Live Ananda is the first-time release of live recordings of classic Krishna Das favorites drawn from his early studio recordings. These tracks capture the depth and spirit of the group of chanters on a 3 -day retreat in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. Krishna Das accompanied by tabla, mridanga, bass, violin, and flute, blends the musical and spiritual tradition of the east with the voice of the west to create this rendition of call-and-response chanting that lead us into Ananda - Happiness and our true state of Being.
Zen Lounge comes out of the gate kickin’ on all four hooves with a nice up-tempo number called Go Zen, which GOES. A nice steady backbeat drives synth strings and a male vocal sustaining drone takes the listener (or exerciser) on a nice beat driven directed journey.
Marimba notes in the high end with scratch breaks structure segues in the song and close it out to lead to Funky Buddha a nice swirling dream concoction of funky happiness. Funky Buddha would be a track good for a yoga session of standing poses in a flow-maybe a set where maintaining a consistent rhythm and beat is just as important as aspiring to the optimistic exuberance of the track.
The third track Mystico bumps into play with its own style of new sound on the scene funk. A nice rhythmic push of repeating Indo-Asian voco-samples propels the music listener towards a well-imagined sonic heaven, as elegant string synth work and sweet tabla taps build the groove, great for the sweating, drenched yoga workout.
The morning of April 17th, 2012, I lazily scrolled through my iTunes playlists in hopes of finding something awesome to listen to. Then I remembered...DJ Drez's new one was being released on that very day, Jahta Beat: The Lotus Memoirs. Sweet!
I downloaded the precious tracks while I heated water on the stove (for my morning hot lemon water which, by the way fellow yogis, I highly recommend each morning during the springtime for a gentle liver cleanse) and enjoyed the rest of my morning giving the album a good few listens.
