Spirit Voyage

Sufi Splendor CD by Manish Vyas is Sufi music for chant, whirling meditation and healing.

The dervish’s whirling is a meditation—communion and contemplation—set to music; the calm center of a spiritual cyclone. Sufi Splendor: Music for Whirling Meditation captures the music that drives this resplendent and timeless practice.

Serpentine ney (flute), melodic santoor, impassioned singing and ancient frame drum form a hypnotic rhythmic engine, building in intensity and carrying the listener to whirling ecstasy. Recorded in India’s Ishvani Kendra monastery, Sufi Splendor: Music for Whirling Meditation features seasoned musicians, masters of the sema’a (Sufi ceremony), performing this irresistible music that propelled the original trance dancers.

The Persian mystic poet Rumi, founder of the Mevlana Dervish brotherhood, wrote, “…Music uplifts the soul to realms above. The ashes glow, the latent fires increase. We listen and are fed with joy and peace.”

Immensely enjoyable for straight listening, truly indispensable for inner exploration, Sufi Splendor: Music for Whirling Meditation places the listener at the tranquil heart of that latent fire.

Manish Vyas is a unique phenomenon in the world of fusion music. A talented multi-instrumentalist and singer, over the last few years he has emerged as both an extraordinary performing and recording artist.

He grew up in a family passionate about Indian music and it was in this dedicated atmosphere that he was first exposed to its many different forms; from classical to ‘kirtan’ to folk. Music, one could say, is quite simply in his blood.

Realising his talent at an early age, his mother initiated him into ‘Tabla’ when he was nine. A few years of basic instruction led him to the feet of Maestro, Ustad Allarakha in Mumbai where his training continued for a further five years.

It was during this same time that Manish was exposed to a totally new genre of music – namely World and Fusion – through meeting a variety of musicians from around the world at the then famous, Osho Commune International, Pune. Continuous experimentation with these musicians expanded his musical horizons beyond Tabla and Indian classical form. During this time a new found passion for melody led him to pick up the ‘Santoor’ – a 100 stringed instrument - and from there he moved first to singing, then harmonium and keyboards.

A dedicated involvement with these world musicians, in addition to Manish’s undoubted talents and versatility eventually brought him into the international limelight. Most noted was his collaboration with World famous fusion Maestro, Prem Joshua; first as a band member of the popular, ‘Hamsafar’ and then as a successful fusion duo, ‘East West Alchemy.’ Together they shared a musical partnership of over 15 years and toured extensively in Europe, USA, India, Israel and Singapore.

In addition to being a performer and recording artist, Manish is also held in high regard as a composer with a talent for creating beautiful melodies. Most notably, mantra queen, Deva Premal has featured many of his compositions in her CD’s.

Manish’s ability to blend his talents together with many forms of world music has brought him not only the appreciation of music lovers throughout the globe, but also to the eye of world-renowned celebrities in the music field. The year 2002 was particularly special, with Manish being invited by Sir Paul MacCartney to play at his wedding in Ireland as part of the Celtic Raga’s Band. In addition he has performed in front of Paul Getty 3, Anoushka Shankar, Sir Jules Holland, Ringo Star and Dr. Brian Weiss.

Over the years, Manish has given countless live concerts and enthralled audiences of hundreds of people. The record breaking number so far was 50,000 in Coimbatore, India at the Isha Fest, 2004 where his newly formed band, India Trance were billed alongside renowned classical singer, Vani Jairam.

With a fan base of both young and old, East and West, Manish Vyas has touched and inspired people in every corner of the globe and continues to bring his unique form of creativity to an ever more appreciative audience.