Jennifer Sparks’ debut album is a gift; her voice is mesmerizing, luscious, sensual, and celestial. Her degrees in music performance from UCLA and Oberlin Conservatory of Music are put to good use here: Jennifer writes her own music and accompanies herself on harp, flute, keyboard and harmonium. Her initial connection to the divine came through church, and in 1995, she was introduced to yoga, meditation, and chanting.
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
