Sacred Circle by Amrit Kirtan 

An introspective chant album, Sacred Circle features the warm, feminine vocals of Amrit Kirtan. Classically trained, she brings a special purity and signature sound to traditional Sikh mantras. Several exceptional musicians support her gentle vocals in high style. Dominic Breaux’s sensitive flute melodies sometimes whisper, and at other times soar. Girish provides a gentle percussive rhythm throughout, while Thomas Barquee is featured on the album as both the producer and keyboardist.

Six long chants comprise the recording. These include the traditional Sikh mantras “Aad Guray Nameh” and “Gobindah, Gobindah, Gobindah, Haray, Haray”. The popular English tune, “The Longtime Sun Shine Song”, finishes the recording in an uplifting way. Amrit Kitran has brought an angelic purity to these chants and song that is unique and truly her own.

This is contemplative music. Throughout, the music is slow, gentle and consistent, taking you tenderly along. The arrangements have a buoyant, Mediterranean feel that carry you like a gentle breeze on a sea of tranquility. Yet the import of the songs is deep and clear.

Heart of Compassion by Ashana, Snatam Kaur, and Thomas Barquee

This soothing CD was specifically composed to help people in times of grief and loss. Each song fosters acceptance, forgiveness, and hope. The opening piece, “Ave Maria”, features Ashana’s soaring, sweet vocals; haunting original melodies; and the distinctive tones of crystal bowls. Snatam Kaur lends her rich and ethereal voice to two beautiful chants that are intended to provide inner healing and an experience of deep love. Thomas Barquee’s three tracks feature his signature vocals against the backdrop of keyboard and East Indian instrumentals. Barquee has also produced the CD, tying every piece together with unmistakable finesse.

One of the most beautiful elements of this recording is the way in which each individual musician shines, and in that brightness illuminates the artistry of the others. Heart of Compassion is a powerful statement of our profound human ability to offer solace to one another. It also speaks strongly to the healing power of music. For those dealing with grief and loss, this CD could be a lifesaver. But in any moment, the songs on this recording can open the heart, renew the spirit, and awaken joy within.

Kundalini Rising by Phillip Kanaki

Perfect as supportive music for massage and other healing work, Kanakis has composed pieces to expand awareness and balance the charkas. The slow, deep sonic tones of Kundalini Rising calm your mind and create a grounded listening experience. Higher frequency, ambient sounds offer a counterbalance to the tonal element of the compositions. The result is both restful and uplifting, taking the listener to a place of deep relaxation, healing and transformation. Used on a regular basis, this music can also aid individuals to overcome sleep and stress disorders.

Kanakis approaches his music from the perspective and tradition of sound healing. As a composer and producer, he sees his life mission to bring healing sounds and music to listeners to aide in their health and well-being on all levels- Body, Mind and Spirit. Many cultures throughout the world have used sound in this way. The resurging interest in sound as a healing tool has generated a whole genre of music. Kanakis has firmly placed himself among the standard-bearers of that genre with this release.

Some Songs to the Stars by David Darling with Annie Haslam

Refined and beautiful compositions blossom on David Darling’s latest creation, Some Songs to the Star. His masterful cello work is joined by the soaring, enchanting harmonies of English progressive rock vocalist Annie Haslam. These elements are enhanced by additional skilled instrumentation and ethereal ambient sounds.

This recording is part of an award winning video project marrying architecture and the environment. It successfully presents another vision of how the world can be. Through this music it is possible to imagine how we can interact with our environments in a different way and help create the world anew.

Darling has long been revered for his innovative approach of taking classical music into the ambient music realms. He has performed with symphony orchestras and graced albums and concerts of such innovative artists as Bobby McFerrin, Spyro Gyra, and the Paul Winter Consort. Haslam is a legend herself with her impressive five octave vocal range that mesmerizes listeners. On this recording, Haslam uses her voice to tell stories, opening doorways to the imagination.