CD Review: Kimberly Haynes' 'Awaken Me'

Kimberly Haynes
Awaken Me
Wise Old Owl Recordings

California singer/songwriter, Kimberly Haynes, brings us eleven songs infused with delicate musical arrangements, graceful vocals, and spacious melodies on Awaken Me. Kimberly knows how to create beautiful songs with a soul. The music arouses new age leanings, world music fusions, Middle Eastern panache, and South Asian traditions for a truly unforgettable musical journey. The meditative opener and album title track, "Awaken Me," is a perfect introduction to the album, as it sets a steady tone amidst hang drum, frame drums, bass, bell, synth, and guitars. The Middle Eastern-influenced tune, "The Dreams," adds a more upbeat element with strings, guitars, and a gopichand. "The Light Of My Soul" strengthens Kimberly's pop presence with light percussion, fluid bass-lines, and excellent vocals throughout. The contemporary edge is rather reduced overall, but some songs are more pronounced and melodic. Kimberly's voice is akin to Canada's Susan Aglukark, but Donna De Lory and Natalie Merchant are similar influences, too. Awaken Me will cause everyone to wake up and listen to a small portion of beautiful music contained in this world. Let Kimberly be your guide to open that world for you! ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Simrit's 'Songs Of Resilience'

Simrit
Songs Of Resilience
Self-Release

Born in Greece and raised in South Carolina, Simrit Kaur invokes the sounds of South Asia and Africa on her latest release, Songs Of Resilience. The eight-song album incorporates a mixture of new age, lounge, and world music-inspired tunes that include harmonium, kora, conga, log drums, bass, slide guitar, piano, acoustic guitar, and mellotron. The rather spacious arrangements are very cinematic, thought-provoking, and infectious. The electronic elements are reduced, but the results are very magical. The kora arrangements are reminiscent of Rokia Traore's songs on Tchamantche (Nonesuch, 2009). The vocals are fluid, emotive, and breath-taking throughout. The yoga-inspired traditions of the world are accentuated here. There is even a Native American element that fits nicely with the rest of the album. Simrit incorporates a mix of English and Sanskrit vocals with new age instrumentation indicative of Katie Melua's contemporary songs and similarities to Zero 7 and Dala Girls are certainly represented here. Get ready for a guilt-free romp through a yoga-filled journey of music with Simrit. This is simply one of the best recordings of the year. ~ Matthew Forss

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: Tina Malia's 'Bridge To Vallabha'

Tina Malia
Bridge To Vallabha
Self-Release

Tina Malia discovered the great mantras of South Indian devotional music just before working with Jai Uttal's Pagan Love Orchestra. Falling in love with Sanskrit mantras, Tina has released four previous albums covering different aspects of mantra music. The latest offering, Bridge To Vallabha, contains a host of vocalists, including Karnamrita Dasi, Peia, Donna DeLory, Heather Wertheimer, Jai-Jagdeesh, Sasha Rose, Al Torre, and a few others. In addition, Tina is not only a vocalist, but a skilled musician on various guitars, Rhodes, synths, vibraphone, charangon, and percussion. The rather symphonic, spacious, and awe-inspiring songs bring in cello, sarangi, lap steel, bass, tabla, piano, and shaker for a more textured result. The music is not as dance or urban-oriented as Wah! or Donna DeLory, but the end result is still impressive. There are mostly Sanskrit chants throughout, but a nod to Hebrew and Native American influences are present on two separate tracks. At any rate, Tina's vocals are atmospheric, light, and brilliant--all in the same breath. ~ Matthew Forss

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: Marti Nikko & DJ Drez's 'Dreaming In Sanskrit'

Marti Nikko & DJ Drez
Dreaming In Sanskrit
Black Swan Records

Blissful, electronic, and yoga-inspired, Dreaming In Sanskrit is the debut work of husband and wife duo, Marti Nikko and DJ Drez. The thirteen tracks are soaked with lush dub melodies, sitar-sizzling riffs, and down-tempo beats that cannot be ignored. Marti and DJ Drez are accompanied by Bansuri flute, cello, bass, sax, chinese flute, piano, flute, and tabla. The repeated Sanskrit mantras are very soothing and rhythmic, while backed by symphonic sounds and ambulating beats. There are even Arabic sounds on a few tracks, but the most prevalent influence is modern mantra and yoga-inspired music with lengthy melodies and electronic wizardry that is not too overt. Fans of yoga, meditation, down-tempo, groove-laden, and world fusion music will love. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Megan Chaskey's 'Naam Radiance'

Megan Chaskey
Naam Radiance
Heartways Music

Produced around the basic structure of Naam Yoga meditation, Naam Radiance is a collection of Sanskrit-soaked compositions that feature wistful sounds and glorious melodies that are transcendental and soul-soothing. Almost an hour of calming music is included on her new album. Her vocal delivery is delicate, purposeful, and amazing. Of course, there are South Asian influences, but there are also world fusion embellishments on guitar, bass, piano, percussion, celtic harp, and cello. Each song is meaningful on a deeper level, but they be easily enjoyed with passive listening. One need not be a yoga expert or practitioner to appreciate the multi-factoral songs. As a whole, the recording is light, airy, spacious, and pleasantly-delightful. Anyone with an interest in contemporary yoga music will love Naam Radiance. ~ Matthew Forss

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

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: Nadaka & Gopika's 'Surya'

Nadaka & Gopika
Surya
Raga Mantra

Nadaka & Gopika's newest release, Surya, contains beautiful, contemplative, and aural-friendly vedic mantras with the light and energy of the sun the primary focus here. The instrumental tunes contain some of Gopika's Indian vocals, but Nadaka's raga guitar, guitar synth, and added vocals add an avant-garde and experimental element to the mix. The duo are joined by tabla, violin, percussion, and sampling on most of the tracks. There is a transcendental quality to the sound that creates a sense of deeper calm and new age spiritualism. The South Asian and Sanskirt-soaked album is meditative enough to be wanted by yoga fanatics and world fusion fans everywhere. There are eight total tracks that range from four to nine minutes in length. There are some electronic subtleties that remind us of the modern era; but nothing is too overdone or overt here. Experience inner and outer light with Surya. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Baird Hersey & Prana's 'Sadhana'

Baird Hersey & Prana
Sadhana
Bent Records

The multiphonic, yogic, and kirtan-influenced vocal traditions of Tuva, Nepal, Tibet, and India are showcased with a variety of singers from different backgrounds on Sadhana. The new album, which means 'practice,' is a deeply-meditative romp into the yogic center of the universe clearly inspired by vocal traditions and nothing else. However, a few instruments pop up from time to time. Notably, drums, konnakol, ghatam, kanjira, and other percussion. Some of the singers include Amy Fradon, Kirsti Gholson, Baird Hersey, Julie Last, Julian Lines, Julie Parisi, Joe Veillette, Peter Buettner, and Bruce Milner. The trance-inducing vocal melodies are fairly angelic and spiritual with extended vocal-lines and various pitches that flow seamlessly throughout. As a bonus, Krishna Das is featured on the final track, "My Foolish Heart." Fans of world chants, tantric music, Central Asian music, kirtan, yoga, meditation, and spiritual music will find Sadhana divine beyond belief. ~ 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: DJ Drez' 'Jahta Beat: Chanting With Tigers'

DJ Drez
Jahta Beat: Chanting With Tigers
Black Swan Sounds

DJ Drez creates a swirling mix of Indian rhythms, urban grooves, and down-tempo beats that are mystical, magical, and deeply-rooted in South Asian instrumentation. The contemporary approach is both instrumental and vocal with electronic embellishments that are unforgettable. DJ Drez employs the help of various artists, including Kirtaniyas, Domonic Dean Breaux, Marti Nikko, Arjun Baba, Kirti Srinvastava, Sheela Bringi, Trae Sevin, and Masood Ali Khan. There are filmic undertones, dance tracks, hip-hop instrumentals, kirtan tracks, and world fusion works that combine South Asian instrumentation with urban grooves and beats that cannot be ignored. Fans of contemporary kirtan, dance, yoga, Sanskrit tunes, and similar music will find DJ Drez soulfully-appealing. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Dragon Flutes Rising's 'Flute Meditations'

Dragon Flutes Rising
Flute Meditations
Self-Release

Jonathan Wolf (a.k.a Dragon Flutes Rising) is a talented end-blown flute maker of xiaos based in Portland, OR. These end-blown flutes are of Chinese origin, but their sound is organic, airy, and serene. Flute Meditations is a seven-track release that features nature sounds and xiaos. There are no vocals on this one. Instead, the nature sounds and breathy flute sounds evoke a sense of calming and relaxation that is perfect for anyone looking to kick back and relax. In the same manner, the music is ideal for yoga, meditation, or perhaps even sleep therapy. As an acclaimed yoga teacher, shiatsu-certified masseuse, and a capoeira trainee, Jonathan provides a well-traveled and innovative mix of influences for the music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Temple Bhajan Band's 'Like A Lotus'

Temple Bhajan Band
Like A Lotus
Self-Release

The California-based, Temple Bhajan Band, creates moving and religious kirtan chants and songs with a numerous cast of vocalists and instrumentalists. Some of the instruments include cello, bass, flute, tamboura, sitar, mrdunga drum, cajon, ektar, harmonium, guitar, and sax. The drone of the harmonium and meandering drum beats combine with the repetitious chants to form a memorable and awe-inspiring musical journey. There are nine tracks in all, but two of them are spoken word tracks with minimal instrumentation. The other vocal tracks include, Nam Pankaja, Jaya Radhe, He Govinda, Hare Krishna 1, Haraye Nama Krishna, Jaya Jaya Sita Rama, and Hare Krishna 2. The songs are rather traditional with many of the songs familiar to those into kirtan, yoga, or chant music. The songs are complex and highly-textured with sounds from South Asia and lyrics in English and Sanskrit. Like A Lotus is a remarkable album for the inner soul seeking outward happiness. ~ 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: 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