Music Review: Kirtan: Yoga for the Heart by Ryan Brewer
Artist, musician, and teacher Ryan Brewer’s debut album transcends genres and generates a universal love that is felt from the moment you hit play. His devotional voice is a perfect match for the catchy melodies that allow listeners to learn after only the first or second repletion of the mantras.
After years as a personal trainer, Ryan developed his personal yoga practice and began incorporating yoga into his clients’ programs. Eventually, he began teaching yoga, and faced his fear of singing in public. His love of the path of bhakti —kirtan and chanting — shines through on every track here.
“Gopala” is a stand out track. Beginning from the potent energy of the first notes of the flute, the music builds into a powerful crescendo. A soul-driven version of “Funky Ram” is the best kind of soul food and a variety of tender moments and raw emotions are evoked in a particularly soft version of “Jai Ma,” featuring Erinn Selkiss. Beloved teacher and kirtan artist Govind Das lends his talents on the sweet “Rama Bolo” as well as a beautiful rendition of the universal mantra “Hallelujah.” A true soul rising occurs from the effect of the vocal layers combined with harmonium, strings and rare percussion beats.
Ryan Brewer can be heard singing live every Tuesday at 6:30pm at Bhakti Yoga Shala in Santa Monica.
