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: Shubhraji's 'Chants For Healing'

Shubhraji

Chants For Healing

Namah Inc.

Shubhraji's meditative, Sanskrit vocals lead the twenty-seven songs on Chants For Healing. As a devoted disciple of Swami Chinmayananda, Shubhraji is classically trained in Vedanta philosophy for the past twenty-plus years. All of the tracks feature Shubhraji on vocals and Rafiq Khan, from the Kalavant Center for Music and Dance, on sarangi. The instrumental drones and Shubhraji's trance-induced vocal delivery make it very easy to understand the lyrics and follow along in the liner notes, as all songs contain either Sanskrit and/or English translations. Interestingly, the songs play as one long, continuous song, even though there are twenty-seven songs listed on the back insert. The fairly, crystal-clear, yet slightly aged voice of Shubhraji is an inviting sound that transcends borders and cultural lineages. Put on some incense and bring out the yoga mat for a journey from within. ~ Matthew Forss