** EDITOR'S NOTE: "Gathering In The Light" is Yoga Instructor Sarah Ivanhoe's CD of the month **
THE CD
"Gathering In The Light" is a pairing of two musical forces. Kirtan master Krishna Das, and Baird Hersey and his overtone singing choir Prana unite here to make music that’s whole is far greater than the sum of its parts. With the open hearted sound he is so well know for, Krishna Das sings seven of his most beloved chants over arrangements created by Baird, and sung by Prana.
But, Prana is far more than a human harmonium. The other worldly ensemble sound of Prana's drones, textures and rising harmonies are a perfect setting for both Baird's high arcing overtone melodies and Krishna Das' rich baritone.
The two featured voices, sometimes support one another, and sometimes act as a foil for one another. When placed in the frame of the 8 voice choir, they shine like two spirits in pursuit of the same ethereal goal.
Although this is neither purely a Prana CD or Krishna Das CD, It is like nothing else you will hear. "Gathering In The Light" is innovative, heartfelt, and breath taking.
THE STORY
In October of 2004 Krishna Das attended a release party for PRANA's first CD, "The Eternal Embrace". After Prana had sung, Krishna Das said to Baird, "Let's make a record together or something".
Over the next two year the "or something" was Krishna Das inviting Prana to sing at his larger benefit Kirtans in the New York area. As a part of those evenings KD would join Prana to sing Baird's arrangement of his chant "Puja". The combination of the ethereal sound of overtone singing supporting the rich, open hearted voice of Krishna Das was stunning.
In 2006 Baird and KD decided to record "Puja" for Prana's new CD. The resulting 12 minute piece was so striking, they resolved to record an entire CD together. The result is "Gathering in the Light", Krishna Das singing seven of his most beloved chants over arrangements created by Baird and sung by Prana.
On four pieces percussion was added: Jerry Marotta, (Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello) on hand percussion and drums, South Indian Masters Drummers Subash Chandran, playing ghatam (clay pot), Ganesh Kumar playing kanjira (tunable tambourine), and Arjun Alan Bruggeman on Tabla. The only instrument on the CD other than percussion is the human voice.
The singers of PRANA are; Peter Buettner, Amy Fradon, Kirsti Gholson, Julie Last, Bruce Milner, Julian Lines, Leslie Ritter, Joe Veillette
"Gathering In The Light" is dedicated to Pattabhi Jois and Neem Karoli Baba.
All Chants Composed by Krishna Das., arranged and produced by Baird Hersey
Satsang Music Inc. #26001 ©2007