Whole Life Magazine

August/September 2015

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Lemanjo A healing is taking place and you can experience it here. There's soul emanating from Medicina. In this deeply revealing work, with its pulsating fusion of South American beats—samba, cumbia, passionate vocals and electronica fl ourishes—Iemanjo leads us on a musical ex- ploration of the healing properties of nature and its relationship to humankind. The artist took the name Iemanjo (pronounced yeh-mahn-JO) because it is the masculine form of a Brazilian goddess to whom he feels spiritually connected. Starting from the fi rst track, "Ciencia Ancestral," with its catchy Latin vibe supported by Iemanjo's tight horns and choral hook, we feel the artist's deep respect for the earth. In "Sol Y Luna" we are brought into the circular fl ow of day and night accompanied on the journey by infec- tious brass and a cum- bia dancing beat. But it was track eight, "Iemanja," with its soul groove, raw strings and solid passionate vocals that pulled me into the heart of this beautiful work. Sung in Spanish, Portuguese and English, there is a song here for everyone; yet you need not speak the language to un- derstand the strong musical message. Whether on a road trip, at a dance party with friends or in a quiet moment alone, you're sure to be inspired while getting a little Medicina in your soul. (Black Swan) —Jahna Perricone Medicina MUSIC art & soul OCTOBER/NOVEMBER ISSUE: FOOD GET YOUR AD IN NOW! • 310.425.3056 • sales@wholelifemagazine.com F ull disclosure: it's diffi cult for me to be neutral about de- votional musicians Deva Premal and Miten. I had always enjoyed their music, but they were so open and gracious when I interviewed them for our February 2012 issue that I kind of fell in love with them. That being said, there is a consistency in the kirtan genre that is pleasing but often predictable, and while there is a place for purists, some of kirtan's most delightful musical moments emerge when it's used in new ways. On Songs for the Sangha, Deva and Miten enhance the convention with nature sounds, a near-pop backup on some cuts and the refreshing jazz piano of Spencer Cozens. Deva's clear soothing voice and Manose's masterful fl ute are still there, but now Miten—who sings in live performances but usually stays in the background on record- ings—steps forward on fully half the album, particularly shining on his adaptation of a Rumi poem in "Draw Near." Then there's "Sarveshaam Mantra," a musical detour remi- niscent of the Muslim call to prayer. And percussion on "Brah- ma Gayatri Mantra" and "Guru Mantra" that brings to mind recordings by jazz great Pharaoh Sanders. The word sangha means "spiritual family" or "spiritual com- munity." Songs for the Sangha is also a musical community— wide-ranging, diverse, harmonious and ultimately pleasing. (White Swan) —Abigail Lewis Deva Premal & Miten with Manose Songs for the Sangha MUSIC 34 wholelifetimes.com

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