EarthRise SoundSystem latest album features musical guests Vishal Vaid and MaxZT. (Black Swan Records) The acclaimed production duo, Derek Beres and Duke “Mushroom” Schommer, aka EarthRise SoundSystem (ERSS), have combined their musical expertise to mix dozens of international and electronic artists. Additionally, they’ve released three acclaimed albums—two of their own music, and one featuring their remixes [...]
Trevor Hall photo by Marina Chavez Close your eyes and listen deeply to the lyrics of KALA, the latest album from beloved Trevor Hall. In Sanskrit, kala means time. Trevor’s 13-track album guides us along a transformative journey of lessons learned, of pain and healing, and of the love, passion, and gratitude which [...]
Chapter of the Forest, a tranquil musical exploration of respite for the soul. (Vanguard Records) There comes a time in every musician’s life when retreating is not only crucial for one’s creativity, but essential for survival. Some of the things that can arise from this much-needed respite for the soul include: a sincerity that can’t be [...]
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 [...]
CD Review: Shakti Guitar by Steve McNamara Shakti Guitar by Steve McNamara (White Swan Records) takes us on a mystical sound journey through time. As the impeccable touch of McNamara’s guitar opens our senses, we become enveloped by the emotive melodies lilting throughout this beautiful album. I have always loved the sound of the guitar; from [...]
CD Review: Sky of the Heart Following on the heels of the melodic Diamonds in the Sun, Girish has released a delicious, toe-tapping, heart-warming new album in Sky of the Heart. After playing with numerous artists,Girish burst onto the kirtan scene in 2004 with his first album Reveal, offering a fresh, contemporary take on mantra with [...]
Yogis and Yoginis interested in an eclectic mix of songs to dance to and meditate on will find Elixir: Songs of the Radiance Sutras an album that blends 10 songs into a mix of melodies that will inspire ecstatic dance, sensual expression, and meditative movements. A collaboration between Dave Stringer, Donna De Lory, Joni Allen, and [...]
Music Review: Dreaming in Sanskrit by Marti Nikko and DJ Drez The first time I heard Marti Nikko sing, I was in savasana. Micheline Berry was teaching and DJ Drez (Nikko’s husband and frequent collaborator) spinning. I was struck by the resonance, melody, and powerful vibration of a voice that reached beyond the studio. Every time [...]
Doorways to the Infinite By Sally Kempton Sounds True Since the advent of the Internet, spiritual information is prolifically available. Discerning fools-gold from precious alloy takes a level of clarity only honed by deep inner work. What really liberates us from our own conditioned ways of living as small, separate, and incomplete? How do we [...]
By Nirinjan Kaur Spirit Voyage The mysterious power of sacred Naam, the sound current of the ocean of consciousness, is reflected powerfully in Nirinjan Kaur’s voice. She is accompanied here by Matthew Schoening and Ram Dass Khalsa: these musicians open your heart to a world of shabads in the Gurmukhi language along with ancient sacred [...]