Breath of the Heart

by Krishna Das

Overview

According to ancient Indian scriptures and saints, the traditional practice of chanting God's name -- be it Krishna, Rama, Ganesh, or another of the numerous deities -- is a tried and true path leading to union with the divine. Kirtan is one of the main forms of this practice, wherein a leader sings out the call and a group echoes with a response. Breath of the Heart is a live recording of Krishna Das in such a setting. Of course, being a westerner, he rounds out the sound with a little more than the customary harmonium and drum of the "motherland," adding Rob McDonald's solid electric bass, Lili Haydn's exquisite though underused violin, and Steve Gorn's mystical bansuri flute, along with various percussion and such. A single kirtan can go on for as long as the leader feels appropriate, although here Krishna Das limits the pieces to not more than 15 minutes or so. That's just enough to get you going before he moves on to the next, which is good for newcomers but perhaps frustrating for true practitioners. For the result is a quick build that doesn't allow you to so much linger in the melody, but rather pulls you along with the rhythm. It's a forgivable consequence when taking his audience into consideration. Nevertheless, with Rick Rubin at the production helm and topnotch musicianship supporting Das' instantly recognizable voice, the combination is a truly enjoyable, and possibly enlightening, offering. ~ Kelly McCartney

Product Details

Release Date:	10/04/2005
Label:	TRILOKA RECORDS
UPC:	0801298206224

Tracks

1. Baba Hanuman
2. Kainchi Hare Krishna
3. Ma Durga
4. Kashi Vishwanath Gange
5. Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
6. Brindavan Hare Ram

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Krishna Das   Primary Artist,Vocals,Harmonium
Steve Ross   Guitar,Guitar
Steve Gorn   Guest Artist,Bansuri
Benmont Tench   Piano,Organ (Hammond)
John McDowell   Piano,Djembe,Gorong,Shaker,Tambourine,Organ (Hammond)
Rob McDonald   Bass
Nina Piaseckyj   Cello
Allen J. Astin   Finger Cymbals
Keshav Hunter   Finger Cymbals
Lili Haydn   Violin
Nina Rao   Finger Cymbals
Ty Burhoe   Tabla

Technical Credits

David Schiffman   Audio Engineer,Mixing,Engineer
Rick Rubin   Audio Production,Producer
Eddy Schreyer   Mastering
Krishna Das   Composer,Liner Notes
Jay Messina   Editing
Mitchell Markus   Executive Producer
Carla J. Cummings   Photography
Lynda Carre   Package Design
Shiva Baum   Executive Producer
Traditional   Composer