Townshend: behind the myth

Sometimes, as ordinary people, we get the special opportunity to see our heroes in a different light. Occasionally, just for a moment, the illusion of fame and grandiosity is dropped and we can glimpse the person behind the myth. The Oceanic Concerts is one of these moments.\nRecorded live in London in 1979 and 1980 at two invitation-only performances for the Townshend-founded Meher Baba Oceanic center, The Oceanic Concerts features Pete Townshend sharing double billing with Julliard and Manhattan School of Music-trained pianist/harpist Raphael Rudd. Those who are familiar the Who founder/guitarist know he's no stranger to the introspective and what makes this recording special is its deep spiritual focus and dedication to Indian teacher and avatar Meher Baba. \nThe Oceanic Concerts is a laid-back acoustical treat, awash in the gentle spirituality of 18 songs hand-picked for homage to Baba and his teachings of love and unity among people. \nOpening with a short harp piece by Rudd, the album then segues smoothly into solo versions of The Who's "Drowned" and "The Seeker" that stand tall in absence of full-band orchestration. Interspersed among Rudd's piano and harp compositions are more acoustic Who gems, the intimate "Bargain" and the beautiful off-the-cuff version of the early '60s Who ditty "Tattoo." Additional treats are the previous to-studio-recording versions of "A Little is Enough" and "Let My Love Open the Door," both stripped of their glossy '80s sheen, the former accented by Rudd's piano and the latter featuring a liberal dose of harp.\nThroughout The Oceanic Concerts, the mood remains quiet and soothing, far removed from the bombast of Townshend's better recognized work. The harp and piano mix wonderfully with Townshend's light falsetto as the music floats the listener in gentle waves of calm. But as the album comes to a close, we are once again reminded of its purpose. When Townshend introduces the final piece, his musical adaptation of "O'Parvardigar," the Meher Baba prayer that praises universal spirituality, it feels as if we've been privy to something special, allowed into a private world of belief that few ever have privilege to see. And of that, we are doubly blessed.\nRating: 8