Customer Reviews

Union

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I was new to "new age" music when I purchased Rasa's first CD "Devotion." And of all the CD's I own, I kept coming back to that one. I was lucky to stumble across the last copy of "Union" at a local bookstore and I find it to be every bit as good as their first CD. The music is soothing and soulful, and somehow can take you to a different experiental level. I use both CD's in my yoga practice, both privately and in the classes I teach. It is not instrusive and it enhances the meditational aspects of the practice. I recommend it.

Equally as beautiful and compelling as Devotion, their first release, Rasa once again weaves an intricate sonic tapestry. This recording absolutely glows with the warm light of an altar candle, an enveloping illumination that wraps one in a sonic embrace. When listening to Union, my soul dances as if it is the gently undulating smoke rising from incense that permeates space with sublime fragrance. Each of the seven tracks on this CD is a prayerful chant of spiritual depth that places us in touch with inner realms of beauty.

This is exquisite music. . Kim Waters' divine voice blends perfectly with the sounds and sensibilities of India. Strings, percussion, and wind instruments of the East intertwine with Western keyboard textures and soundscapes. Thus a dance is created that is both sacred and playful, alive and penetrating. The Hearts of Space production team is to be congratulated for a recording of superb quality.

I cannot help but notice that this recording was released on September 11th 2001, the same day as the tragic terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The world was not totally engulfed by darkness that day. Many points of illumination were shining brightly. And Union emerges as one of those bursts of light and hope, a testament to the radiance that can shine forth from our hearts out into the world.

This album does with the traditional holy music of india what Loreena McKennit did with Celtic folk. By which I mean, it takes a traditional genre, adds instrumentation and studio polish, and makes it palatable for popular consumption by a wide audience. Purists may be disgusted, but for the rest of us, the album is a godsend.

The first cut alone on this CD, "Kabe Hare Bolo" is worth the cost of purchase. Add to that the additional six excellent tracks and you have a real winner here. The first RASA CD, Devotion, was wonderful Hearts of Space-type chant by the incredible vocalist, Kim Waters, combined with fantastic instrumentation and orchestration by Hans Christian. On this CD, these two artists are joined by additional instrumentalists such as Girish Gambra (tablas, udu, shakers, bi-bat, mridangam, kanjira, morcheng, spring drum on all tracks), John Loose (kanjira, triangle, cabusa, maraca, shakers and bells, ghatam, ambient percussion, dumbek, bi-bat, kartals and tamborine on tracks 3,4,6 and 7), Alan Kozlowski (hamsa vina on track 1), Bhima Karma (kartals on track 7), Robert Powell (electric and acoustic guitars on track 3), and the incomparable John Wubbenhorst (bansari flute on track 6). Hans Christian provides the foundation for all the tracks playing cello, sarangi, bells and shakers, frame drum, bass, nyckelharpa, kartals, sitara, harmonium and keyboards and textures. To this mix, add the wonderfully light, yet full voice of Kim Waters on all tracks, singing the chants and providing a serene soundscape. The music is quiet, and medatative, and very lyrical and rich in an understated way. Together, the CD is a delight to listen to from end to end. And, as I mentioned, track 1 is, in itself, a real inspiration. Highly recommend this CD to all.

This is wonderfully relaxing--great for putting yourself into a meditative mood or winding down at bedtime. Unlike many attempts at "fusion" between different styles (which too often clash), this blend of Western and Hindu/Bengali styles really works. The vocalist has a lovely and pure voice, with good range--great for the exotic scales. The accompanying Indian instruments are lovely, too, and interesting.

I should caution that this music is more to RELAX to than to LISTEN to; it's somewhat repetitive, as one would expect from chants. However, to me, there is just enough repetition to bring on a meditative state, but not too much to be boring--there is some variety of melody, rhythm, dynamics (loud/soft), and instrumentation.

Additional recommendations: If you like Indian music, I highly recommend Call of the Valley. And if you want an example of another amazingly beautiful fusion of cultures, listen to a song called Mais Filhos de Gandhi, sung by Indian-Brazilian Ana Rita Simonka on her Bossa Nova Delhi CD.

Rasa takes a satisfying step forward in their musical growth in this, my favorite of their albums so far, offering collaborations that are at once relaxing and compelling. The gentle meditational meanderings of their debut album, "Devotion", have evolved here into a deeper, more beat-driven style. Retained, however, are the foundations of their signature sound--Kim Waters' melodic Sanskrit chants supported by Hans Christian's exotic improvisations on cello, sarangi, nyckelharpa and synthesizer. Layered expertly into the instrumentals in ever-developing layers of complexity are the stylings of numerous other artists as well: Girish Gambira on tabla, udu, mridangam, spring drum and morcheng; John Loose on ghatam, kartals, kanjira, cabasa, maracca, triangles, shakers, hi-hat and tambourine; John Wubbenhorst on bansuri flute; Alan Kozlowski on bamsa vina, Bhima Karma on kartals, and vocalist Yamuna Devi. Don't ask me what most of those instruments are, but you get the general idea--Rasa's rich, full fusion sound is heavily influenced by traditional Indian music, and to very pleasing effect. Notable tracks on "Union" include the sensual "Hari Haraye", in which Waters' soothing voice winds sinuously over itself in overdubs while Christian's sarangi wails a delicate, microtonal descant; "Sri Guru", a two-part musical epic featuring the lovely Bansuri flute; and the vocal duet "Govindam", which builds in speed and intensity to end at fever pitch before fading out in a peaceful coda. Rasa's next album, similar in style to this one is "Shelter". For another take on the blending of Sanskrit chant with modern western melodies, you might enjoy the work of Krishna Das. To sample more traditional Indian music, try the recordings of the great sitar player, Ravi Shankar, or his daughter Anoushka.

Kim Water's voice is very pretty. Hans Christian's instrumentals are wonderfully subtle and create the real East-West fusion here. Though I can feel their devotion, I am much less enthusiastic than many of the other reviewers.

Bengali Vaishnava songs, the inspiration for these songs, are known for ecstatic devotion, intense longing, and/or deep pathos. You won't find that here. Instead, a meditative exotic atmosphere replaces the soul's passionate call to the divine. Very spiritual, but not capturing the "rasa" I would have expected.

Most of these melodies in this album are based on the melodies and interpretations of that the Radha Krishna Temple(s) and George Harrison produced around 1970. These are all really great. I am a little surprised that none of the editors' comments acknowledge the source material and inspiration for these songs.

I liked the cd the first time I listened, but the more I listen, the more the songs all sound the same. The music sounded great, I just think they should get a little more creative.

This CD is fabulous! Rasa has again proven that music can move the soul in profound and powerful ways. To be swept into the divine current repeatedly, at will, by merely pushing play is a true miracle of grace. Thanks to Kim and Hans for their continued dedication to creating inspiring music. I like this CD even more than their first. It is a true blessing to this planet.

I love this music but I bought a used CD. It was the first CD that I have bought in 10 years using Amazon that was scratched beyond use. I had to toss it away!