AKASHA
Akasha is an international musical collaboration reflecting a new era in the way music is being created: the musicians that are part of this group use the internet as their meeting place. Musical ideas are exchanged back and forth in cyberspace until the desired result is achieved. Singers from the UK (Tanmayo), Israel (Gerhard Fankhauser) and New Zealand (Kiri Iriwata) exchange ideas online with instrumentalists from India (Bikram Singh on flute, Avinash Jagtap on violin) and composer/ producer Chinmaya Dunster. All share a deep commitment to meditation and Eastern philosophy. Their love for the ancient spiritual chants of India has lead to Yoga Spirit, a harmonic blend of East and West, acoustic and electronic instruments, created to support yoga practice.
DISCOGRAPHY
Yoga means union. Yoga Spirit is a musical invitation to merge with the divine harmony of existence. Akasha's drums and soft grooves will support your yoga practice by connecting you to the sacred Earth, while soaring Sanskrit chants, bamboo flute and Indian violin will help you to reach high into the inner sky.
"...this time I would like to mention the CD Yoga Spirit. It has been a long time that I was inspired like I was by this one. This CD is unique, authentic, and uplifting. Every time I listen to it it makes my heart dance. I love teaching with it and listening to it for pleasure. How rare it is to find such unique music in this time of new age nonsense. Bravo! " - Prana Yoga Center
Track Listing
1. Tva Mev Mata 13:46
2. Namaste 7:26
3. Om Purnamada 13:48
4. Shivasana 14:46
5. Gayatri 10:05
Total time 60:06
Om Shanti by Akasha • MB2712
Akasha returns with this follow-up to their acclaimed Yoga Spirit. Their innovative blend of traditional, contemporary and East/West styles, is rooted in their feel for ancient Sanskrit chant and the latest in modern grooves. Bamboo flute and violin interweave with slide guitar and mantra singing to produce a hearfull, light yet grounded sound, perfect to support a wide range of yoga practices. A must for any lover of Sacred Chants.
Track Listing
1. Om Shanti 11:36
2. Sarve Bhavantu 11:45
3. Prem Hari 11:41
4. Shanti Shanti 10:32
5. Pushpa 11:45
Total Time 57.30
REVIEWS and LISTENERS COMMENTS
Yoga Spirit
YOGA SPIRIT, from singer/chanter Akasha, is an album of timeless mantras, presented in arrangements that meld Eastern instrumentation with Western influences. Akasha's vocals are low pitched with a hushed serenity about them, a little on the order of those of Deva Premal only with more of a whispery quality. The background instrumentation centers around guitar, with a little sarangi and bansuri flute woven into the mix in spots. The gentle rhythmic nature of the music makes it ideal for activities like yoga (as the name implies), where light movement is performed. Although, it's worth mentioning that this would also be perfect for someone looking for a little rest and relaxation, with a spiritual edge.- Music Design In Review
I LOVED this CD. Its one of the best I've heard in a while. Sets an amazing mood for yoga and other gentle activities. - Canyon Spirit Yoga Center
This CD rocks. Very rich and well produced. I really love this, so did my students. I have enjoyed listening to it in the car also - beautiful. Just the right rhythms and depths for all yoga classes - that appeals to most people. We all love this - more like YOGA SPIRIT PLEASE :) - Amanda Daly Yoga Center
This is my first exposure to this group. I am impressed with their debut CD. It is interesting yet not too busy, appropriate for yoga classes. - Astanga Yoga Center of San Diego
A good balance of enlivening rhythms and soothing melodies. Sweet spiritual inspiration with out interfering in class flow. - Harbin Hot Springs
Loved it. Easy and smooth all the way through. Appropriate for all levels of classes!! - Heartsong Yoga
I liked this CD very much indeed and it got good reviews from students. Its a very difficult balance to get all the components of a good CD that not only pleasing to listen to, but also for a mixed yoga class. This CD managed to pull it off. - Mauli´olaYoga Studio
OM Shanti
The multicultural ensemble group Akasha returns with another beautiful CD of sacred chants played with an easy Western feel. Prominent acoustic guitars, violin, and cello dance to soft percussion backing up the soothing vocals of Tanmayo and Bodianand. This is the perfect CD for those who already have lots of chant music and want something just a little different for their yoga practice or moving meditation. It really is the best of both Eastern and Western musical traditions. There are only five pieces, but each is 10 to 12 minutes long, so people won’t lose their focus while listening. Highly recommended. - New Age Retailer (music reviews by Anne Williams)
Akasha is presenting an album of soft chants, light acoustic ambiance and an Asian touch. Subtle tabla beats provide the album's pacing, while airy guitar melodies and Bikram Singh's flute playing add to the album soothing, yoga-friendly atmosphere. Other touches, like sitar, drone ambiance and shimmering dulcimer-style strumming add to the majesty of the album. Most of the songs have light chanting, which is performed in a soft, tender manner that is a little reminiscent to the group Rasa. - Music Design In ReView
PERFECT! for our Anusara style classes where we focus on heart languaging to a theme and detailed alignment instructions. Very easy to teach this way with Om Shanti in the background. Ill probably wear this one out! - Lake Center Yoga
Perfect for our studio and in general, our style of teaching. there is a meditative quality that inspires and informs without becoming too overpowering . . . a perfect balance and an exciting addition to the vast collection of yoga music that exists in the world. - Prana Yoga and Zen Centre
Another very sweet mantra offering, a touch more upbeat from Sharanam. Both of these (Sharanam and Om Shanti) are GREAT for bodywork/reiki and are exactly the soft background/prayerful sounds that many folks are looking for. - Sangha Yoga Studio
We use Om Shanti now all the time. It has entered our 'favorites'. Love it!!! - Yoga Gallery
Excellent CD for yoga; my classes really enjoyed the peaceful sounds and flowing, rhythmic beat. - Yoga With Duyen