CD Review: Donna De Lory's 'Universal Light'

Donna De Lory
Universal Light
Self-Release

The contemporary kirtan and dance princess, Donna De Lory, brings life to songs inspired from the heavens above on Universal Light. This album contains a dozen songs with remixes from some of the hottest DJ's and maestros around, including Carmen Rizzo, Atom Smith, Drumspyder, Willie Lewis, David Starfire, Freq Nasty, and Dub Kirtan Allstars. "Gayatri Mantra," "The Offering," "Praying For Love," "Jai Mata Kali," "Om Namah Shivayah," and "Luciana" are more dance-centered tracks. There is a trip-hop-infused version of the Christian classic, "Amazing Grace," while "Om Tare Tuttare," "Amma," and "By Your Grace" are more down-tempo and kirtan-influenced with lighter melodies and rhythms. Donna's vocals are bright, clear, and most of all--universal! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Prem Joshua & Chintan's 'Kashi'

Prem Joshua & Chintan
Kashi
White Swan Records

Prem Joshua & Chintan bring us some tantric and Sanskrit-infused compositions from India's inner soul on their latest collaboration, Kashi. There are nine hit tracks with a little Indian psych funk, contemporary yoga rock, and electronic elements infused with a good dose of percussion, vocalizations, and new age/jazz connotations that are ripe with world music elements. The transcendental songs are majestic, euphoric, and meditative. Of course, the tabla, harmonium, and sitar are a part of the mix, but the electronic and contemporary elements are a bit more prevalent. The result is a global fusion that covers dub on "Tumhaari Maya;" dance on "Gayatri Ghetto;" and modern embellishments on "All Roads Lead To Om," "Ya Devi Sarva," and "Lingashtakam." The devotional tunes are rather lengthy between five and ten minutes long, which allows for some expressive and thought-provoking results. There is nothing really comparable to Kashi, but the apparently-defunct group, Nuklearte, from Italy, is relatively close. If you love the South Asian-inspired modern grooves of yoga, Hindi, and mantra-style music, then Kashi will satisfy your soul. Best enjoyed with your favorite cereal : ) ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Harnam's 'A Fearless Heart'

Harnam
A Fearless Heart
Self-Release

Harnam brings us poignant kirtan and yoga tunes on his latest release, A Fearless Heart. Harnam is a vocalist and guitarist. Harnam is joined by Ram Dass Khalsa on vocals, guitars, slide guitar, bass, piano, keyboards, percussion, and programming. Lakshmi Light is a guest vocalist, along with Siri Kartar Singh on pedal steel. These light mantras are blissful, peaceful, and memorable tunes of spiritual pleasure. There are seven long tracks with lush melodies, sparkling guitar work, and angelic programming that is earthy, authentic, and natural to a tee. The Sanskrit songs are often repeated throughout each song to create a higher sense of awareness. Everyone should be aware of Harnam’s musical gifts. Let me introduce Harnam to the world! ~ 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: Seda Bagcan's 'Sunrise'

Seda Bagcan
Sunrise
Spirit Voyage

Turkish-born and German-based, Seda Bagcan creates moving Central Asian-tinged tunes reflecting a yogic presence and Sanskrit vocals. Yoga music lovers will appreciate the wistful and airy melodies, but the piano and some Central Asian percussion and strings take over. This is not your typical kirtan music, but then again, what is typical nowadays? At any rate, the music is mantra based and highly reflective. The soul-stirring voice of Seda is heavenly and blissful. The new album contains eight songs that are a mix of yogic, tantra-based music and Central Asian or Middle-Eastern-tinged elements. The result is a very good album that is easy to listen to for any relaxing or meditative occasion. Seda Bagcan is a talented songstress that knows how to focus on music with a purpose. Sunrise is good from sun-up to sun-down. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: David Newman's 'Stars'

David Newman
Stars
White Swan Records

David Newman is a talented musician popular in the blissful world of yoga music. His contemporary guitar stylings and repetitive vocals with equally repetitive mantras, combined with the beautiful voice of Mira, makes Stars an album well-worth a listen. A mix of English and Sanskrit vocals are used sporadically throughout. The catchy melodies and light guitar work are enthralling to say the least. The nine tracks represent a good mix of rhythms, styles, and innovations with touches of piano, horn, and percussion. David is a kirtan chant artist, Bhakti yoga educator, and a singer/songwriter. His wife, Mira, is a noted singer in her own right. She adds a touch of beauty to the album that is very melodious. If you are seeking balance in your life, then reach for the Stars today. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jack Harrison's 'The Enchanted Island'

Jack Harrison
The Enchanted Island
Nutone Music

Jack's three-decade history devoted to Irish folklore is a major influence for The Enchanted Island. In this case, Irish folk melodies combine with Sanskrit and Indian melodies and mantras to create a unique blend of musical bliss. Two cultural areas meld together; forming a blend of music that is meditational, devotional, and inspirational. The seven tracks run nearly fifty-minutes long. Each track contains a few notes describing the history and meaning behind the songs in English. Jack sings in Sanskrit and English. A variety of strings, wind instruments, guitar, bass, and backing vocals round out the package. Highly-recommended. ~ Matthew Forss