Now [IMPORT]

Bhagavan Das

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 9, 2002)
• Original Release Date: July 9, 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Karuna
• ASIN: B000069KGW
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #88,078 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The legendary guru Bhagavan Das is known as the Wildman of Kirtan, which is an ecstatic brand of call-and-response chanting. The holy man has published three books, but Now is his first proper album of chants set to music. With Beastie Boy Mike D producing, arranging, and cowriting this album, never has chanting sounded so hip. Das's vocal mantras in ancient Sanskrit--and occasionally English--are well complimented by highly textured drum 'n' bass programming. D has also brought in live musicians, on modern and ancient instruments, to make the ever-shifting integration of ancient and modern sounds a smooth and hypnotic one. If the album's opening call to prayer isn't an obvious enough clue, this is religious music, and one can hear and feel the ecstasy in Das's voice as he chants and riffs. Interestingly, Das and D reference gospel on "Shiva Gospel" and the blues on "Shiva Shambho" with equally interesting results. This album should surprise many if they take the time to check it out. --Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As Good As Chanting Kirtan Live with Bhagavan Das!, July 15, 2002

By	Beth D. (Wilmington, DE USA) - See all my reviews

For those of you who are familiar with the chanting of Krishna Das, you simply must try "Now" by Bhagavan Das. This is the long-awaited CD by Bhagavan Das, whose music has always been difficult to obtain, and until now has only been available on cassette tape. There is something truly transportative about this music. It takes me directly and immediately to a place of intense worship and celebration in a way that no other music does. I never miss a chance to chant kirtan with Bhagavan Das, and now I can do it without leaving the house. Unlike other chant CDs, you won't find all the words in the liner notes to this one--but you don't need them. Each of the tracks corresponds to/resonates with a particular chakra. You must hear track 4--Shiva Shambho--it starts out traditional and shifts to something different and wonderful, and beautifully in context. Mike D. produced this CD, and Geoffrey Gordon plays tabla on one track. The cover design is by Peter Max. I highly recommend this!

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars NOW, October 28, 2002

By A Customer

Bhagavan Das has put (with the help of Mike D) a little bit of everything into this CD. which actually Makes it pretty unique.
For the Most part the music consists of traditional Indian chants. The music itself Is all over the place yet remaining coherant and consistant. You Can see the influence Of Mike D of The Beastie Boys especially in some of the rhythems with the use of Hip Hop loops . Bhagavan Das shows us bits and pieces of his many influences . Allman Brothers , Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Doors music Jumps out almost right away. inspite of all that , the music is pretty true to the traditional Themes of many of the eastern chants. there are hints of folk and gospel music. Bhagavan Das Plays accustic Guitar and Sings He is accompanied by very accomplished percussionists and musicians of both Eastern and western Traditions. THERE IS NOT A WEAK TRACK ON THIS CD. I think this CD has Something for everyone on a musical level.The music however (as Krishna Das once put it)is Only the sweet sugar that the medicine is in. on a spititual level this is a masterpiece of undenyable strength.I hessitate To compare this to other Chant work out there since the producers and artists weren't afraid to put Shiva Shiva Shiva Shambho in a medly with Nobodys fault but mine(Led Zeppelin)
But it IS a great mix- while still being true to the Traditional aspect of the chants.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Dogma is Chasing your Catma, November 20, 2003

By	"turntablist" (Charleston, SC US of A) - See all my reviews

My yoga teacher plays this in class, right after she turns up the heaters in the room to what feels like 120 degrees and works us over. Great album to do yoga by - meditational, with enough space between vocals to get out of your head - and a constant hum of rhythm that will keep you going.

But beyond shakras, ohms, putting your feet behind your back (try it), or down-dog poses on the sticky yoga mats - this album is just plain BANGIN!!! Hip-hop never sounded so uplifitng, even with the "extracurricular activities" most hop-hop aficionados swear by. Interesting to liner note that its Mike "Money" Diamond of the Beastie Boys lending street beats and structure to traditional chants and polyrhythms with his skills.

Frankly, it's the technical production on this album that sets it far apart from your run-of-the-mill "chant-a-psalm" or new agey birds-and-storms crap cd, and makes it such a stirring and interesting listen, as songs and chants segway from one to another without a hard musical break or pause, but with space, openness, and atmosphere, extending the trance.

These are two great tastes that taste great together, and it's amazing to hear the master Bhagavan-D and mix master Mike-D flex it "on wax". Just remember to warm up with some breathing and basic stretches before you put this on - you're going to need it.