Byron Metcalf, Ph.D., is a drummer, percussionist, recording artist, and record producer. With over 30 years as a professional musician, he has performed on gold and platinum albums in the pop and country fields and in recent years has been experimenting with the use of drums, percussion, and other sounds to induce nonordinary (altered) states of consciousness in both ceremonial and therapeutic contexts. Byron's 1998 CD "Helpers, Guides & Allies" continues to receive enthusiastic reviews in the shamanic, trance dance, and therapeutic communities, and was rated #4 in Backroads Music's "1998 Best of Year Selections" in the World Music category. Last year, Byron collaborated with award winning recording artist and sonic innovator Steve Roach on the critically acclamed 2-CD package "The Serpent's Lair" (Projekt Records, 2000). The current release "Not Without Risk" is Byron's second solo project. Byron also holds a doctorate degree in transpersonal psychology, a master's degree in counseling psychology, and is a transpersonal therapist/teacher, and shamanic practitioner. Byron has led workshops throughout the United States and has presented at national and international conferences on the therapeutic use of nonordinary states of consciousness. He has also conducted formal research studies involving breathwork and examining the healing potential of nonordinary states. Byron maintains a private counseling practice in Prescott, Arizona specializing in transpersonal and shamanic methodologies. Byron and his wife/partner, Shawn Cardinal live in a beautiful retreat-like setting bordering the Prescott National Forest. Together they co-founded the "Center for Transpersonal Studies & Development" and recently created and developed "Allies: Transpersonal & Shamanic Strategies" which offers alternative approaches to conventional psychotherapy, counseling, and healing. They also own and manage "The Prescott Center for the Healing Arts" - an office complex of healing arts professionals from a variety of disciplines.