Search - M Path :: Journey to the Heart (Yoga Journal)

Sonic support for the beauty of asana

Stuart Rice | Sacramento, CA | 06/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As their most recent product offering, Yoga Journal, in collaboration with M Path, have shared this exquisite CD of music. Designed for the Yoga Journal Step-by-Step series, this music has a life of its own, separate from the videos. It segues beautifully, one track to the next, creating an elegant sonic ambience for an asana practice.The opening track, Om Kar, sets the tone. Atmospheric drones, sitar strums, and violin swirl together, just as an asana practice begins with the breath. The music becomes more textured, with a deep bass note added, and then it begins to slide forward, like the movements of the spine in Surya Namaskar, with caressing drum beats. The undulating pulse of the song opens up both the spine and the heart. Graceful, the next track, builds the energy, adding electric guitars and more active percussion that underlie the beginnings of strong poses (maybe the Standing Sequence from Ashtanga, maybe something else).Standout vocal tracks include Hey Gopal, Mantrika, and Ghanadarva. Hey Gopal has a sensual vocal track above a woodwind, percussion, and synthesizer base. A langurous invocation to Krishna and Radhe - "Hey Govinda, Hey Gopala; Radhe Shyam Bolo" - slinks out of the space. Mantrika, featuring the incomparable Krishna Das, features his gravelly baritone over a sensual tabla rhythm. Chanting deep and low, the whole piece feels like a trance dance song. "Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram" runs the chorus, and then it goes back into the deep sonic realms. Ghanadarva just makes me smile: it has this frolicking rhythm which accentuates the rolling pulse of the chant: "Hare Shiva Shankara, Shambo Shankara, Hare Bom, Hare Bom, Bom Bom Bolo." It just sounds so happy. It's like an Anusara moment, and you just want to dance, or do a handstand, or chant along. It opens you up to the playful energy of the spirit.Jai Ambe begins to wind down the practice, and in perfect fashion, the last song of the 60 odd minute recording brings you back to the opening song. What was once energizing is now relaxing -- Surya Namaskar to Savasana. This CD is a partner is the journey of an asana practice, and it will not disappoint!"

Pleasant enough background music

Ms Smarty Pants | Beautiful Northwest | 05/13/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is the kind of CD that you pop into the deck for that after work wind down. It doesn't ask much of you - sorta yoga muzak/elevator music. It's okay, but if I had listened to the whole CD before I plunked down my money, I probably would have just checked it out from the library. Hey, I'll sell you my copy if you are still interested in purchasing - It's practically brand new."

Comfort

Dancing Wanderer | Colorado | 06/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love this CD and it is one of my most played. It is a mood lightener, a soul soother and eases my heart. I very highly recommend it!"