Deva

This self-titled album focuses on her singing and her spiritual journey. The album begins with a fresh rendition of the seven-chakra Gayatri Mantra and ends with a remix of this recording. Premal's release of a recording of the Gayatri Mantra twenty years ago was a ground-breaking event. 

Deva Premal revisits her musical origins with a group of fantastic musicians contributing to the sound. Her long-time partner Miten contributes vocals. Delicately evocative bansuri flute lines are created by the Nepalese maestro Manos. Producer Joby Baker contributes vocals, piano/keyboards, drums, bass and guitars. Special guest Anoushka Shankar (Ravi Shankar's daughter) is featured playing sitar on two songs.

Track 1: Seven Chakra Gayatri Mantra
Track 2: Sarva Mangala (celebrates sacred feminine)
Track 3: Prabhujee (featuring Anoushka Shankar, is a prayer to "my sweet lord" written by Ravi Shankar)
Track 4: Buddham Sharanam (a mantra-prayer to Buddha)
Track 5: Mahamantra (praises the sweetness and love of Krishna and Radha)
Track 6: Vakratunda Mahakaya (an invocation to Ganesha)
Track 7: Gayatri Mantra, Prabhu Mix

This album is a slick, highly sophisticated production created by a talented crew of people with complete confidence in their skills and music. My only comment is that on a few tracks Deva's voice sounds tired.

This is a masterful production of gorgeous east-west fusion mantras. If you're a fan, this is a must-have acquisition. If you haven't experienced the joys of Deva Premal, try listening to sample tracks on Amazon or one of the other CD outlets. There's a reason why Premal is at the top of her genre. She's always awesome!

~review by Elizabeth Hazel

Artist: Deva Premal
Prabhu Production, 2018
7 tracks, 65 minutes
CD $13.59, mp3 $9.49