New Age, Alternative,
Metaphysical Publication
Aquarius-Atlanta.com

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Ayurveda (New World Music), by Dr. Shantha Godagama and Chris Conway, is a truly lovely instrumental album designed to balance the listener's doshas (three basic energy types). Intended as a “sonic tune-up,” Ayurveda provides a healing atmosphere for any environment, and the booklet gives a wealth of resources and explains the connection between ayurveda (the science of life) and music. Instrumentation on this CD includes keyboards, tin and low D whistles, tanpura, guitars, swarmandal, zither, kalimba, bells, chimes, bodran, nature sounds and vocal effects. In addition, the first electronic instrument, the theremin, is featured; this mysterious instrument is played by passing one or two hands through the air around an antennae, without actually touching the instrument. Ayurveda is one of the most beautiful albums released this month, and with Abdelli's Among Brothers, my favorite.

Gerald Jay Markoe introduces Celestial Music for Yoga (Astromusic), his arrangements and performance of melodies written by Paramahansa Yogananda. This is truly celestial music, with depth and spirituality immediately evident. It is based on Cosmic Chants originally performed by Yogananda (author of Autobiography of a Yogi) singing and playing harmonium. The Self Realization Fellowship, founded by Yogananda in 1920, has granted Markoe permission to make this music, and he is singularly qualified. Markoe started practicing yoga at age nine, and by age nineteen, he was a student at SRF. He was certified as a teacher in 1980 and is a long time admirer of Yogananda. Markoe, known for his classic Music for the Pleides, has a long list of stunning albums to his credit. Celestial Music for Yoga is yet another jewel in his crown.

Kathryn Sargent is the editor and music reviewer of Aquarius. Contact her at aquarius-editor@mindspring.com.