CD Review: Baird Hersey & Prana's 'Sadhana'

Baird Hersey & Prana
Sadhana
Bent Records

The multiphonic, yogic, and kirtan-influenced vocal traditions of Tuva, Nepal, Tibet, and India are showcased with a variety of singers from different backgrounds on Sadhana. The new album, which means 'practice,' is a deeply-meditative romp into the yogic center of the universe clearly inspired by vocal traditions and nothing else. However, a few instruments pop up from time to time. Notably, drums, konnakol, ghatam, kanjira, and other percussion. Some of the singers include Amy Fradon, Kirsti Gholson, Baird Hersey, Julie Last, Julian Lines, Julie Parisi, Joe Veillette, Peter Buettner, and Bruce Milner. The trance-inducing vocal melodies are fairly angelic and spiritual with extended vocal-lines and various pitches that flow seamlessly throughout. As a bonus, Krishna Das is featured on the final track, "My Foolish Heart." Fans of world chants, tantric music, Central Asian music, kirtan, yoga, meditation, and spiritual music will find Sadhana divine beyond belief. ~ Matthew Forss