Marking the 10th year since this popular Buddhist chant album was first released, this reissue ups the ante by featuring an expanded format. The first disc is a re-mastered version of the original album. The second feature... more »s unreleased live performances by Gyurme and keyboardists Rykiel and Loy Ehrlich between 1995 and 2001, and it's this second disc that is truly intriguing. Recorded in caves, cathedrals, concert halls and open air festivals, the quality of the recordings is excellent. Mostly chanting and occasionally doing some long tones, Gyurme's voice again seemingly embodies a mix of the human and the holy during his prayers for healing, purification, liberation and peace--he's particularly spectacular on his solo intro to "The Mantra Of Padmasambhaval." Musically, Ehrlich seamless fills out Rykiel's ambient backgrounds, and two do a fine job accentuating the drama and majesty of Gyurme's voice, only overpowering it on the opening "Sacred Words Of Liberation." This is definitely a reissue that deserves to replace the original. --Tad Hendrickson« less
Marking the 10th year since this popular Buddhist chant album was first released, this reissue ups the ante by featuring an expanded format. The first disc is a re-mastered version of the original album. The second features unreleased live performances by Gyurme and keyboardists Rykiel and Loy Ehrlich between 1995 and 2001, and it's this second disc that is truly intriguing. Recorded in caves, cathedrals, concert halls and open air festivals, the quality of the recordings is excellent. Mostly chanting and occasionally doing some long tones, Gyurme's voice again seemingly embodies a mix of the human and the holy during his prayers for healing, purification, liberation and peace--he's particularly spectacular on his solo intro to "The Mantra Of Padmasambhaval." Musically, Ehrlich seamless fills out Rykiel's ambient backgrounds, and two do a fine job accentuating the drama and majesty of Gyurme's voice, only overpowering it on the opening "Sacred Words Of Liberation." This is definitely a reissue that deserves to replace the original. --Tad Hendrickson
"I really like lisening to buddhist chants,this cd is very good the lama chants well; and in most of the songs the added instruments adds to the chant.however in some of the tracks I find it overpowers the chanting.my favorite tracks are the ones with little or no added instrumental music.In all a good purchase and a very nice addition to my sacred music collection.
Om Mani Padme Hung.......to all."
6 stars on a 5 scale
Barry Greever | Chapel Hill, NC USA | 04/18/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I own 5 or 6 Tibetan chant cd's or tapes. This one is definitely among my favorites. I have been meditating twice daily since 1975. I now meditate while playing "Lama's Chant". I agree with the reviewer that occasionally the music comes close to overpowering the chant. On the other hand the music probably helps "newcomers" to Tibetan chanting connect. My favorite is track 4 on disc #1: "Calling The Lama From Afar". I applaud the quality of the chant and the quality of the music. I encourage ANYONE to listen to this CD- I think it is WONDERFUL!"
Good CD!
David Walken | New York City | 12/31/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have bought every buddhist Monk and chant CD I could find and this is by far the best. His voice is powerful and meditative. They VERY gradually increase his voice with his own harmonics in the chants which makes it sound like 10 of him in the middle of each chant. It is exactly what I was looking for all these years. It is by far the best chant CD I have found -- anywhere. It really brings out the meditative power when you listen to this while sitting."
Hauntingly beautiful
onenessseeker | Memphis TN | 09/10/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have 4 different CDs of monks chanting so it's a given that I like this kind of chanting. I wasn't sure I would like a single monk chanting as much as I do a group, but this is so meditative and hauntingly beautiful. Listen to the samples provided here and you will see."
"Just superb - Experience Peace. It also has a positive uplifting impact on you - on the Chakras and helps one's progress spiritually, mentally, emotionally and health-wise.
It is a blessing and grace from the rich tradition of spiritually-rich Tibet."