Search - Krishna Das :: Greatest Hits of the Kali Yuga

Struck a chord in my heart

Vijay | Houston, TX United States | 04/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are several feelings that arise in one's mind when listening to Krishna Das, this album including. Coming from India and having been exposed to a variety of Indian music ranging from traditional, pure Indian classical music (South-Indian "Carnatic" music and North-Indian "Hindustani" music)to devotional singing (Kirtans or Bhajans), all I can say in few simple words is "Krishna Das sings with a timeless resonance like how the walls of an ancient Indian temple would echo with devotional chanting within its holy precincts"



In the last few decades, there have been many messengers of Indian music to the west...like Pandit Ravishankar (Sitar), L.Subramaniam (Violin), L.Shankar (remember the great Fusion group "Shakthi"?), Zakir Hussain (Tabla) and a host of others. But if there was one person from the West that humbly carries Indian music to the hearts and souls of many Westerners, I think it must be Krishna Das through the medium of Devotional Singing (Kirtans). Simply put, "Kirtans" are chanting the name of the Lord with melody, rhythm and devotion. There are numerous devotional singers from India and the rest of the world. But Krishna Das is different. Using haunting new-age music and beats, Krishna Das has the unique ability to transport the listener to a different plane of existence altogether. He is blessed with an AMAZING baritone voice and sings with ABSOLUTE devotion and feeling - A MUST for any devotional singer. The beauty of anything is measured as a sum of the parts and Krishna Das uses everything in an equal measure to create that sublime effect. Of particular mention is the melodic instrument "Harmonium" that is used throughout his albums...people from India are familiar with this instrument which is widely used in devotional singing and ghazals...it creates a sound with soul-stirring depth matched with another spectacular percussion instrument - the Tabla which has found its way into new-age music.



Now for the album. Anyone observed how beautifully the title of the CD "Greatest hits of the Kali Yuga" has been arrived at? Though I am not sure how appropriate the title is for the album, it does create the mood and the setting to listen to the album straightaway. Track number 2 "Om Nama Shivaya" has a trance like effect. My favorite is track number 3 praising Mata Durga...the Divine Mother...simply astounding.



My only criticism is....While Krishna Das is phenomenal, in some songs, each line of his chanting is repeated by a group of people that don't sound as effective as he is. That is a little distracting, but not definitely a show-stopper. If it had been a 100% solo singing of Krishna Das with his great music, this album would be even more effective.



For fellow-travellers on the path of Devotion (Bhakthi Yoga), this album is a great blessing. Using ancient Indian chants with new-age music, Krishna Das alongwith his powerful voice has only created a fantastic album...something that I am going to treasure for a lifetime!"

Moving into peace

wendy gilliland | Gray, TN | 01/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I own a yoga studio and teach several times a week. Krishna Das' music is always a favorite, but this CD in particular is perfect for a lively, upbeat yoga practice. My students connect with the beat, helping them move smoothly through the poses, connecting with their breath. As the chants become slower, more meditative, the practice also begins to slow. It is a wonderful transition for any yoga class. I highly recommend it!"