As the title suggests, the softness of the divine ma or mother energy is felt in every note.

Lunar Mantras features eight angelic melodies with different sentiments that allow listeners the space to dive into their own hearts. Every one of the sequential mantras builds on each other like an ancient creation story; the progression makes it the perfect backdrop for a yoga practice.

The album begins with Radha’s smooth and soulful voice on “Ganapati Om.” Then Lunar Mantras leads into a reggae version of the “Hanuman Chalisa;” Govind Das sings the 40 verses with an attitude like wind straight from Hanuman leaping across the ocean in service to Ram while guiding us into the words “Sri Ram Jai Ram” accompanied by dub beats luring the chant directly into our hearts.

In “Jai Ma,” we hear a hauntingly beautiful, pure goddess energy blended with bluesy vocals and percussion tones, reminding us of the beauty of having a strong mother figure. The celebratory “Maha Mantra” contains the nuances of a sliding guitar and bells creating a deeply joyful well that can be felt even more clearly once the two voices enter accompanied by a sweet violin.

Clips from an India voyage are added for a sonic experience that is described simply in one word: MAGIC.

CD Review

Lunar Mantras

by Govind Das and Radha

Bhakti Yoga Shala

Reviewed by Ashley Wynn, a musician and yoga teacher. thegratefulyogi.com

Ashley Wynn

The post Lunar Mantras appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

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.

Ashley Wynn

The post Ryan Brewer: Yoga for the Heart appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.