CD Review: Go-Ray & Duke's 'The Yoga Sessions'

Go-Ray & Duke

The Yoga Sessions

Black Swan Records

As the title implies, one need not go very far to note the yoga references for Go-Ray & Duke's latest release, The Yoga Sessions. Sanskrit and Indian-infused elements grace the tracks of this one. Eleven tracks in all feature a few guest musicians notable in their own right, including Israel's Idan Raichel, Bansuri-flute master Steve Gorn, and hippest hip-hopper this side of Heaven, MC Yogi. The groovy beats of "Goddess Invocation" and Go-Ray's sensual vocals will summon anything and anyone within earshot. The other contemporaries in yoga music not associated with this album with a similar sound include Wah!, Girish, and Krishna Das. There are quieter moments, as well as hip-hop elements and jazzy-fusion with a trip-hop, electronica, and trance-like state of being. The addictive sounds of The Yoga Sessions are very desirable and they do not seem to wane long after the tracks are over. Though not traditional Hindustani or devotional music in the historical sense, Go-Ray & Duke set out to redefine the yoga vibes for a new generation. Try it today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kalidas' 'Crest Jewel of Devotion'

Kalidas

Crest Jewel of Devotion

Self-Release

For meditative explorations of the Far East, one must not look any further than California-based, kirtan singer and instrumentalist, Kalidas. Kalidas is named for a servant of Kali, which is a goddess that represents a destruction of the ego in the Hindu tradition. Kalidas' kirtan singing is in Sanskrit and includes special guest vocalist, Beth Searcey. Instrumental accompaniment is provided by Kalidas' harmonium and synthesizer, but also the djembe drum. A chant-lovers paradise, Kalidas' soothing vocals resonate nicely with the simplistic instrumentation and melodies. The chant verses stick with you long after the tracks ends. Eleven tracks are included, but the last two tracks are not listed in the liner notes, because they are hidden tracks of "Durge" and "Kali Durge". Other fine tracks include "Ganapati", "Jai Ambe I", "Govinda", and "Jai Ma". Crest Jewel of Devotion is a fine recording for anyone seeking musical transcendence and relaxation. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Putumayo's Yoga

Various Artists

Yoga

Putumayo

The folks at Putumayo continue to release superb albums. Yoga is no different. As the title suggests, the music is quite relaxing and meditative. Though, it is more lively than other yoga music. A variety of artists from around the world contribute to the compilation. The project coordinator, Sean Johnson, among others, provides a track with the Wild Lotus Band on "Om Hari Om/Sharanam Ganesha". In addition, the Lucknow Project's Chilean singer, Sangeeta Levine, offers her vocals on the opening track, "Ghungate Ke". The husband-wife duo, Shantala, sing a melancholic "Purnamadah". Yoga-pop's star, Wah!, sings an edgy pop song about the Indian epic Ramayana on "Bolo Ram". The groovy "Cerulean" by composer and instrumentalist Ben Leinbach and Geoffrey Gordon on tabla are joined by Jai Uttal on dotar. The track is remarkably modern, but it still retains an element of tradition. Other artists such as Karnamrita Dasi, U.K.'s Niraj Chag, Amounsulu, Gaura Vani, Susheela Raman, Krishna Das, Ablaye Cissoko, Yogini, Volker Goetze, and Jean-Philippe Rykiel round out the list. This is a nice collection of mostly modern vocal yoga music for yoga or other occasions. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: SRI Kirtan Rocks The Bhakti

SRI Kirtan

Live Your Love

Mantralogy/Ishwari Music

SRI Kirtan is the work of harmonium player and vocalist, Sruti Ram, and vocalist/guitar player, Ishwari. Backed by a choir and rapper from Brooklyn on some of the tracks, SRI Kirtan is built upon Hindu devotional bhavas with Sanskrit and English lyrics for a contemporary audience. Each track rings with musical bliss from the catchy, yogic rap on "Govinda" to the heavenly-devotional "Sri Ram", upbeat "Madhura", and the folksy "Jai Jagadambe". The musical repertoire is never boring and it encompasses a variety of instruments, including bass, tabla, majiras, djembe drum, keyboard, cello, bansuri flute, dilruba, sitar, violin, and others. Live Your Love is an album of contemporary music for fans of Mayapuris, Wah!, and other groups inspired by Hindu Tantrism and yogic chants. SRI Kirtan is sure to please anyone seeking music with a higher consciousness. Simply put, SRI Kirtan rocks the bhakti! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Wah! - The Goddess of Yoga-Pop!

Wah!

Maa

Wah Music

Wah! is the legal first name of the band's leading vocalist, bassist, and harmonium player. The music of Maa is inspired by Hindu Tantrism with Sanskrit and English vocals, modern beats, and Tantric imagery, including the Sri Yantra on the album's cover. A frequent performer at Yoga festivals across the country, Wah! performs anything but sleepy, spaced-out rhythms and chants. This is yoga pop at it's best. Wah!'s voice is somewhere between Sade and Sarah McLachlan. Wah!'s music ranges from the opening rap of "Shakti" and "Pahimam", the R&B-like grooves of "Shanti", "Gang Ma", and "Love Holding Love", New Age-soul of "Jagatambe", the bluesy-pop of "Stay In The Love", to the softer "Om Sri Matre". The music borders on dance, downtempo, and roots-pop. If you are looking for music with inner and outer beauty, then listen to the goddess of Yoga pop. Your soul will thank you kindly. The liner notes include Sanskrit and English lyrics with song descriptions. ~ Matthew Forss