Cosmic Connections Live

The music on this CD was recorded during the 2014-15 World Tour performances at Budapest, Frankfurt, Edmonton, Bath, and Amsterdam. That said, it’s not a typical “live” album. Audience sounds are minimal and don’t distract from the awesome music being made on the stage.

Deva Premal and Miten present their unique world-fusion sound, blending mantras sung solo and with back-up vocals, layers of modern, traditional and Hindu instruments, percussion, and synthesizers.

The album begins with a brief “Om Sahana vavatu” mantra and flows into a much longer track 2: Mangalam (7:35 min). The music is lovely and utterly tranquil. This is followed by three more long mantra songs. Track 3: Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, Track 4: Om Kumara, and Track 5: Rang De. The vocal work is mixed with the bansuri and wood flute played by Nepalese musician Manose. Deva plays tanpura and keyboards, Miten adds guitar. Other guest musicians on various tracks include the fabulous Maneesh de Moor, Jocelyn Smith, Nastya Saraswati (violin), Denis Kucherov (table), and Rishi (percussion).

The mantra songs are followed by Track 6: White Cloud White Swan and Track 7: Native Son, songs by Miten with English lyrics. It’s a change of pace.

The album ends with track 8: Audience OM, and Track 9: Om Mantra-The Cosmic Yes (10:13). It’s a long track with luscious instrumentation that floats along. Vocal parts are hidden in the background and don’t come forward until the middle of the track.

This is another terrific presentation from Premal and Miten! It’s wonderful for meditation and relaxation and confirms why this musical team is one of the top recording favorites. Recommended.

~review by Elizabeth Hazel

Deva Premal and Miten
2016, White Swan Records
www.whiteswanrecords.com CD ($16.99) and downloads ($8.99) available at iTunes and Amazon.
Free download of mantra texts/meanings at http://devapremalmiten.com/mantras/lyrics-chords/