Hanuman has always resonated with me—his warrior attitude mixed with humor. It’s my approach to life, so I was eager to hear The Hanumen’s Leaps and Bounds. The group members are friends who are talented multi-instrumentalists trained in the sacred music of India and Africa: John de Kadt, Benjy Wertheimer, Gaura Vani, and bassist Purusartha [...]
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 [...]
Surrender to the peaceful sounds of the album release of The Road by Avasa and Matthew Love White Swan Records If I could only use one word to describe the album The Road, I would say “Peaceful.” But this music is far more than that: through the soulful lyrics and expert instrumentation, every track is [...]
Bhakti Juggernaut by Dub Kirtan All Stars Dub Kirtan All Stars is a collaboration between David Starfire (world music DJ and one of my musical heroes), DJ/breakbeat producer FreQ Nasty, and a team of talented artists (Chaytanya, Srikala, MC Yogi, Donna De Lory, J Brave, Arjun Baba, Lili Haydn, Rik Sharaj, Ysanne Spevack, DVine 1, and [...]
Music Review: Yoga Lounge (PUTUMAYO) by Various Artists Putumayo has long been famous for introducing quality world music compilations. While the overall vibe of Yoga Lounge is thoughtful and subdued, it’s engaging and full of sonic surprises. Every musical arrangement is rich, organic, and authentic. Ben Leibach (a much sought-after world/devotional music producer) treats us [...]
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 [...]
Music Review: Back to the Garden by Annmarie Soul Originally from Michigan, Annmarie Soul’s first class at Jivamukti Yoga in NYC sparked her commitment to yoga and devotional music. After traveling, training in yoga, and perfecting her songwriting, Annmarie rooted in LA, teaching throughout Los Angeles as well as at festivals including Bhakti Fest, BaliSpirit Festival, Lightning [...]
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 [...]