CD Review: Deva's 'Mantras For Precarious Times'

Deva Premal

Mantras For Precarious Times

Prabhu Music

With a focus on mantras, Deva Premal shares the power of the Vedic scriptures by unleashing physical energies within the body by awakening the energy channels (nadis) within us all. There are 108 nadis that meet in the heart. As a result, each of the seven mantras are chanted 108 times. Besides Deva's soothing voice and tanpura playing, she is joined by Manose on Bansuri flute, Miten on voice, and Kamal on keyboard and bells. The relaxing sounds and moods are a perfect invitation for yoga sessions. Moreover, any kind of de-stressing should involve Deva's mantras. The toll of the bells, airy sounds of the flute, and the Sanskrit lyrics of Deva's inspirational mantras are ideal for any person seeking saneness. The length of the tracks at eight minutes provides just enough time to master the recitations. Anyone interested in New Age, yoga, Buddhist, or chant music will find Mantras For Precarious Times to be an enthralling and informative part of their daily routine. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Gyuto Monks of Tibet and Deva Premal

Deva Premal & The Gyuto Monks of Tibet

Tibetan Mantras for Turbulent Times

Prabhu Music

Born in Germany, Deva Premal has become a preeminent vocalist of relaxation and meditative music. The addition of The Gyuto Monks of Tibet add beautiful chants of spiritual richness and vivid colours seemingly from beyond this Earth. The opening invocation by The Gyuto Monks of Tibet leads into "Compassion", which includes Deva's repeated recitation of the mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum'. "Purification" opens with chanting in tune with throat-singing. However, the chanting fades as Deva repeats 'Om Bena Satto Hung' throughout. "Buddha" is another fine song that incoporates a flute. The absence of drums and guitars provides a stripped-down album of earthy chants with simplistic instrumentation that does not detract from the spiritual significance of each track. In order to keep things lively, the addition of keyboards, cello, Bansuri and Native American flutes accompany the compositions. The rather New Age connotations and world chanting allow for a very mesmerizing production that is sure to fill the soul with solitude and gratitude. 10 tracks in all. Praise Deva and The Gyuto Monks of Tibet for their work. All sales benefit the Gyuto Monastery, Phowa Project, and Veggiyana. ~ Matthew Forss