Reviews and Awards for Kirtan Dance Party
Review of Temple Bhajan Band's Summer 2008 CD Release: Kirtan Dance Party Freelance review by Lorie Erbs
True to tradition, the new Kirtan Dance Party CD embodies the distinct motifs fused from classic and improvisational kirtan themes that the Temple Bhajan Band is famous for. However, this album signifies a quantum leap in TBB's musical evolution, transcending sectarian boundaries, expanding upon uniquely original works, culminating in a mature blend of solid vocals and intriguing instrumentation.
Sura's lead vocals offer a dynamic synthesis of playful revelation. His rendition of "Radhe Radhe" is a bit swanky, "Rake Krisna Mare Ke" definitively rocks, and he expertly articulates the essential spirit of Divinity featured in "Nitai Gauranga."
Singing straight from the heart, Maha Laxmi enchants with exquisite soprano solos on her interpretation of "Khoda Nitai." As gracefully as Sura and Maha Laxmi dance in perfect lyrical symbiosis, the visionary interreligious "Hallowed be Thy Names" is bound to catalyze the Golden Age, manifesting as a modern corollary of "My Sweet Lord."
The band shines with variegated unity on the "Hare Krishna" mantra: Maha Laxmi's ambrosial girlish voice juxtaposes with Sura's humble mellows while flute, sitar and assorted exotic percussion meander in spontaneous countermelodies amidst a fully harmonious chorus.
The finale of this charming CD is "Narasimha Kavaca," reverberating with complex mystical locutions of Sanskrit hymns that induce states of deep relaxation. Such trance-inducing meditations are a hallmark of excellence on previous productions, positioning TBB in the Higher Planetary ranks of Kirtan Music.
As America is poised at the edge of a major societal shift, the Temple Bhajan Band is similarily on the verge of leading a Revolution of Souls with their transformative chants for humanity.
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Review from L.A. Yoga:
The latest release from The Temple Bhajan Band is a blast. Sura Dasa leads his clan of love junkies through a series of energetic fun chants that take his devotion to new levels.
For those of you who aren't familiar with TBB, these guys are the musical ambassadors of the Krishna Consciousness in Los Angeles. This time around, they have taken their music to previously unexplored heights with exciting instrumentations, that include sitar, heavier percussion, cello/bass and keyboard tracks. It's a fun and sweet experience and the shakti rides high here. I like the way the album is produced by Eddie Young and the music has some really surprising moments that will pop holes in your bolsters. The sitar tracks by Marty Lieberman really add something substantial to the mix here and you can't say enough about the devotional energy that goes into an album like this. The music doesn't always sound perfect, but when the energy is so authentic it becomes irresistible.
I recommend this album for all devotional bhakti yogis out there and for a special rockin' fun experience listen to " Rake Krishna Mare Ke" and turn up the volume. Also check out Mahalaxmi dasi's singing on " Khoda Nitai " for a taste of some sweet nectar.
L.A. Yoga, Michael Mollura
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True to tradition, the new Kirtan Dance Party CD embodies the distinct motifs fused from classic and improvisational kirtan themes that the Temple Bhajan Band is famous for. However, this album signifies a quantum leap in TBB's musical evolution, transcending sectarian boundaries, expanding upon uniquely original works, culminating in a mature blend of solid vocals and intriguing instrumentation.
Sura's lead vocals offer a dynamic synthesis of playful revelation. His rendition of "Radhe Radhe" is a bit swanky, "Rake Krisna Mare Ke" definitively rocks, and he expertly articulates the essential spirit of Divinity featured in "Nitai Gauranga."
Singing straight from the heart, Maha Laxmi enchants with exquisite soprano solos on her interpretation of "Khoda Nitai." As gracefully as Sura and Maha Laxmi dance in perfect lyrical symbiosis, the visionary interreligious "Hallowed be Thy Names" is bound to catalyze the Golden Age, manifesting as a modern corollary of "My Sweet Lord."
The band shines with variegated unity on the "Hare Krishna" mantra: Maha Laxmi's ambrosial girlish voice juxtaposes with Sura's humble mellows while flute, sitar and assorted exotic percussion meander in spontaneous countermelodies amidst a fully harmonious chorus.
The finale of this charming CD is "Narasimha Kavaca," reverberating with complex mystical locutions of Sanskrit hymns that induce states of deep relaxation. Such trance-inducing meditations are a hallmark of excellence on previous productions, positioning TBB in the Higher Planetary ranks of Kirtan Music.
As America is poised at the edge of a major societal shift, the Temple Bhajan Band is similarily on the verge of leading a Revolution of Souls with their transformative chants for humanity.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Review from L.A. Yoga:
The latest release from The Temple Bhajan Band is a blast. Sura Dasa leads his clan of love junkies through a series of energetic fun chants that take his devotion to new levels.
For those of you who aren't familiar with TBB, these guys are the musical ambassadors of the Krishna Consciousness in Los Angeles. This time around, they have taken their music to previously unexplored heights with exciting instrumentations, that include sitar, heavier percussion, cello/bass and keyboard tracks. It's a fun and sweet experience and the shakti rides high here. I like the way the album is produced by Eddie Young and the music has some really surprising moments that will pop holes in your bolsters. The sitar tracks by Marty Lieberman really add something substantial to the mix here and you can't say enough about the devotional energy that goes into an album like this. The music doesn't always sound perfect, but when the energy is so authentic it becomes irresistible.
I recommend this album for all devotional bhakti yogis out there and for a special rockin' fun experience listen to " Rake Krishna Mare Ke" and turn up the volume. Also check out Mahalaxmi dasi's singing on " Khoda Nitai " for a taste of some sweet nectar.
L.A. Yoga, Michael Mollura
Back to Discography
