Customer Reviews

Ancient Spirit: Yoga Chant Kirtan Music

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"Ancient Spirit" is Ragani's second kirtan CD and like her previous release, "Best of Both Worlds", it is an excellent collection of contemporary kirtan (kirtan is an ancient Indian musical form in which the name of the divine is chanted in a 'call and response' fashion).

Ragani sings these chants (and plays harmonium/keyboards/percussion) skillfully and lovingly. Whether she's chanting a whispered melody or singing at full volume, the quality of her voice is always sweet, glowing and mellifluous. Over the course of a chant, she is always able to coax the magic out of these mantras. Ragani's vocal performances are infused with love and devotion and leave no doubt that she is singing directly from the cave of her heart. Sweet!

Musically, both east and west, ancient and modern, and earth and sky are effectively blended. The musicians on this CD play traditional instruments (harmonium, tablas, sitar) and typical western instruments (flute, guitar, electric bass, myriad percussion). The arrangements are rich and satisfying and always support the chanting. This music is easily accessible and features wonderful melodies, pleasing harmonies and propulsive rhythms. There are melodies that are sweet sounding ("Sri Krishna"), exotic ("Krishna Govinda") and majestic ("Prayer of Harmony"). Harmonium chords and sitar notes provide a foundation throughout, while flute and guitars (and other stringed instruments) provide melodic embellishments. The rhythm section really grooves, and if you're so inclined, this CD provides ample opportunity for you to move your body as you chant! The 'response' provided by the chorus of chanters on this recording is pleasing and helps provide the appropriate balance and energy for the kirtan presented here.

Lovely dynamics are featured on each track; each chant starts in a quiet place, and then increasingly builds and rises to a heated apex and then, at its conclusion, returns to that quiet place. I especially enjoy the deliciously ethereal place at the beginning of "Jaya Ganesha" and during "Prayer of Harmony", or the feeling of swaying in a warm tropical breeze at the beginning of "Sri Krishna".

The informative CD booklet contains the words for each chant with an accompanying explanation of the chant's meaning.

You'll not find anything here that's too 'over the top' vocally or musically; but rather, it's a nicely balanced blending of chant, music and intention that serves the purpose of kirtan: to help us find and enjoy the vibrations of love, peace, energy, healing and inspiration that are within. The kirtan documented on "Ancient Spirit" certainly succeeds in helping the listener find these good vibrations.

I love this CD and I highly recommend it!

Kirtan, the yoga of chanting, has got to be the most enjoyable form of spiritual practice. It's easy, it's fun, and in the right hands it's also great music! "Ancient Spirit" is the perfect kirtan CD, featuring memorable melodies, amazingly talented musicians, Ragani's exquisite voice, and lots of heart! I could sing along with this collection of songs 24/7!
Ragani's bestselling debut CD, "Best of Both Worlds" is also terrific.

I loved her first CD and I love this. Her voice is clear and lovely and the instrumentals are fabulous. I love playing these CDs before I teach yoga or when I am driving anywhere. If you chant through this CD you will feel the spirit within you!

In chant 3 Ragani sings the Sanskrit word "mohan," which she explains in the CD jacket connotes enchantment. In this context she is referring to the enchanting power of Krishna. Not unlike Krishna ( or perhaps the sound of his flute) Ragani's smooth, lovely voice and the musical accompaniment is indeed enchanting, and in my expereince intoxicating. This recording is equal to that of Ragani's Best of Both Worlds. For me, purchasing these CDs was money well spent.

Absolutely beautiful music. The vocals and instrumentals are expertly done and and well polished, yet very fluid and peaceful. It is uplifting and thought provoking. My yoga teacher used it in class one day and everyone loved it.