By Daphne Tse

Daphne Tse Music

Daphne Tse is a firmly established singer/songwriter in the international kirtan and festival scene. Her new album, Finding Water, is likely the first-ever fusion of kirtan, Hawaiian rhythms and contemporary original music and it is a winning blend! Daphne has drawn together traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar, ukulele, and lap steel sounds with Indian bansuri flute and tabla, as well as banjo, Celtic harp, harmonica, trombone, and more.

The album evokes the aloha spirit from the opening Hawaiian blessing, “E Pule Kakou,” through the final chant, “Love is a circle and we’re inside – giving my best, the aloha tribe.” In between, Daphne’s angelic yet powerful voice lures us into a journey of love, devotion, and inspiration, connecting us directly to our hearts and souls. In “Ya Devi,” an uptempo groove featuring Grammy-award-winner Kenny Emerson’s lap steel guitar, Daphne reminds us of the power of a good woman in one’s life. “Saraswati Mahalo” is a heart-opening thank you to all mothers everywhere. A duet of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” sung in both English and Hawaiian with legendary Hawaiian slack key guitarist/singer Patrick Cockett, is hauntingly beautiful. Daphne Tse pulls from the deep well of her talents and clearly Finding Water. For more information visit: DaphneTse.com.

Reviewed by Dan Blanchard, certified yoga teacher and Ayurvedic practitioner, santoor player, and Indian Classical musician.  PeacefulVibes.com

Dan Blanchard

The post CD Review: Finding Water appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Touched by the Sun, is the second solo album by musician Todd Boston. It is a beautiful offering to the yoga, spiritual, and world music community. Todd is a regular fixture at yoga and music festivals and regularly accompanies renowned spiritual music artist Snatam Kaur all over the world.  Produced by Grammy winner Will Ackerman, Touched features an ensemble of world-class musicians.

With this release, Todd creates a soundscape that ebbs and flows like nature – mountain peaks, flowing rivers, rising and falling ocean waves, and still forests.  The opening strains of the first song “Alapana,” played by Todd on the dotar, inspires me to take a long deep breath.  As it transitions into the soothing sounds of Todd’s acoustic guitar on “Twilight,” I realize that this is no ordinary album – I will be taking a cathartic journey into the core of my being.  Touched inspires me to stop and reflect on life and what’s really important.

Midway through the album, “Surya” is an ethereal composition featuring Snatam Kaur on freeform vocals.  It is followed by “Full Moon,” perhaps my favorite song here, which waxes and wanes like the moon herself.  The album completes with the uplifting and soulful title track, leaving me with a sense of fullness and hope.  I highly recommend this for yoga practice, meditation, relaxation, and the simple enjoyment of music. Learn more (including Todd’s touring schedule) at: ToddBoston.com.

Dan Blanchard

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