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: Yungchen Lhamo and Anton Batagov's 'Tayatha'

Yungchen Lhamo and Anton Batagov
Tayatha
Cantaloupe Music

Tibet's golden voice, Yungchen Lhamo, joins forces with Russia's post-minimalist pianist, Anton Batagov. The two unlikely paired up to form a unique blend of Buddhist devotional and folk music with equal pairings of classical and jazz. The rather minimalist recording does not include many instruments, as the human voice takes the lead. The piano melodies are rather reduced and soft. There are seven total tracks on the album. Many of the songs are over eight minutes long. The long songs tend to enrapture listeners into a devotional trance that is angelic and melodic in the same manner. The spacious rhythms and melodies reflect an Inner Asian and Russian ambiance. Anyone familiar with yoga music, Tibetan chants, religious vocal music, Russian piano music, and world fusion from this part of the world will love Yungchen's long-awaited follow-up to Ama. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Contemporary Kirtan Music with Lokah

Lokah

The Ivy Ceiling

Ma Bhakti Yoga LLC

The growing trend of contemporary rock/pop kirtan music performances is not only steadily increasing among members of yoga centers and Tantric communities, but it is also reaching a broader audience. Miami-based Lokah is group that makes kirtan (Indian devotional/chant music) shimmer with electronic arrangements, a contemporary rock/pop beat, and soaring male and female vocals. The "Introduction by Russell Simmons" is a short prelude to the album with a spoken word segment about worldly happiness and yoga. "Ma Durga" includes Sting on some vocals. The overall beat of the song resembles a yoga rock anthem. The Sanskrit lyrics are included on every track, except the English-narrative, "Introduction by Russell Simmons". The contemporary feel of the album tosses and turns with sounds led by keyboards, mandolin, organ, strings, percussion, and bass. The lush sounds and vocals resemble some of the popular music from the Middle East or North Africa. However, The Ivy Ceiling is a great album steeped in a veil of Eastern mysticism with Western arrangements. ~ Matthew Forss