant DeMaria

The River  began the Healing Sound Series, with  Ocean  second in the series based on over  25  years of personal and professional research in the fundamental principals of sonic healing techniques, helping survivors relax and return to a more peaceful existence through ambient sound techniques.

His third release  Siyotanka  won the Native American Music Award in the Native Heart category, being placed on the Grammy ballot for Best Native American Music Album, while retaining the  # 1  position on ZMR charts in February 2009.  His music, art, and poetry acquired  U.S.  recognition while gaining international acceptance in Australia, Europe, and Russia, touching the lives of many persons.

The Ocean album helps reclaim the natural bond we share with our greater oceanic waters, rejuvenating our vital relationship by interweaving calming ambient therapy, in a bright reflection that restores a more positive link with our mysterious, life sustaining hydrosphere.

                                                                                             John P. Olsen

Ocean  responds by calming ambiance and some unique blending of World & Contemporary instrumentals  of Native American flute, African Djembe, Middle Eastern Doumbek, Indian Sruti box and Aerophones.  More traditional keyboards, piano, and percussion also form the connection into  11  songs reflecting titles in the theme of our primarily blue planet.

Open Water  begins with a compelling quiet stillness, approaching more subtle moments before synthesizer starts the slow emergence into woodwinds equally calming approach, nicely illustrating the vast waters that comprise over seventy percent of the Earth.

Light ambient notes appear in  Moonlit Sea  to instill a moment of solitude before woodwind flute begins a comforting reflection by softer drawn out notes, generating a gentle shimmering effect like small surface ripples moving outward on top of peaceful waters.

Transformation  enters a flute prelude with graceful motions that show like soft sound waves quietly lapping against the shoreline and ambient notes soon appear like airy clouds that drift alongside bass percussion signaling an ancient rhythm. 

The distant chants put forth a revitalizing atmosphere while deeper tones give an impression of deep universal depths, before bringing the lighter theme back to the surface.

The commingling of deep and shallower notes are also heard in  Remember,  conveying soft chants and woodwinds while interacting with a deeper mesmerizing background, defining the chosen ambient theme for the album as a pleasent and relaxing one.

In Search Of Home  divulges into intrigue I felt was natural, enchanting, and just right for a final reflection about the Oceans since we enjoy, yet depend on them so much, and our hydrosphere pretty much remains a universal unsolved mystery that completely surrounds us.

Visit Dr. Michael Brant DeMaria’s website at ontos.org.  Music can be sampled and purchased at ontosmusic.com here, or his CD Baby.com page here.

Picture copyright Bigstockphoto.com – argus456