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This week on Earth Eclectic Radio Hour, we present “Songs of the Standing People,” an expedition through music that honors trees as both physical presence and spiritual inspiration. The journey begins with Jen Franke’s community-sung “The Forest Song” before the acclaimed vocal ensemble Chanticleer performs Majel Connery’s “I Am a Tree”—a composition that imagines the perspective of these rooted beings. Children’s artist Marko Polo offers a playful perspective with “I Was a Tree,” while Paul Armfield’s “Crab Apple Tree” explores a specific species’ cultural and botanical significance. Laura McCarthy shares the “Story of a Rich Man and His Orchard,” a surprisingly ecological Irish folk tale from the 1930s, followed by a couple coniferous offerings: Vito Di Bona’s contemplative “Shelter of the Tree,” and Kate Daisy Grant & Nick Pynn’s “Pine Song.” French electronic artist MTUA introduces us to “Crown Shyness”—the fascinating phenomenon where certain trees maintain space between their canopies.

After a brief pause, we return with bios+a+ic’s expansive twelve-minute ambient journey, also titled “Crown Shyness,” creating a sonic forest bathing experience. Sil Sol’s “Mundo de Selva” draws inspiration from Waorani indigenous knowledge, while Portuguese duo Eye Color Dreams reminds us that “an ancient tree has many stories to tell, brought by the wind, the fire, the river and the earth.” Estonian sound artist John Grzinich brings us actual voices of trees with field recordings of wind through willow branches, before we conclude with Swedish Christian folk singer Lapp-Lisa’s 1949 recording “Skogsblomman” (The Forest Flower)—connecting our contemporary tree appreciation to deeper cultural roots. Throughout this arboreal odyssey, listeners encounter trees as teachers, witnesses, shelters, and communities—standing silently through time yet speaking volumes through those who listen.

Award: We’re looking for new releases that lift up ecological consciousness. Specifically, with support from the Gaian Way, we plan to give an award to recognize outstanding ecospiritual music released in 2024, 2025, or 2026. Re-releases, remasters, and remixes are welcome, and self-nominations are encouraged. Nominations must be submitted by Earth Day, and we plan to announce the award on World Environment Day. The prize includes a cash award of $1,000. Visit the nomination form to make your submission.

Photo: Bart Everson