Search - Bhagavan Das :: Now

The legendary guru Bhagavan Das is known as the Wildman of Kirtan, which is an ecstatic brand of call-and-response chanting. The holy man has published three books, but Now is his first proper album of chants set to music. With Beastie Boy Mike D producing, arranging, and cowriting this album, never has chanting sounded so hip. Das's vocal mantras in ancient Sanskrit--and occasionally English--are well complimented by highly textured drum 'n' bass programming. D has also brought in live musicians, on modern and ancient instruments, to make the ever-shifting integration of ancient and modern sounds a smooth and hypnotic one. If the album's opening call to prayer isn't an obvious enough clue, this is religious music, and one can hear and feel the ecstasy in Das's voice as he chants and riffs. Interestingly, Das and D reference gospel on "Shiva Gospel" and the blues on "Shiva Shambho" with equally interesting results. This album should surprise many if they take the time to check it out. --Tad Hendrickson