An eclectic mix of beats, layers, and chants.

Todays show is a flow of music and exclusive interview segments with Aykanna and the Kirtaniyas.

We kick off with some words and sounds from sacred-music duo Sukhdev and Akahdahmah Jackson. In this segment they talk about the ancient Arameic version of the Lord’s Prayer with reflections on it’s meaning, their individual and combined journeys coming to Kundalini Yoga, the experience of chanting collectively, yoga and kirtan festivals and festival culture, and their upcoming performance schedule.

The songs we hear are Bluezone and Ek Ong Kaur from the release Mother, Om Namo Gurudev Namo from Livelight, and Funky Divinity from Mantra Mala. We also hear the instrumentals Morning Ragga and Rising Oneness during interview segments, both of which can be found on their Livelight album.

Next we chat with Vijay of the Kirtaniyas, a four-piece kirtan band who have been noticeably active on the festival circuit in the past few years, and who have generated much appreciation from fellow chanters.

Vijay talks about his love for kirtan and how the group originally came to be, the adaptation of styles and moods in different venues and environments, their electronic kirtan project and collaborating with other artists, time spent in India and pilgrimage, the Mantras Beats and Bass tour, and their upcoming releases, including an album produced by world music fusion pioneer Cheb I Sabbah.

Musically in this segment we hear the tracks Govinda Jaya Jaya sung by Rasika, Radha Ramana sung by Vijay with production by DJ Drez, Braj Mahamantra also led by Vijay, and Gopi Lullaby performed by Sarasvati.

In addition we hear some excellent background sounds from Chinmaya Dunster and Eastern Sun.

(Aykanna and the Kirtaniyas will both be performing at Shaktifest in Joshua Tree, CA in mid-May)

Alternate MP3 Link – Mantra Radio – May 9th 2013.mp3