Born in Germany in 1960 and raised partly in Liberia, West Africa, Jens Zygar began his musical life as a guitarist in the Hamburg new-wave band Grosse Freiheit before training in alternative medicine and energy-field diagnosis during the 1980s. Since 1984 he has been a leading figure in the contemporary sound movement. Working with researcher Hans Cousto for five years to help pinpoint planetary frequencies, Zygar partnered with the instrument maker Paiste to co-develop the first line of planetary tuned gongs. In 1986 he founded Klanghaus, an institute for sound research and performance arts, and in 1989 he co-founded the Star Sounds Orchestra with keyboardist Steve Schroyder, producing an extensive recorded catalog. He continues to work internationally as a Sound Healing Teacher Trainer.

Mood and energy: Expansive, cosmic, planetary-gong sound. Recommended uses: Meditation, deep listening, gong education.

Sacred Ground Confidence Score: 5 out of 5 stars   Final recommendation: Approved.

Why this artist belongs in Sacred Sounds: Co-creator of the planetary gong itself, and historically central to how the modern gong sounds and is used.