Customer Reviews

Call of the Mystic

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I discovered the music of this German-born composer/multi-instrumentalist by accident. I was browsing in the new age music section at a certain mega-bookstore, looking for the latest CD from Kitaro (one of my favorite artists.) Well, I didn't find the Kitaro disc that day, but another CD soon caught my eye, one by an artist I'd never heard of - "Call of the Mystic" by Karunesh. Curious about the cover-art and song titles, I put the CD on the store's headphone listening station. I was soon immersed in the music, and intrigued by its exotic sounds. Of course, these were only brief sound clips from the album, so as each snatch of music soon cut off, I was left wanting to hear more. I then came home, found the CD on Amazon, and ordered it (sorry to the bookstore, but your prices were just too high! : ) Anyway, to make a long story short, in the several months since then, I have become a major fan of Karunesh (pronounced "Care-un-ish", which is, I learned, also the sanscrit word for "compassion".) I have now also collected several titles from his extensive back catalog, and while all of his albums have their own strengths, I believe that "Call of the Mystic" still rates as one of his finest overall releases. With it's mystical/mysterious feel, warm synth textures, and heavy use of exotic instruments, this CD literally makes me feel better when I listen to it. I know that the term "healing music" is probably overused in this genre, but in this case the term really fits. It's one of those rare albums that somehow pulls the listener into its World, and transports them to a better state-of-mind for it's duration. (Kitaro is perhaps the only other new age artist who's work has this effect on me.) Like most of Karunesh's works, this album is fully instrumental (So those of you who do not like vocals/lyrics with your new age music will be particularly pleased!), with all of the tracks running in the 5 to 7 minute range (a good length for this type of music.) Now, as people usually like points of comparsion for reviews such as this, I would say that Karunesh falls into the same general "new age/instrumental/electronic" genre as Kitaro, Vangelis, or Patrick O'Hearn (although his music's rarely as gloomy as O'Hearn's can be.) However, comparisons can tend to be a tad misleading, and at the end of the day Karunesh is a unique artist who's music has a personality of its own...Here is a quick rundown of all the tracks: the album opens with "The Joy of It All", an Eastern-flavored track which benefits from a hypnotic percussion groove and the sitar work of special guest Govi (a respected new age artist in his own right.) "Hearing You Now" features piano/flute lines that rotate back and forth, and an ear-catching mix of both electronic & acoustic drumming. "Monsoon's Dance" gives us one of Karunesh's most memorable melodies, played with a gorgeous blend of piano, Indian violin, and synth/percussion backing. "Mount Kailash" has a deeply-spiritual feel, and is highlighted by another guest spot from Govi (this time playing what sounds like an acoustic guitar run through a digital delay effect...quite a beguiling sound, actually!) "Sunrise at the Ganges" is basically a sitar/flute duet set over a backdrop of synth chords and Indian-style drumming. "Zensual" takes on a darker, electronic tone, with some mysterious "reed"-like synth soloing, layers of keyboard ambience, and a sensual rhythmic groove. "And the Grass Grows by Itself" adds some contrast to the pevious track, based mainly around acoustic sounds and a fun, hopeful melody. This track also features the hum of a Tibetan singing bowl (an unusal sound that I have come to like.) Lastly, "Ancient Voices", the only track with no noticable percussion line, is made up almost entirely of sitar and woodwind sounds, and serves to end the album on a peaceful, contemplative note. All in all, this is an album (and artist) that should not be missed if you are a fan of new age music. I will have to agree with what another reviewer said about Amazon's soundclips, though. The brief clips here are all of the opening moments of these songs, before the main themes really kick in - so the CD really does need to be heard in its full context to be truly appreciated. Also, speaking of other reviews, I think it is quite remarkable that of the six customer reviews that have been posted of this CD thus far, EVERY single one has given it a perfect 5 stars!...Amen!

"Within each of us is a loving, magical, powerful being...a Real Self. Music, friend that it is, cocoons us from our worries, enabling that hidden self to emerge." -- From the liner notes of Call Of The Mystic

Call of the Mystic is the first CD by Karunesh that I've had the pleasure of listening to. Karunesh (Sanskrit for compassion) spent 5 years living in an ashram in Germany, where he learned from, and played together with, musicians from all over the world.

Call of the Mystic offers a decidely Eastern/Indian flavor with the beautiful instrumentation of bells, chimes, Tibetan bowls, sitar, sarod and Chinese instruments, bansuri flute and Indian violin. Many of the songs start quite slow, with a singular instrument in the foreground, then builds up quiet steam that promotes a sense of calm and well-being. I listened to this CD after a stressful time, and after I was done, I felt refreshed and centered.

There are 8 songs on this CD, with a length of 50 minutes and 45 seconds:

For The Joy Of It All

This song begins with gentle chimes and a low bass rumble. A rich, Indian tapestry forms the background as the rhythm picks up with soft drums and sitar (a type of Indican guitar made out of a gourd and metal strings). I felt as though Karunesh was telling a story through the music--a story of the Mystic and the inner/outer journey that one must take in the process of enlightenment.

Hearing You Now

Magical chimes, flute, and piano weave an almost mournful sound that takes you by the hand and leads you back to yourself.

Monsoon's Dance

Violin, drums, and piano enhance this song which feels like a celebration of the Earth, capturing the murmuring insistence of a refreshing monsoon.

Mount Kailash

This beautiful soundscape begins with pipes, then chimes and crystal bowls. Synthesizers and sitar gently enter the piece, reminiscent of the majestic stillness of a mountain. I put the headphones on my 6 year old during this song, and he was captivated. (Away from his children's video, no less!)

Sunrise At The Ganges

Featuring the sarod (a many-stringed Indian lute) and bansuri, this song evoked feelings of the first hing of daylight and the majestic crescendo of the sun making its rise into the Eastern sky.

Zensual

Sensual flutes and wind instruments form an undulating rhythm of ecstasy.

And The Grass Grows By Itself

Deep resonant bass sounds, chimes, harp and sitar join voices to tell an ancient story. I couldn't help but feel that this song was a children's story told by an elder--a story conveying the idea that life unfolds in it's own time, in it's own perfect way. A song of lightness, optimism, and hope, I could almost see the other members of the tribe coming forward to tell their own unique part of the story.

Ancient Wisdom

Ethereal sounds set the tone, while the mood is reverent and circumspect.

This calming, refreshing CD is a beautiful way to enter a meditative state. The careful orchestration creates space for thoughts to flow away, and the quiet inner Self--the true Self--emerges. I could tell my son was touched by this CD, so I believe it could be very helpful for parents and teachers who work with children. In fact, I think it would be a soothing CD for children with an ADD/ADHD or Autistic diagnosis, as well as the Indigo and Crystal children.

Also, bodyworkers and energy workers will enjoy this CD as background music for their healing efforts. For me, I love it just because it's calming and soothing--a very Zen CD that invokes a very Zen mood. Highly recommended!

Even though this is my first experience with Karunesh, this album was exactly what I expected,...and I enjoyed the different selection of instruments used to evoke a light, whimsical, and meditative feeling of calm. Recommended for light meditation, yoga practice, or massage therapy.

I heard the song "Monsoon Dance" on sky.fm. I previewed other songs and then bought almost all songs. Others are fine too, just listened once.

It's been 4 days since I bought them. I am not listening to any other song than Monsoon Dance for almost 4 days, day and night.. I am usually obsessed with these kind of mystic songs, listening to one song at a time for days a stretch, even when I sleep.

Thats the effect of the song Monsoon Dance. Truly, the mystic feeling of non-existence is an amazing pleasure. I feel one with the entire universe when I listen to this song.

I wonder what the composer might have gone through to come up with such an amazing piece of music. The Indian violin's effect is rather deep.

This CD is amazing. I received it a week ago and I can't bear to take it out of the CD player -- it's that good. It combines rich undertones with flutes, deep cellos, and an unintrusive beat that just makes you want to close your eyes and breathe the music. It's just amazing. I can meditate to it, study to it, and sleep to it. You won't regret buying this one. Absolutely amazing!!!

The extremely beautiful and creative music on this CD easily makes it my favorite CD discovery of 2004. Govi is the guest musician who plays the sitar and guitar, while Bikram plays the bansuri (Indian flute), Avinash plays the Indian violin (perhaps like the Persian kamenche, an upright violin, similar to Greek lyra) and Karunesh plays the piano on some tracks. Additonal tones and unexpected musical accompaniment are: Tibetan bowls, chimes, and the sarod.

The music is magical, primarily sounds of India, beautiful notes on the sitar open track #1 "The Joy of It All" which help the listener focus on the sounds ... eventually other thoughts dissolve ... the listener identifies with the music only. The timber of the bansuri is so appealing, the sound is nostalgic and introspective. The music is spiritual and ecstatic, wondrous sounds of natural calm and peace. "Sunrise on the Ganges" is very cheerful with the sitar, guitar, and bansuri being the lead instruments. It ends with chimes and Tibetan bells ... a highly mystical experience. "The Grass Grows by Itself" sounds of ancient Asian origin, original Chinese melodies, the instrument is similar to the pipa, plucked notes with a mysterious melody, later enhanced on the piano. Certain musical phrases repeat themselves throughout the day after I listen to this CD ... giving me the peace and serenity I often need during busy times.
Highly recommended. Erika Borsos (erikab93)

This is one of the most beautiful CDs I have every heard. I bring it everywhere when I need to relax. The sound of the instruments from India are just breathtaking.

I heard this music whilst having a massage and just HAD TO HAVE!!! It has not disappointed, on the contrary, I would say this is probably one of my favourite CDs of all time. If you want to be transported to that special place away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, this is for YOU. I will no doubt be purchasing more of Karunesh. And yes... the mystic called...
Karunesh has a way of getting to the core of your being. Thank you Karunesh and thank you Amazon for making it so easy for us to have the music we love.
Revati

This is my very favorite of Karunesh's CDs. There is something very tender and poignant about the gentle, slow rhythms, which peak and repeat, drawing deep feelings of sweet aching and yet a sense of completeness. I use this as music for yoga class, and I have played it for my Senior yoga students -- people in their 80's and even 90's -- and they love it, too and always ask me about the musician. I highly recommend this CD as an accompaniment to yoga, to meditation, to listen to while working on a project,or just for relaxing. When I listen to it, I feel that I can access many deep emotions that have been hovering below the surface. The music makes me want to move, to release old longings and to awaken refreshed.

I only recently tried out this artist because of other amazon reviewers. I must say, you haven't let me down. I bought nirvana cafe and zen breakfast and was blown away. these aren'tc.d.'s you listen to every day, but they are really nice to sit on the porch, quietly read, or relax at home. I'm sorry I don't buy onto some of the new age philosophy or mysticism(?) or meditate, but that dosen't keep me from enjoying this music. Don't be afraid to try it, you will not be disappointed. this is the most recent offering from karunesh and when you put this on with the other two, a very relaxing experience awaits. try it on a rainy sunday morning, or a sunny sunday morning or put it on in the car on your way home from work. it will do the trick. 5 bright stars for this one, good length, (the only gripe about govi's c.d.'s are the brevity) govi's contribution is an extra added bonus. Happy Listening!