November 11, 2008

Healthy Folk-Rock Sounds From Two New Musicians to Arizona—Both With Unusual Backgrounds in Health and Wellness

Two new arrivals to Arizona have been making themselves heard around the state. Phil Maffetone and Coralee Thompson, both physicians, bring their musical and professional backgrounds to create a unique experience for listeners.

They have performed at the Tucson Folk Festival, restaurants, upscale bars and cafés in southern Arizona. Their new CD, “Between Us,” comes out this week, bringing a unique fusion of folk and rock.

Music marks a significant transition in Maffetone's career. For years, he was a best-selling health and fitness author, whose teachings and holistic practices came to the attention of influential music producer Rick Rubin, the late Johnny Cash and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

While Maffetone worked with Rubin, Cash, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers as their personal wellness guru, he also began to write and record his own music.

“I woke up one morning seven years ago,” says Maffetone, “and suddenly decided to become a songwriter. I've had original music in my head since I was three years old. Then, Rick Rubin called me out of the blue five days later.” Interestingly, when Maffetone was in private practice in New York in the '80s, one of his patients was singer-songwriter James Taylor.

Maffetone's first CD, “We All Need,” came out in 2006. Here's what one music critic wrote in the Pueblo (Colorado) Chieftain newspaper, Maffetone's “breathy harmonies, acoustic strumming and shimmering electric chords combine to form a tasty serving of late 1960s-style dreamy pop, not unlike the ‘White Album’-era Beatles.”

On the new CD, “Between Us,” Phil is joined by the gifted and magical Dr. Coralee Thompson, a medical director who now spends most of her time on music. Coralee's singing is multi-layered, rich, and melodic; her wonderful voice takes the listener to sweet, private places of soothing enchantment.

John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Brad Wilk (Audioslave/Rage) and Los Angeles solo artist Jonny Polonsky all contributed to both CDs.

Given Phil and Coralee's experience in the health profession -- one is hard-pressed to think of any two physicians who have their own music CD -- it should come as little surprise that both integrate music with treating patients. Coralee is a family physician whose expertise includes working with children and adults with common and rare brain injuries. Both have also lectured extensively worldwide on the healthy connection between music and the brain.

“Over 5,000 years ago, Chinese medicine included music as a therapy, along with other remedies,” says Maffetone. “The right kind of music stimulates the brain's alpha waves, which promotes good, sound health.”

This aural-neural connection is reflected in the broad mix of songs on “Between Us.” The catchy blend of folk and rock, combined with original songwriting, creates a subtle, mesmerizing power that kisses the brain and touches the heart.

For more information about Phil Maffetone and Coralee Thompson, email: Phil.Coralee@philmaffetone.com


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