Search - Jai Uttal :: Kirtan: The Art and Practice of Ecstatic Chant

Perfect intro to kirtan

Theresa Reed | MILWAUKEE, WI USA | 12/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kirtan is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. As more people embrace a yogic lifestyle, it is only natural that eventually they will find their way to kirtan. If you are unfamiliar with kirtan, it is based on the concept of 'bhakti yoga' - the yoga of devotion. Singing the names of gods or goddesses in a call and response style with hypnotic Indian music in the background, kirtan is believed to bring a deep connection with the divinity within all of us.



Jai Uttal's The Art and Practice of Ecstatic Chant delivers the whole mood of kirtan beautifully. A devotee of kirtan since the age of 19, this talented musician has put together a CD that is melodic, sensuous, intense and truly uplifting. You cannot help but feel moved when the first note hits your ears. There is over 2 hours of music in this CD - and never once will you feel bored. Uttal has a gorgeous voice - you can feel his love of kirtan in every syllable that he utters.



There is an introduction in the CD, where Uttal explains kirtan and the path that led him to it. This is a great piece - I feel that it gives an insight from a true devotee. The intro helps even those who are new to kirtan to understand the significance and beauty of this ancient and spiritual art. I recommend this highly to everyone - not just those on the yogic journey.



There are a few kirtan 'stars' out there in the US these days - Krishna Das and Ragani to name a few - who are helping a wide audience enjoy and appreciate kirtan. While they are wonderful in their own right, my personal favorite will always be Jai Uttal."

Superb, inspiring

Spread the Word | 12/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard Jai Uttal recently on a track on one of yoga instructor Shiva Rea's CDs and was blown away by a sound and style of music totally new to me. This led me to buy Jai's new Kirtan CD shortly thereafter. There's an old saying that the right book, or the right teacher, comes to you when you are ready to listen to its/his/her message. The same is true for this Kirtan CD coming to me precisely when it did. It's opening and transporting me to new dimensions, new realms of emotion, devotion, movement, insight. Words fail me at this point: Jai's voice, devotion, sincerity, and artistry are beyond exquisite. Lush orchestration. And the superior technical quality I've come to expect from Sounds True productions. Highly recommended."

Kirtan is Really Addictive

A. Billings | Knoxville, IA, US of A | 09/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this based on the snippets that they give you here on Amazon. The actual C.D. is much better than even the previews give you. It gives you energy, makes you want to get up and dance and twirl around with your hands over your head. It's also great to listen in the car, it makes any trip go by very quickly. My advice would be to buy it, it's one of the best Kirtan C.D.'s I've heard yet. The first C.D. is very fast paced and the second is more mellow, more open to interpretation."