Mukti magic

What makes Mukti different from other kirtan groups? Why does everyone leave their concerts with such incredible joy and enthusiasm? Why do listeners to their CD “Light of the Sun” get it stuck in their CD players or iPod rotations? Why are they quickly becoming the most talked about name in kirtan circles? I’m glad you asked those questions…

Mukti Music
I would first point to where the music comes from, and that is devotion, a space of peace, and the desire to share with audiences the opportunity to experience one’s own heart in a place of deep silence and stillness. Mukti is a Sanskrit word that means “liberation”. As a musical group, Mukti includes the creativity and expression of several artists, notably Prajna Vieira, lead singer and main songwriter. In Common Ground Magazine it is written, "Prajna has a beautiful voice that is rich, soulfully sweet, and prone to taking off into divine spaces." Already she has been asked to sing on stage with Jai Uttal, Snatam Kaur, and Jaya Lakshmi. Her songwriting is fabulous, with English lyrics giving way to soulful chants that draw you inward. When asked about what inspires her songwriting, Prajna shared,

“Nothing in particular inspires the writing, it just comes when it's ready. What's so neat, though, is that my ego's image of "kirtan singer" (radiant, luminous, peaceful, angelic) gets shot down every time I go to the microphone. It's the darndest thing, but I keep finding God in the dark! A lot of the songs seem to come out of really difficult life experiences—times when I went through loss, sorrow, addiction, fear, self-effacement. Boy was there ever incredible grace in those places! How can you not want to sing the glories of the unbelievable ocean of love that is waiting at the bottom of all our fears and sorrows? That love is the source of all inspiration. We got in it to open ourselves to the Divine, right? Everything else is just details."

On “Light of the Sun,” the debut CD, there are so many highlights it is difficult to mention only a few. In person, the songs really come to life. Some are more energetic, with dazzling musicianship, while others are serene and majestic. “Jai Jai Ma” is the opening track and that alone will win you over. “Sarade/Sarve Api Sukhina Santu” is the longest piece, moving through a number of transitions with grace and beauty, and the title track has every element perfectly in place. The closing track, “Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu” leaves one in a space of true beauty and peacefulness.

On the tracks with guest artist Grammy-award winning violinist David Balakrishnan, the whole enterprise seems to simply take off and soar. Core member Donald Ivan Fontowitz is the guitarist and co-writer and his flamenco-flavored style shines through on many selections. His experience ranges from touring with Ottmar Liebert to Rosa Montoya’s Bailes Flamencos dance company. Don shares the desire to create music dedicated to the divine within all beings. Fellow Mukti Ramana Erickson is not only the group’s tabla player, but a continual source of humor, enthusiasm, rhythm and proper Sanskrit pronunciation. That last part may seem minor but it is ever so important in the midst of the Kirtan explosion where “Saraswati” often comes out like “where’s the SWAT team”! Two beautiful family members provide the backing vocals on the CD: Veena Erickson is Ramana’s sister, and Shubha is his wife.

I also asked Prajna what makes Mukti different from other kirtan groups. She responded,

“Creatively, we're coming from three distinct musical backgrounds, so the music is very alive in its diversity. Ashram-style, Indian bhajans + flamenco guitar + pop/r&b vocals and piano = yummy! A lot of western kirtan artists are criticized for straying too far from the roots of the practice, but I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing. Most of us in the band grew up around ashram communities and never imagined that kirtan would become what it is in the west today!“

Essential to the whole artistry is the superb production of Ben Leinbach, who has produced CDs by Deva Premal, Jai Uttal and others. His work on “Light of the Sun” is integral to the masterpiece it is, with layered musical structures that allow each song to stand alone musically as well. “I Belong to Everyone” even has a Beatle-ish feel (I like to refr to Mukti as “The Beatles of Kirtan” due to their fast-rising momentum!), while others blend the guest contributions of Manose, flute player supreme, with the rest of the tracks. Still, throughout, it is the voice, singing, and vocal riffing of Prajna, the heart and soul of Mukti, that shines through and lights up the entire space. Magic it is, and the most simple expressions of this are proving to be the most profound.