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
