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: 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: Vandana Vishwas' 'Monologues'

Vandana Vishwas
Monologues
Self-Release

The Indo-Canadian roots of Vandana Vishwas are clearly evidenced on her sophomore release, Monologues. Contrary to the initial tone of the title, there are songs on the album with good vocalizations and the same songs steeped in Hindustani classical music, Persian melodies, and Urdu poetic masterpieces. The upbeat music is driven by tabla drums, but the unmistakable drone of the sitar is also present, along with sax, flute, guitar, piano, and keyboard. The floating vocals are classical and contemporary in the same vein. It seems Lata Mangeshkar comes to mind on the vocals, but in a much more contemporary way. However, the music is not Hindi pop/dance music. It is influenced by global wanderings and a rich, South Asian heritage in the musical arts. The scintillating melodies and dreamy percussion tracks are outstanding. Nothing is questionable here. ~ 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: Edo & Jo's 'Kirtan Alive'

Edo & Jo
Kirtan Alive
Chai-Tunes

The Australian kirtan duo, Edo & Jo, brings us rousing, emotive, and inspirational devotional tunes inspired by yogic vibrations and universal harmony. Kirtan is a sacred, devotional expression of music and vocals that bring inner peace to souls around the world. In this case, kirtan is accomplished with Sanskrit vocals by Edo & Jo, along with flute, harmonium, ukulele, synthesizer, acoustic/electric guitar, and vibes. In addition, a fleet of Indian percussion, including tablas, dholaks, violins, manjiras, tombaks, mridangams, and darabukas accompany some of the songs. Kirtan is marked by repetitive vocal lines and rhythms, which is fairly evident on Kirtan Alive. The ecstatic union of sounds is very enthralling and addictive. Fans of kirtan, Hindu devotional music, yoga music, and inspirational music will love the kirtan wanderings of Edo & Jo. ~ 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