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

CD Review: Donna De Lory's 'Remixes'

Donna De Lory

Remixes

White Swan Records

Donna De Lory releases a mix of material from her previous albums, The Lover and the Beloved, Sky Is Open, and Sanctuary. However, the songs are remixed without losing any of the musical integrity or charisma. The contemporary electronica elements border on heavenly with soaring vocals, crystalline percussion, and airy arrangements. The songs are a mix of English and Sanskrit lyrical mantras with some characteristic Indian percussion and the modern effects of Wah!, Girish, Go-Ray, Krishna Das, and others. The yoga beats contain pop-infusions even purists will love. Eleven different tracks or remixes with familiar titles, such as 'Jai Ma,' 'Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu,' and 'Om Namah Shivaya' showcase some of Donna's best vocal displays. For a truly introspective and spiritual journey, Donna De Lory knows how to evoke transcendental tendencies with music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Dave Dale & Nadaji Rocks Out on 'Mantra Rocks'

Dave Dale & Nadaji

Mantra Rocks

White Swan Records

The modern yoga rock genre seems to be growing with the likes of Wah!, MC Yogi, Lokah, Go-Ray, Krishna Das, and others. Now you can add Dave Dale & Nadaji to the mantra mix. Mantra Rocks is a soul-stirring, harmonious journey with blissful melodies, vocals, and instruments. Dave plays guitar, bass, percussion, and electronic programming, while Nadaji is the harmonium master and vocalist. As a whole, Mantra Rocks seems to be more structured and focused than other recordings. Furthermore, most of the songs are four to seven minutes in length, which provides enough of a variety to entertain the listener without fatigue. Whether it is New Age, rock, pop, meditational, or world music, Mantra Rocks is the pulse of the Eastern devotional lifeblood. Eight tracks showcase a beautiful set of music that transcends conformity with a healthy blend of catchy and infectious songs for this world...and the next! ~ Matthew Forss

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