CD Review: Tina Malia's 'Bridge To Vallabha'

Tina Malia
Bridge To Vallabha
Self-Release

Tina Malia discovered the great mantras of South Indian devotional music just before working with Jai Uttal's Pagan Love Orchestra. Falling in love with Sanskrit mantras, Tina has released four previous albums covering different aspects of mantra music. The latest offering, Bridge To Vallabha, contains a host of vocalists, including Karnamrita Dasi, Peia, Donna DeLory, Heather Wertheimer, Jai-Jagdeesh, Sasha Rose, Al Torre, and a few others. In addition, Tina is not only a vocalist, but a skilled musician on various guitars, Rhodes, synths, vibraphone, charangon, and percussion. The rather symphonic, spacious, and awe-inspiring songs bring in cello, sarangi, lap steel, bass, tabla, piano, and shaker for a more textured result. The music is not as dance or urban-oriented as Wah! or Donna DeLory, but the end result is still impressive. There are mostly Sanskrit chants throughout, but a nod to Hebrew and Native American influences are present on two separate tracks. At any rate, Tina's vocals are atmospheric, light, and brilliant--all in the same breath. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Bhakti Fest' [2-CD]

Various Artists
Bhakti Fest
White Swan Records

The new double-disc recording, Bhakti Fest, highlights some of the most memorable and Om-inspired kirtan tracks from the genre's biggest stars. You will hear Jai Uttal, David Newman, Sean Johnson, Sita, C.C. White, Govindas & Radha, Prema Hara, and The Mayapuris. There are trance-inducing tracks with repetitive mantras and soul-calming melodies. The driving melodies of simiplistic percussion, harmonium, some guitars, and angelic vocals make the music come to life. There are four tracks per disc, but the release as a whole is not too short at an hour-and-a-half. The melodies and rhythms have lasting effects for sure. The glorious vocals and immersive quality of the music is without a doubt one of the best kirtan releases of the year. If you want to add a little bliss in your life; then Bhakti Fest is the key. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jai Uttal's 'Queen of Hearts'

Jai Uttal

Queen of Hearts
NutoneMusic
 
World music and kirtan pioneer, Jai Uttal, produces yet another highly-rated album in a long line of albums over the years. Though, this release, number eleven, brings reggae, ska, and Latin rhythms to the mix—all rarely heard in the world of kirtan. As an innovator, Jai brings together an amazing selection of melodies, rhythms, and tones that do not fail. The Sanskrit lyrics, back-up vocals, and guitar solos are very interesting. All eight tracks were written and produced by Jai and his long-time collaborator, Ben Leinbach. The characteristic call-and-responses are still here, which are a major focus of many recordings in the kirtan genre. The somewhat jazzy or funk overtones are also evident on “He Natha Narayana.” Anyone with an interest in kirtan, yoga music, new age music, and Jai Uttal should find Queen of Hearts endearing, timeless, and a mainstay on any kirtan music charts. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists - 'Omega Ecstatic Chant' [2 CD]

Various Artists
Omega Ecstatic Chant [2 CD]
White Swan Records

The 2-CD live set of contemporary kirtan musicians from the Omega Spring Ecstatic Chant session earlier in 2011 is showcased on the latest White Swan Records release. The ecstatic release is more energized than other devotional music--possibly due to the live concert environment. However, the music is still kirtan performed from a variety of artists in the genre, including Krishna Das, Deva Premal, Miten, Snatam Kaur, Wah!, Shyamdas, Carioca, Jai Uttal, and Vishal Vaid. The music is steeped in South Asian musical traditions in a contemporary setting with yoga grooves as smooth as yogurt. The female and male vocals are effervescent and always inspirational. The two-hour set of music features a who's-who in the world of yoga pop and kirtan music. Fans of yoga music and kirtan will need to acquire this one. It does your soul good. Recommended tracks: All of them. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists - 'Yoga Lounge'

Various Artists

Yoga Lounge

White Swan Records

Ready for a magic yoga mat ride of danceable energy? Then direct your ears to White Swan Records' Yoga Lounge. This new compilation features a collection of twelve tracks and remixes of Deva Premal, Karsh Kale, Zeb, Adham Shaikh, Jai Uttal, Vishal Vaid, DJ Alsultany, Midival Punditz, Huun Huur Tu, and others. All tracks are compiled by DJ Alsultany. There are some more meditative moments on the album, but the majority of the music is more contemporary with modern arrangements and a mix of traditional instruments, too. A mix of dance, techno, electronica, and pop elements define Yoga Lounge. Of course, various ethnic components related to South Asia are present. The soundscapes are somewhat reminiscent of a suspense film soundtrack or score. At any rate, Yoga Lounge is cool enough for everyone. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ben Leinbach Presents...'Sangha'

Various Artists

Sangha

White Swan Records

Ben Leinbach presents us with a collection of soulful, yet peaceful hour of music from some of the top names in the contemporary yoga scene. The rather calming 'Om Asatoma' is signature Deva Premal and Miten. A condensed version of a Hindu hymn of praise to the goddess Durga is sung by Jaya Lakshmi, with additional effects on sarod and electric guitar. The entire production is rather laid-back and thought-provoking. Additional musicians include Jai Uttal, Snatam Kaur, Prajna Vieira, Donna De Lory, and David Newman. The mostly Sanskrit-laced lyrics and fluttering vocals create an entrancing listening experience that should please the seasoned yoga participant or Hindu mystic. Fans of Krishna Das will be disappointed he is not found on this compilation. Nevertheless, there is plenty of music to go around. Do your soul a favor and buy Ben Leinbach's Sangha today! ~ Matthew Forss