 Every now and again an artist comes along that can launch our Vaisnava tradition into mainstream popularity. Sri Kesava dasi from Los Angeles is such an artist. She has just released her latest CD “The Avatar Sessions.” Formerly of the Krishnacore bands Baby Gopal and Shelter, her new project is a beautiful hybrid of ancient and modern sounds. Many of the songs are favorites from our ‘Songs of the Vaishnava Acarya’s’ song book, but it is the production style that is the most intriguing. Traditional instrumentation… sarod, mrdanga, violin, harmonium, flute and tabla overlay driving dance beats and samples creating sounds that are truly groundbreaking. DJ mixes of Govindam Adi Purusam, Gopinath and Jago Mohana Piyare sit along side traditional renditions of Govinda Jaya Jaya and Radha Madhava in our own unique Gaudiya Vaishnava style. The CD was co-produced by Gauravani of ‘Kindred Spirits’ and the DC based Avatar Studios group and also includes a bonus DVD component featuring a beautiful music video.
Around the world we are seeing such an explosion of interest in Yoga and world music. Both Sri and my own Temple Bhajan band play out regularly in the south-west United States and I personally see how popular kirtan is becoming within the Yoga community and beyond. This CD puts our own tradition firmly in the market place along side such popular artists as Krishna das and Bhagavan das. While this CD definitely attracts the mainstream, ISKCON devotees can also enjoy the traditional bhajans as well as get boring house-work done in record time with the help of the up-beat DJ mixes!
Once again, Sri is part of a new music movement with it’s own catch phrase. No longer Krishnacore, but rather ‘Sacred dance’ and ‘Indo-world beat.’ Check out her site and listen to the song samples. I also encourage devotees who distribute CD’s as part of their sankirtan and others with gift stores to carry the CD. To purchase a CD, distro information or to book a performance contact her through her site http://srimusic.com or at info@srimusic.com
All glories to our Vaisnava Acaryas!
Sura das
BBT and Temple Bhajan Band
Los Angeles, California. |
