LONG BEACH – A Ladak Monk once said the experience of emptiness is the experience of being connected to all life. This statement, written on the back of local musician Larkin Stentz new album “Stairway to Emptiness,” sets the table for the beauty that is found inside.

“May this music aide you in your awakening in the loving light that connects us all,” writes Stentz in the CD’s liner notes.

Stentz, who began his musical career some 25 years ago, said that his latest recording was inspired by the Savasana meditations of his yoga class, which meets regularly in the living room of his Long Beach home. Stentz has been playing music for the group during these meditations for the last two years.

“Many thanks and blessings on Larkin for his sweet, soulful meanderings on his flute,” says yoga instructor Annie Fletcher. “The music assists in allowing our minds to cease the endless chatter that can so easily occur during Savasana.”

Listening to the new album one immediately hears where Stentz is coming from and where he aims to go with the music. The arrangements are simply made by Stentz playing solo Bansuri flute, a bamboo instrument native to India. The music is a meditative ride on the trail blazed by Stentz’ breath.

The atmosphere created by the class’ meditations inspired not only the music itself, but also the recordings. Stentz said that he got such a good vibe from the room, with it’s hardwood floors and large windows, that he recorded most of the album there. Due to its location along Sandridge Rd., Stentz spent many nights over six months recording after 3 a.m. in order to avoid the noise from the road outside. This was the first recording venture in which Stentz not only produced the sessions, but also engineered them via program on his computer.

Stentz has been a musician since first picking up the flute when he was 18. Ten years later he recorded his first of 11 albums. During his 25 years as a professional musician Stentz has given concerts throughout Europe and United States.

After moving to the Peninsula 13 years ago Stentz took on a new form, that of organic farmer. Stentz has owned and operated Green Angel Gardening for 12 years.

“It was something that I was doing all along, even when I was playing,” he said. In terms of what music and farming gives him he said, “One of them keeps me very much in touch with my spiritual side, the other my earthly connection.”

When asked how his two passions compare he said, “They are totally different experiences. In playing I let go of my brain and make a connection between my heart and my hands, and the music that comes out is very fluid and connected to my heart,” he said. “With working the land and teaching organic farming I’m using my brain, hands and heart.”

Those interested in hearing Stentz perform live should plan to attend his annual benefit concert for VOCA and Camp Victory. This year’s event titled “The Point of Light,” held at the River Theater in Astoria, will take place Feb. 24.

To get your hands on a copy of “Stairway to Emptiness,” visit Independent Books in Long Beach, Jimella’s Seafood Market in Klipsan Beach or Green Angel Gardening on Sandridge Rd. You can also purchase them online at (cdbaby.com).