Search - Jaya Lakshmi :: Jewel of Hari

A totally relaxing experience

Erica Anderson | Minneapolis, MN | 07/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not really into music that has a lot of chanting in it except maybe for early Enigma music. Then I heard Jaya Lakshmi on "Buddha Lounge 2" last year with the beautifully hypnotic "Sundara". I found myself playing that particular song over and over. Today I was listening to samples of Jaya's second album "Jewel of Hari" (which also contains "Sundara") at a major bookstore chain. I found myself enchanted by the Asian-influenced melodies and Jaya's hypnotic chants. Jaya Lakshmi has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard. Her vocals do not overwhelm the lush melodies throughout the cd. All the songs took my breathe away. I loved the title track "Jewel of Hari" which is a gentle, lush acoustic folk/new age song. It was so light and gentle it could literally float on air. The second I heard the first song "Radha Pranam", I knew my ears were in for a treat. I was hooked on Jaya's music right then and there. Picking a favorite song off this enchanting cd is so difficult for me because I love all of them in their own unique way. "Ramachandra" is ridiculously catchy, I found myself humming along to the song. Most of the songs are written by Jaya herself but there are a few traditional chant songs like "Bhaja Hure Mana" and "Bolo Sri Krsna". The arrangements on all of the songs is nothing short of stunning. All the instruments on the cd ranges from modern acoustic guitars to more traditional Indian instruments like the tabla and sarod. I almost wanted to started dancing to this cd or practice yoga when I was listening to this cd in the bookstore. The music captivated me the same way that I was captivated by the Buddha Bar series. I never imagined that chanting in music would sound as lovely as what I heard on "Jewel of Hari". It is the ideal cd to relax, dance, or to meditate to. Truly one of the best cds to be released in 2004."

Jewel of Hari

Radhe Diana | Kula, Hi USA | 06/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With Jewel of Hari, Jaya Lakshmi takes us to the mystical and magical places in her heart that she was leading us to with Ocean of Mercy. This second CD reflects her deepening musical maturity, and the fruits of her practice and devotion. Her voice is subtle and powerful simultaneously, smooth and sweet.Kirtan is not an easy experience to capture and convey on any medium, but with world class musicians Deva Priyo, Daniel Paul and Glenn Falkenberg backing her up, Lakshmi takes us there. The music evokes deep peace, and captures the mood or lillah of Krsna consciousness. It is easy to listen to over and over again. The guitar intro on the Pancha-Tattvit soars, expanding the listener's heart, as do the beautiful vocals on the title cut, Jewel of Hari. The album's mood shifts deftly from dreamy to danceable. Jaya Lakshmi's fresh, catchy melodies combined with her sincere mood of devotion and ecstatic harmonies, Priyo's inimitable gypsy guitar, and Glenn Falkenberg's completely unexpected Celtic mood that weave in and out throughout the recording are a delightful and daring twist on an ancient tradition. Traveling troubadours meet Hare Krsna!! The result is a brillant and inspiring fusion of east meets west, a welcome breath of fresh air much needed in today's cynical musical world."

A gift from heaven

twiggins22 | USA | 06/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Jewel Of Hari" is a gift from heaven. Delivered by an angel or in this case Goddess Lakshmi to celebrate a way to connect to our divine source without the need to meditate on a mountain top for twenty years in order to discover it. Turn off the lights, take a deep breath and flow with the music. It takes you to a different world. One of love, beauty and peace. We can all use more of that in our lives. Thank you Jaya Lakshmi for your beautiful voice and for your music from the heavens. Your CD is a gift to mankind."