On the inaugural track “New Dawn,” Jennifer sings sweet entrancing harmonies, plays all the instruments, and even records wild birds singing in her backyard. The more upbeat “Narayani” features Marcus Miller’s percussion.

We hear her heartfelt vocals in a reverent dedication to her ill sister in “Angel Song,” also featuring soaring vocals and magnificent harp. “Be Thou My Vision” is a traditional Irish hymn, with its moving melody and meditative lyrics. Vibrations concludes with Jennifer’s harp improvisation on “Moonrise,” as she guides us to the peaceful transition of savasana, sleep.

Sparks’ versatility and talents are known throughout the kirtan mantra Festival circuit; she is the consummate musicians’ musician. As a sensitive yoga music musician, she accompanies Girish and many others and is in demand for classes. Play this beautiful music at dawn, use it to accompany your yoga practice, and allow it to hug your soul. For more information on Vibrations for the Soul and music by Jennifer Sparks, visit: music-medium.com.

Reviewed by Kristin Olson founder Urban Yoga Palm Springs, teacher at Bhakti/Shakti Fests, and music lover. urbanyoga.org

Kristin Olsen

The post Music Review: Vibrations for the Soul appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

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 songs that have become part of the global yoga soundtrack.

Sky of the Heart, Girish’s sixth album, offers the listener a gently sumptuous series of songs that are prayers. The music is magnetic and mesmerizing with a variety of styles: reggae, country, gospel, even a bit of mellow rap. All the songs share a sweetness and poignancy expressing the heart of a seasoned and nuanced artist. The sequence, lyrics, and compositions convey a tender and gracious acceptance of the measured joy and gentle heartbreaks a mature soul has lived.

As usual, Girish’s new release features an all-star cast of stellar kirtan artists, including C.C. White, Donna De Lory, Wah!, Tina Malia, and Benjy Wertheimer, as well as world music luminaries including Carl R. Young from Spearhead and the New Orleans Horns.

There are too many standout tracks to list here, yet my current favorite is the luminous ballad to the beloved, “Ra Ma Da Sa.” The entire album is an invitation to chant, dance, and be happy. Pick it up and start singing now!

Kristin Olsen

The post Music Review: Sky of the Heart appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.