Percussionist Jacob Cole debuts with a collection of 11 soulful compositions. At first glance, the hang or handpand instruments that were first introduced in 2001 look a bit like a crude drawing of a 1960s-era flying saucer; and maybe in some ways that is an apt description, since their sound can sometimes feel otherworldly. Played [...]
Musicians Benjy and Heather Wertheimer, also known as Shantala, partners in life, love, and music, recently released their latest album Living Waters. Finished in the wake of their maiden voyage to India, it’s a mantra-infused, meditative plunge for the spirit. The instrumentation and vocals are masterfully performed, captured, and mixed to create a sonic [...]
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 [...]
Tabla Mantra Music Tabla Mantra welcomes the listener to a sublime dream world of sound and intricate rhythms woven together through the heart. This album is unique with its base in the Indian style of singing called tarana. It features an underlying slow and prosaic love song to god, followed by lyrics that are [...]