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Jennifer Sparks CD Review by LA Yoga Magazine
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
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
Music Review: Dreaming in Sanskrit by Marti Nikko and DJ Drez (Black Swan Records)
The first time I heard Marti Nikko sing, I was in savasana; Micheline Berry was teaching, DJ Drez (Nikko’s husband and frequent collaborator) spinning. I was struck by the resonance, melody, and powerful vibration of a voice that reached beyond the studio. Every time I hear her (whether backing up MC Yogi in person or a guest vocalist on one of DJ Drez’s albums), I am transfixed. Finally, she is releasing the full album her fans has been eagerly waiting with 13 unique tracks: every one a dance-along standout.
Marti’s voice and Drez’s production are ably backed up by an all-star roster of musicians including Sheela Bringi, Eddie Young, Jim Beckwith, Demonic Dean Breaux, Marty Lieberman, Marty Williams, and Vijay Krishna as well as mantra expert Manoj Chalam.
“Om Mani Padme Hum” opens Dreaming with alluring repetition setting up the trance-like qualities of the album. The trance mixes and repetition expertly merge with contemporary world music melodies, as seen in songs like the dub beat and remix of “Maha Yoga” and the reggae-influenced sound of “Maha Devi.” Their take on the “Maha Mantra” exemplifies the fusion of East-West and ancient-modern this album does so well.
The purity and sincerity of the Sanskirt mantras are intact here and the combination of lyrical treatment with excellent musicianship offers a catchy and contemporary take on the sacred.
Preview tracks and Purchase: Dreaming in Sanskrit
Reviewed by Felicia Tomasko, Editor-in-Chief of LA YOGA Magazine.
Marti’s voice and Drez’s production are ably backed up by an all-star roster of musicians including Sheela Bringi, Eddie Young, Jim Beckwith, Demonic Dean Breaux, Marty Lieberman, Marty Williams, and Vijay Krishna as well as mantra expert Manoj Chalam.
“Om Mani Padme Hum” opens Dreaming with alluring repetition setting up the trance-like qualities of the album. The trance mixes and repetition expertly merge with contemporary world music melodies, as seen in songs like the dub beat and remix of “Maha Yoga” and the reggae-influenced sound of “Maha Devi.” Their take on the “Maha Mantra” exemplifies the fusion of East-West and ancient-modern this album does so well.
The purity and sincerity of the Sanskirt mantras are intact here and the combination of lyrical treatment with excellent musicianship offers a catchy and contemporary take on the sacred.
Preview tracks and Purchase: Dreaming in Sanskrit
Reviewed by Felicia Tomasko, Editor-in-Chief of LA YOGA Magazine.
Yoga Music Union DVD Commercial
Yoga Music Union DVD Review by LA Yoga Magazine
Julie Jackson Chenoweth, Yoga teacher and owner of Breathe Yoga Studio in Redlands, California, pairs an empowering Vinyasa Flow practice with inspiring original compositions by Girish in the DVD Yoga Music Union.
Ideal for daily use, the mixed level, 30-minute practice includes a seamless arc of fluid vinyasa, standing poses, deep floor work, and guided relaxation. The music of Girish, accompanied by cellist Abby Scoville, elevates the experience. This union, according to Chenoweth, "allows [for] the alignment of the mind, body and spirit."
Beautifully filmed in several locations, including a woodland clearing, a sandy desert, a seascape, and a peacefully set studio, the DVD moves quickly, yet the pace of the music and Chenoweth's gentle instruction keeps the practice from feeling too rushed. A variety of students are featured here, highlighting the applicability of the sequence for mixed age groups and ability levels. In addition, the DVD fades back and forth between shots of the group practice and solo scenes of Girish and Scoville, which serve to connect the viewer to the artistry and beauty of the musical offering.
Students new to Girish's music or to Vinyasa Yoga will find that the DVD deeply affects the soul's connection to music, movement, breath, and ultimately to the Divine Union that is the foundation of yoga practice.
Learn more at: yogamusicunion.com or girishmusic.com
Reviewed by Beth Dian Prandini, MA, an LA-based Yoga Teacher. Bethprandiniyoga.com
Ideal for daily use, the mixed level, 30-minute practice includes a seamless arc of fluid vinyasa, standing poses, deep floor work, and guided relaxation. The music of Girish, accompanied by cellist Abby Scoville, elevates the experience. This union, according to Chenoweth, "allows [for] the alignment of the mind, body and spirit."
Beautifully filmed in several locations, including a woodland clearing, a sandy desert, a seascape, and a peacefully set studio, the DVD moves quickly, yet the pace of the music and Chenoweth's gentle instruction keeps the practice from feeling too rushed. A variety of students are featured here, highlighting the applicability of the sequence for mixed age groups and ability levels. In addition, the DVD fades back and forth between shots of the group practice and solo scenes of Girish and Scoville, which serve to connect the viewer to the artistry and beauty of the musical offering.
Students new to Girish's music or to Vinyasa Yoga will find that the DVD deeply affects the soul's connection to music, movement, breath, and ultimately to the Divine Union that is the foundation of yoga practice.
Learn more at: yogamusicunion.com or girishmusic.com
Reviewed by Beth Dian Prandini, MA, an LA-based Yoga Teacher. Bethprandiniyoga.com
Orenda Blu CD Review - ‘Sacred Chants One’
By Elaine Alluin
Orenda Blu, singer, songwriter and keyboardist is from the Sierra Nevada. Blu is from Cherokee ancestry - she has always had an interest in the sacred and indigenous chants of world cultures.
With her debut album Sacred Chants One, Blu combines the peaceful sway of chanting and the beat of rock and pop.
Blu displays her rare songwriting skills in which she mixes traditional Sanskrit mantras into captivating songs. This album can be easily listened to while performing rituals, meditations, working out and doing everyday routines around the house.
Blu has a beautiful and sweet voice that coincides perfectly with the mantras that bring your mind, body and soul to a peaceful and spiritual experience.
The single “Moola Mantra” showcases Blu’s raw and uplifting talent. Below, Blu is performing the single in an intimate setting and telling her audience they will sing together, “to build the energy together to make a better world.”
Each track can soothe a hard day at work or school, working out to yoga or simply seeking some spiritual guidance. Sacred Chants One is a serene and calming album that has the ability to make you come to a complete state of relaxation.
With her debut album Sacred Chants One, Blu combines the peaceful sway of chanting and the beat of rock and pop.
Blu displays her rare songwriting skills in which she mixes traditional Sanskrit mantras into captivating songs. This album can be easily listened to while performing rituals, meditations, working out and doing everyday routines around the house.
Blu has a beautiful and sweet voice that coincides perfectly with the mantras that bring your mind, body and soul to a peaceful and spiritual experience.
The single “Moola Mantra” showcases Blu’s raw and uplifting talent. Below, Blu is performing the single in an intimate setting and telling her audience they will sing together, “to build the energy together to make a better world.”
Each track can soothe a hard day at work or school, working out to yoga or simply seeking some spiritual guidance. Sacred Chants One is a serene and calming album that has the ability to make you come to a complete state of relaxation.
Girish 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!
Reviewed by Kristin Olson, a yoga teacher who will be at Shakti and Bhakti Fests. She is the owner of Urban Yoga Center Palm Springs.
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!
Reviewed by Kristin Olson, a yoga teacher who will be at Shakti and Bhakti Fests. She is the owner of Urban Yoga Center Palm Springs.
Review coming soon
Review coming soon
