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: Temple Bhajan Band's 'Bhakti Dance'

Temple Bhajan Band

Bhakti Dance!

Independent Release

With the popularity of Krishna Das, MC Yogi, Mayapuris, and others, kirtan music has taken off in many different arenas and capacities. The Temple Bhajan Band is based in LA with band members from the Philippines, Tasmania, and the US. The typical kirtan repertoire is included here, but there is more to the harmonium/sitar/drum-structure usually attributed to these groups. In this case, Bhakti Dance! contains a cajon, which provides a bit of Latin accompaniment not often observed in kirtan music. The cello, bass, flute, sitar, tanpura, harmonium, djembe drum, guitar, and other instruments provide the instrumental foundation for the music. The Sanskrit songs are sometimes found on other recordings by different artists under different renditions; notably, "Hare Krishna" and "Loka Samasta." The Latin-tinged "Sri Krishna Caitanya" begins the journey. The folksy-country infused "Loka Samasta" is a pleasant ballad with Sanskrit and English vocals. Moreover, the song reflects a classic, Americana vein not usually found in kirtan music. Bhakti Dance! is a fun, spiritual, and expressive journey into the world of kirtan. ~ Matthew Forss