The latest album by prolific devotional kirtan artist Jai Uttal Roots, Rock, Rama! is garnering acclaim from around the world. The official music video for “S.A.M.B.A (Shiva’s Adoration of Mata Bhavani’s Ambrosia) reflects the joyous mood of both the song and the album. The gorgeous video was shot in Rishikesh, India, in the winter of 2017, on the grounds of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram as well as throughout the rest of the historic pilgrimage city on the banks of the River Ganga.
“S.A.M.B.A,” as the song’s title is both an acronym for the devotion expressed by the Yogi Shiva as well as an homage to the samba and other South American rhythms Jai Uttal loves and often weaves into his albums and live call-and-response chant sessions. “S.A.M.B.A” is co-written by Jose’ Neto.
Read Dawn Sorenson’s experience attending the filming of the music video.
Other noteworthy artists appearing in the video include Jai’s wife, the dancer Nubia Teixeira, as well as Gaura Vani, Visvambhar Sheth, Prajna Brianna Vieira, Kamaniya and Keshavacharya Das.
Watch the video here!
Jai Uttal at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram
The video is a short film, fittingly exuberant and matching the expression of the joyful devotion inherent in both the lyrics and the Brazilian/Indian/American musical rhythms. I could (and have!) watched it again and again. But be warned, just watching may inspire you to buy a plane ticket to Rishikesh. The next best thing—watch the video again and buy a copy of the album!
Jai celebrated the release of Roots, Rock, Rama! at Wanderlust Hollywood on March 11 where nearly 300 yogis gathered, sang, and raised the roof at the studio.
Read Shiva Baum’s review of Roots, Rock, Rama!
More chances to sing and celebrate will Jai are on March 18 at Spirit Rock in Marin, California and April 22 in Sonoma at Sacred Music Sessions. Jai will be one of the headlining musicians at Shakti Fest in Joshua Tree May 12-14. For more information, visit www.jaiuttal.com.
Felicia Tomasko has spent more of her life practicing Yoga and Ayurveda than not. She first became introduced to the teachings through the writings of the Transcendentalists, through meditation, and using asana to cross-train for her practice of cross-country running. Between beginning her commitment to Yoga and Ayurveda and today, she earned degrees in environmental biology and anthropology and nursing, and certifications in the practice and teaching of yoga, yoga therapy, and Ayurveda while working in fields including cognitive neuroscience and plant biochemistry. Her commitment to writing is at least as long as her commitment to yoga. Working on everything related to the written word from newspapers to magazines to websites to books, Felicia has been writing and editing professionally since college. In order to feel like a teenager again, Felicia has pulled out her running shoes for regular interval sessions throughout Southern California. Since the very first issue of LA YOGA, Felicia has been part of the team and the growth and development of the Bliss Network.