CD Review: Avasa & Matthew Love's 'The Road'

Avasa & Matthew Love
The Road
White Swan Records

Husband and wife-duo, Avasa & Matthew Love, present us with a gracious album of inner peace led by catchy pop hooks and spacious thematic constructions. There is a contemporary vein running throughout the album, but there also is a historical foundation with yoga-inspired melodies and vocalizations that transcend time, space, and genre categorization. Avasa & Matthew lead vocals, guitar, and harmonium, while others perform on tabla, esraj, flute, violin, mandolin, bass, and percussion. There are supporting vocals by a number of artists, including Jason Mraz. As with many other White Swan Recordings, The Road follows in a similar path to Deva Premal, Miten, Krishna Das, and Liquid Bloom. The symphonic choruses and sweet vocal lines are repeated in parts to add another layer of bliss and satisfaction come over any listener within earshot. The glorious vocals and catchy hooks will grab hold of any listener and never let go. Essentially, The Road is very, very good. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Liquid Bloom's 'Heart Of The Shamans'

Liquid Bloom
Heart Of The Shaman
White Swan Records

The undulating soundscapes of the Heart Of The Shaman offers a blend of Native American flutes, chants, and symbolic gestures utilizing hand movements with entrancing percussion, keyboards, and a plethora of other sounds. The recording is contemporary, but includes sometimes subtle elements of world fusion, South Asian influences, and new age incarnations. There are eight total tracks, but the last two tracks run almost thirty-three minutes long in a sort of electronic medley mix. There are wispy and ethereal vocals from Rara Avis, Sarah West, and Ixchel Prrisma. The vocals tend to match the instrumentation, which is very heavenly and blissful to say the least. Robert Mirabal adds his presence on Taos flutes and some chants. Though, the music would be perfectly suited for meditation or yoga, there is a strong element of Southwestern, Amazonian, and ritualistic vibes that bring people and nature together in almost perfect harmony. Fans of Native American fusion, electronica, new age, and ethnic down-tempo compositions will love it. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Stevin McNamara's 'Shakti Guitar'

Stevin McNamara
Shakti Guitar
White Swan Records

Stevin McNamara's latest foray into meditational bliss on Shakti Guitar adds a beautiful serenity to soul-soaked compositions ripe with engaging melodies and soothing rhythms. Stevin's contemplative guitar stylings are accompanied by drums, gongs, bells, bass, Bansuri flute, sarod, tabla, acoustic bass, tamboura, frame drum, and other percussive instruments. The sweeping sounds are very fulfilling and addictive. There are even a few vocals (thanks to Sheela Bringi), but the majority of songs are instrumental. Stevin's nylon guitar strums and plucks project listeners into a trance-induced coma of a higher consciousness. The light sounds are more akin to new age constructions or even film soundtracks. The spacious sounds and heavenly ambiance attract listeners with entrancing elements and shape-shifting progressions that never disappoint. If you want to do yoga, sleep, relax, chill, or think at a higher level, then Stevin McNamara will get your shakti's aligned with this one! ~ 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: Deva Premal & Miten with Manose's 'Mantras For Life'

Deva Premal & Miten with Manose
Mantras For Life
White Swan Records

The soothing sounds of Sanskrit mantras are eloquently and meditatively-captured throughout Mantras For Life. Deva Premal is the lead vocalist and tanpura player. However, Miten is also a vocalist and guitarist. Manose adds vocals and Bansuri flute to the mix for a truly thought-provoking and calming production. There are additional instruments, including cello, keyboards, santoor, harmonium, tabla, drums, bass, wurlitzer, fender rhodes, and other vocals. The hypnotic and swirling melodies and rhythms encapsulates the human spirit in an accessible and serene manner that is unsurpassed in most of today's music. There are a dozen tracks, which are mostly mantras. The repetitive nature of the songs ingrains a spiritual presence throughout the deliveries. The liner notes include Sanskrit and English descriptions. Anyone interested in kirtan, yoga, chant music, and hypnotic, trance-inducing compositions will love the music of Deva Premal, Miten, and Manose. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Night Visions: Desert Dwellers Selected Remixes'

Various Artists
Night Visions: Desert Dwellers Selected Remixes
Black Swan Sounds

The multi-sonic sounds of Desert Dwellers' remixes with various artists in the field of contemporary electronica and yoga music. Artists such as Tarun, EarthRise SoundSystem, Kalya Scintilla, Girish, Kaya Project, Deva Premal, Deya Dova, and others, bring us a unique blend of trance-induced, dance-induced, and soul-infused and Bhakti-inspired ethno-electronic blends of shimmering kirtan melodies. The cohesive blend of contemporary melodies and instrumentation is rather futuristic, yet global. There are dance-friendly beats, as well as lounge-inspired tunes. Anyone with an interest in Black Swan Sounds, White Swan Records, and similar labels, will rejoice with the new music here. It is truly a yogic journey of epic proportions. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Brenda McMorrow's 'Igniting The Beauty'

Brenda McMorrow
Igniting The Beauty
White Swan Records

Canada's Brenda McMorrow brings us a soul-stirring and deeply-introspective listening experience that combines ancient Sanskrit mantras, kirtan elements, and yoga pop aesthetics primarily with voice and guitar. The contemporary music is serene, inspirational, and meditative, while maintaining a soothing result that is both catchy and meaningful. Brenda incorporates keyboards, dotar, acoustic/electric guitars, bass, drums, and assorted programming in the mix. The light and carefree vocal calisthenics and scintillating guitar structures are top-notch throughout. Brenda 'ignites' not only beauty, but creativity, as well. Unlock your inner lotus with Brenda McMorrow's latest soul-quenching wanderings on Igniting The Beauty. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Turiya Nada's 'Arakara: Ecstacy Of The Awake'

Turiya Nada
Arakara: Ecstacy Of The Awake
White Swan Records

Hypnotic, sensual, and mesmerizing tunes, beats, and arrangements are at the forefront of yogi Turiya Nada's latest release. The album is rich with yogic melodies and spiritual leanings that combine repetitive chants with instrumental greatness for a truly satisfying musical journey. There are eleven long tracks tied to Sanskrit chants and liturgies. Turiya Nada is the chief vocalist, but Winston Raval plays keyboards, Rob Kholer plays electric bass, EdWing Sankey plays electric guitar, zither, and butterfly harp, Jeronimo Sexton is on cello, Ena Vie is a backing vocalist, and Howard Lipp is a programmer, synth player, and flutist. A variety of earthy arrangements create a wonderful world of musical sound that is as spiritually transcendent and evocative as anything from Tulku or Enigma. However, the music tends to be more primitive, ancient, and yogic without modern beats or urban grooves. Nevertheless, Turiya Nada knows how to meld these seemingly opposite worlds together without venturing too far into the modern world. Overall, Arakara... is a contemplative and trance-inducing album with loads of yogic charm and spiritual tendencies. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Deva Premal & Miten with Manose's 'A Deeper Light'

Deva Premal & Miten with Manose
A Deeper  Light
White Swan Records

The dub-centric, yoga-focused, Sanskrit mantras of Deva Premal & Miten have been known for years. However, the addition of Manose--a Nepali Bansuri flute master--and keyboardist, Maneesh de Moor--takes the languid, soul-stirring music to new dimensions. There are even classical influences with violin and viola, thanks to Richard Moody. The sputtering, dry notes of the Bansuri flute eloquently play off the swishy, electronic undertones of the keyboard. However, the sounds are very tantric and sensual with none of the tunes connoting a hurried or frenzied state of being. Moreover, the sounds are not rooted exclusively in samples, loops, or showy electronics. The eight long tracks spans one-hour in length. There are certain themes with each song, such as 'innocence' and 'devotion'. The Sanskrit anthems are perfect for relaxing, dreaming, and believing in a higher human cause. This is perfect for fans of laid-back music with a purpose--a purpose of being in harmony with each other. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: David Newman & Krishna Venkatesh's 'Re-Bliss: Stars Revisited'

David Newman & Krishna Venkatesh
Re-Bliss: Stars Revisited
White Swan Records

David Newman, also known as Durga Das, is a talented kirtan chant artist from Philadelphia. Krishna Venkatesh is a New York-based composer, producer, yoga teacher, and former electronic band member for Think Tree. Relying on a mix of funk, jazz, and eclectic electronic music that is driven by the soul and an inner bliss, Krishna adds a variety of groovy textures to the new album. David adds vocals, guitars, keyboards, and percussion. The eight long tracks are inspirational, relaxing, and meditative with a steady melody and trip-hop/jazz-inspired embellishments. The contemporary compositions combine a bit of dance grooves, electronic music, and blissful adventures that are catchy and void of faults. The duo showcase what really can be done when two blissful hearts come together and play music with a deeply meditative groove. Now is the time to bliss yourself. ~ 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: Various Artists' 'Meditative Massage Music'

Various Artists
Meditative Massage Music
White Swan Records

The wholly instrumental release, Meditative Massage Music, is ideal for relaxing, yoga, listening, and thinking. It is reflective and blissful with a host of White Swan Records musicians, including Omkar, Gary Stroutsos, Damien Rose, Prem Joshua, Stevin McNamara, and others. The music is slow and meandering. The fluid movements of aural sound envelope the listener as the music soars to new heights. There are guitars, keyboards, Indian percussion, and Tibetan musical instruments that set the tone of great brilliance. The music is much more reduced than other contemporary releases that focus primarily on upbeat, urban, and hip-hop elements. As a whole, Meditative Massage Music is spot-on with reflective sounds and dreamy tones that awaken the spirit and encapsulate the soul. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Yogabeat'

Various Artists
Yogabeat
Black Swan Records

The folks at Black Swan Records have produced one of the most prestigious recordings of yoga beats aptly-titled, Yogabeat, which traverses the inner souls of the world's people with catchy beats, chakra-rockin' grooves, and dub-tastic melodies. The thirteen-track release features the Sanskrit-inspired, globe-trekking of DJ Drez, Srikala, MC Yogi, Dum Dum Project, Desert Dwellers, Adham Shaikh, Bole 2 Harlem, Sharon Gannon, Avasa/Matty Love, David Newman, Lazy Hammock, and EarthRise SoundSystem. The urban beats are contemporary, but not too steeped in urbanism. Importantly, the soulful yoga sounds reflect a South Asian influence with Hindi appeal and a world fusion appearance that emanates from the hip-hop-type music. Some of the musicians are on other albums, but this recording is mostly original. Over one hour of music will satisfy many listeners with a yoga ear, but it is important to note this is upbeat, danceable, and dreamy music with a purpose--a purpose to inspire, delight, and love it wholeheartedly. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mercedes Bahleda's ' Path To Bliss'

Mercedes Bahleda
Path To Bliss
White Swan

Based in New York, Mercedes Bahleda incorporates meditative mantras with Hindu, Sanskrit, and yoga-inspired overtones into remarkable kirtan songs. There are seven songs that run about a total length of one-hour. There are loads of heavenly vocals and instruments. For instance, the harmonium, tabla, djembe, violin, cello, guitar, tampura, kalimba, and piano make an appearance on several tracks. The upbeat tracks present the listener with soul-inspiring and soul-defining songs and harmonic textures that transport anyone who listens to the message into the outer realms of humanity. A skilled teacher of devotional music, yoga, and meditation, Mercedes is glad to perform blissful music and teach it to fellow listeners. This is an album that will be loved for all that it is...and more. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: MC Yogi & The Sacred Sound Society's 'Pilgrimage'

MC Yogi & The Sacred Sound Society
Pilgrimage
Mindful Talent/White Swan Records

MC Yogi lights up the charts with blissful banter that is performed in the style of hip hop, rap, urban, and South Asian-inspired styles. The largely contemporary work contains a plethora of genres, including dance, electronica, street music, rap, rock, hip hop, klezmer, and pop with a nice dose of jazz. The music is similar in tone to the Beastie Boys--if they were yogis. At any rate, the electronic wizardry, record scratches, boisterous horns, rock drum-kits, and harmonium-inspired melodies create an energetic appeal to young yogis the world over. The incredibly catchy and divine "Jai Sita Ram" contains a steady, but slow beat with Sanskrit vocals and a droning harmonium. There are nineteen incredible tracks with lovely flutes, percussion, urban jingles, and danceable riffs that are sure to awaken anyone's darkened soul. Let MC Yogi & The Sacred Sound Society lead you on the path to enlightenment with their latest, poignantly-titled devotion--Pilgrimage. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: DJ Drez' 'Jahta Beat: The Lotus Memoirs'

DJ Drez
Jahta Beat: The Lotus Memoirs
Black Swan Records

California-based yogic extraordinaire and down-tempo beat-maestro, DJ Drez, dazzles listeners with a splendid release of contemporary beats, South Asian drones, and electronic sensibility with tranquil percussion and magnificent mantras. The fifteen tracks traverse worlds of Indian beauty, sonic explorations of yogic styles, and vocals that are Krishna-centric and blissful. Various singers and/or instrumentalists are featured, including Marti Nikko, Kirtaniyas, Domonic Dean Breaux, Arjun Baba, Joey Lugassy, and Deepak Ramapriyan. The typical kirtan dance instrumentation is here, but a good dose of dub beats and contemporary dance rhythms are also present. There is also a hint of jazz thrown in on ""Wind Talker." The tabla percussion, sitar drone, and various instruments are mostly electrified, but there is still an inherent beauty in the raw, wholesome delivery of the songs. Anyone interested in Black or White Swan Records will probably already know about DJ Drez, but now it is time for others in the world to discover his talents. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Stevin McNamara's 'Shanti Guitar'

Stevin McNamara
Shanti Guitar
White Swan Records

Ragas of Indian music are inspired and improvised on Stevin McNamara's latest incarnation, Shanti Guitar. Based on traditional Indian scales, Stevin adds his own touches of brilliance on the nylon-string guitar, sitar, and various percussion. Stevin is joined by frame drum, dumbek, madal, udu, djembe, cymbals, clay urn, gourd, shakers, bells, tabla, violin, tamboura, and other instruments. The entire album only contains six tracks, however, the album's total length of over 70 minutes makes up for the few songs. As one can imagine, the serene and meditative musings of instrumental music with an Indian influence create calming worlds of peace and tranquility. Stevin knows how to create these worlds with a commanding passion and sincere delivery. "Anam," "Song of the Sun," and "Doorway to Eternity," and "Journey to the Crystal Mountain" are also available on his earlier release, Yogitar. Still, Shanti Guitar is a great, instrumental recording for the inner being of everyone. ~ 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: Various Artists' 'Playful Yoga'

Various Artists
Playful Yoga
White Swan Records

The music for yoga today is more than gongs, flutes, and sitars. Instead, the folks at White Swan continue to produce divine yoga music with modern instrumentation and traditional rhythms and instruments. Playful Yoga contains music by Steve Halpern, the rap stylings of MC Yogi, plus Wynne Paris, Dave Dale, Nadaji, EarthRise SoundSystem, Don Shiva, Prem Joshua, Omkar, Maneesh de Moor, Gary Stroutsos, Face, and Laya Project. The upbeat melodies are inspired by Eastern traditions with sparkling melodies, thumping tablas, electronic embellishments, and uplifting vocals good enough for any kirtan session. Omkar's opening and closing Tibetan bowl sounds satisfyingly open and close the album with meditative and peaceful consequences. The album's brainchild is Dee Marie, an accomplished yoga therapist that compiled the songs based on their effectiveness in her practice. This is a perfect album for an introduction to the contemporary yoga music sounds permeating the airwaves and subconsciouses of intelligent listeners around the world. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Deva Premal's 'Password'

Deva Premal
Password
Sounds True

Deva is an incredible kirtan vocalist with a pop-music side that is still steeped in the yogic traditions that made her popular years ago. Together with Manose, a Nepalese bansuri flute master and her partner, Miten, who is a vocalist and guitarist, Deva knows how to create inspirational and meditative music that is quite pleasing. The music contains a variety of instruments, including slide guitar, bass, piano, cello, keyboards, drums, congas, bata, and various guitars. The backing vocals on “Sri Nanda-Nandanastakam” are especially inviting. At any rate, fans of Deva’s previous work on Dakshina in 2005 may notice a bit of a departure. Still, the music may not be completely traditional kirtan, but its contemporary feel is what makes Password shine. ~ Matthew Forss