Customer Reviews

Parikrama

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Once again David Parsons has transported us to the heart of Tibet. Mount Kailash represents the centre of universe and the abode of God for 4 spiritual paths. It is also the source of some of the mightiest rivers in Asia, including the Indus. Parikrama is the circumambulation of the sacred mountain by pilgrims, this is not so much a physical experience but a journey within. In this CD Parsons has recreated the mystery and majesty of the geographical and spiritual significance of this remote region of Tibet. The fusion of modern electronic instruments with traditional sounds and Buddhist chants remind one of Parsons previously released Dorje Ling. Kang Rimpoche and Dawa Gompa on disc 2 are particularly evocative.

This is an exceptional soundworld. This is a continuation of dorje ling and yatra. This soundwork goes even deeper (doesnt seem possible.) and can creates a trance that is best described as otherworldly. I honestly will have to listen to this new soundworld many many times to fully be able to process the depth of the Cd. I would not listen to this Cd while driving a car or operating a machine.

I don't find this CD difficult or challenging at all; to me it's pure bliss. But then, I AM the drone guy, so it's right up my street. Barely-perceptible changes, spooky and mysterious noises...oh yeah! Give me more!

I've investigated Parsons' other work (both via the snippets available on-line at amazon, and at listening stations at record stores) and I strongly suspect Parikrama will be my favorite of his. The "groove" mentioned by the Editorial review is my least-favorite moment on the album--though it's followed up by some wonderful tribal percussion, so I don't mind too much. But I definitely prefer my synthesizer sounds to be slow and sonorous, not quick and shimmery.

Can anyone recommend similar-sounding CDs by other artists? Maybe traditional Tibetan music? I'm not too fond of chant, though I make an exception for Sufi chants...could be Tibetan chants aren't so bad either. (In general, I prefer my non-rock music to be vocal-free, with significant exceptions such as Sheila Chandra.) If you have some suggestions, you don't need to write another review, you can just e-mail me...click on the link above to get my address.

This album is one of the best by one of the best. It takes you into the heart of spiritual experience inspired by the practices of the people of the Himalayas. Very deep and resonant. I especially recommend the "temple of the Moon" track, "Dawa Gompa." This is powerful music that reaches into your soul. Lots of variety of different sounds on this double CD; worth the price of three or four.

I imagine that a listener of this cd may have experiences similar to a guided journey with shaman using ayahuasca or something like that. David Parsons takes curious listener to forbidden Shambala, at listener's own risk. But it's worth it.

until i hear yatra and a couple of other works, i have to say this is parson's best work....double cd...deep heavy tibetan droning of voice and interpreted landscape landscop(e)...this is intense sesshin space compressed then expanded to match the universe's possible carbon contraction towards (away from the big bang) that 'crunch'...kalachakra...etc. this can be used for meditation easily, but the trek itself is an adventure. this isn't new age fluff. almost the equivalent (roughly, playfully!) to led zep's kashmir at compressed ambient modality. thankfully the vocals are sampled. this is pure instrumentality. perfect for vipassana or dmt experimentation. i suppose... ;)