CD Review: Sean Johnson & The Wild Lotus Band's 'Unity'

Sean Johnson & The Wild Lotus Band
Unity
Wild Lotus Productions

The New Orleans-based kirtan music group, Sean Johnson & The Wild Lotus Band, bring an energetic mix of global treasures with lively kirtan, yoga, Sanskrit-inspired, and new age mantras with beautiful vocals and melodies on Unity. The ten-track release romps through infectious mantras, global chants, and Rumi poetry all composed in an easy-to-listen-to format. The extended instrumentals and repetitive vocals in spots reinforces the melodies and rhythms throughout. "Remember" contains an upbeat world rock beat with vocals akin to Australia's Yothu Yindi, but the tune is more South Asian-inspired than Aboriginal. "The Man In Blue" features a great mantra and uppity guitar tune with a little Southern charm. In a similar manner, "I'll Fly Away" is a gospel-esque tune with Southern roots and a kirtan infusion. "Unity" is a Rumi poetry and chant song that promotes happiness for all by repeating the popular mantra: Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu in a light pop/rock arrangement. Whether this is neo-kirtan, new age, yoga music, or spiritual music, you will find happiness and solace in the music of Sean Johnson & The Wild Lotus Band. ~ Matthew Forss

Zachary Richard - Sounds of Louisiana

Zachary Richard - Edmonton Folk Music Festival
Originally uploaded by raise my voice

Zachary Richard is many things: an environmentalist, poet, advocate for culture, children's author, and more. What I know him best as, is a singer/songwriter from Louisiana who teaches about his history and culture through his music. Richard is from Louisiana and his style encompasses Zydeco, Cajun, as well as straight-ahead folk. Well known in the French speaking world, Richard is very much into the preservation of Cajun culture and the use of the French language in Louisiana. However, he sings in English and presented songs in both languages during his concert at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival.

Most of the audience was not familiar with Richard and his music. Only a few of us started to cheer when he launched into "Au Bord du Lac Bijou," one of his best-known French songs. However, applause from the majority came at the wrong moment during the song, when he pauses before resuming the final verse and chorus, resulting in his use of hand signals. It reminded me of people unfamiliar with classical music clapping in between movements.

Whether they knew him or not, Richard had people clapping and moving, especially during his final number. He has an incredibly smooth voice that sounds great in any language. I certainly hope people who have now been exposed to his music for the first time will do their research and discover all the music that this incredible artist has to offer.

For more photos of Zachary Richard at the EFMF, click here. ~ Paula E. Kirman