Chapter of the Forest, a tranquil musical exploration of respite for the soul. (Vanguard Records) There comes a time in every musician’s life when retreating is not only crucial for one’s creativity, but essential for survival. Some of the things that can arise from this much-needed respite for the soul include: a sincerity that can’t be [...]
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 [...]
Rockstar Health & Fitness: Wyclef Jean My favorite memories of working with Wyclef Jean involve numerous occasions of him stopping by my office for a visit that began as a business meeting and then became a dance party. At the time, he had just released his solo album, The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book. [...]
A playlist that includes Rage Against the Machine isn’t necessarily the type of music you expect to hear in a yoga studio, but at Electric Soul Yoga in Studio City, it isn’t at all unusual. Owner Eric Paskel likes his yoga to rock, and he attracts a group of students who clearly love it loud. The [...]
Seen and Heard: Sedona Yoga Festival 2015 Sedona’s reputation as a spiritual power spot makes it the ideal place for a yoga festival, so it is no wonder that festival founder Marc Titus and producer Heather Sheree Titus created a yoga gathering in the region. The 2015 lineup of talented teachers and musicians, coupled [...]
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 [...]