Attending live kirtan is an experience like no other. While there is a certain energetic give and take at a rock concert, the participatory nature of kirtan's call-and-response chanting has a powerful effect on moods and emotions. When we listen to yoga music albums, we sometimes miss that feeling of communal sharing. Artists may choose to have only one or two response singers, or make some other stylistic choice that creates amazing music, but doesn't transport us to a kirtan in our minds. Kristin Luna Ray is not one of these artists. Her new album One Shared Heart is not only musically amazing and interesting, it will absolutely make you feel like you're in the middle of a kirtan surrounded by friends.
One highlight of One Shared Heart is “Sita Ram.” Kristin Luna Ray shows off her singer-songwriter side, opening with only her guitar and a sweet English line which choruses throughout the track. The power of love to banish fear fits well with the story of Sita and Rama, whose love and devotion to one another has inspired people for hundreds of years. If you're a fan of Krishna Das' “Hallelujah Shri Ram,” then “Sita Ram” may seem familiar. Like KD, Kristin Luna Ray plays with the energetic tension created by the mantra and music. At times she slows down the chanting, even though the plucking of the guitar urges you on. Then she lets loose, with spunky energy and a lively flute line encouraging you to sing your heart out. With a great group of response singers, you'll feel like you're chanting with a group when you sing along with this track.
“Shankara Shiva” is another stand-out track on One Shared Heart. Instrumentally, this is a beautiful track. The interplay between the guitar, bass, and strings in the beginning create a rich tapestry of sound. When the tempo picks up and the percussion kicks in, you'll once again find yourself in the middle of an energetic kirtan. Alert listeners may also recognize the voice of Wah! on this track. Just one of many exciting guest artists on the album, her shared presence helps make “Shiva Shankara” a wonderful listen.
In the midst of all of the Sanskrit mantras on One Sacred Heart, Kristin Luna Ray also includes a musical shout out to Gurbani kirtan fans in the track “Gobinda Hare.” Instrumentally this track seems to have a bit of Central American flavor, perhaps celebrating her love for her part time home of Costa Rica. “Hare” or “Hari” the aspect of the Divine that is fresh and beautiful, and the overall lightness of this track really connects you to that energy.
“He Ma Durga” is one of the more emotionally intense songs on the album. Vocally, it feels like Kristin Luna Ray is laying bare her heart and soul, and the piano line woven through the track enhances that. She also plays with tempo again, with the end of the track speeding up little by little, just enough to give each musical phrase a slightly clipped feel. The mysterious, off-kilter feel in the last two minutes gives the feeling that Kristin's heart is so overflowing that she can't quite get her words out fast enough. “He Ma Durga” is a powerful track, full of devotion to the Divine Feminine.
Don't be surprised if you find yourself humming some of these tracks when you wake up in the morning. These melodies stick with you, making it easy to keep your favorite mantra on your mind all day long. Whether you're looking for a smooth Ganesh chant, an intense Mahamantra, or a percussive Govinda, you'll find something you like here. The biggest complaint about One Shared Heart is that there are only 7 tracks, and your urge to hit “replay” at the end may keep you from listening to anything else! With One Shared Heart, Kristin Luna Ray takes her place as a yoga music artist you'll listen to again and again. Find out more about Kristin Luna Ray's music on www.spiritvoyage.com.
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