Dharmashakti and Christian Patrick share new chants based on Bhakti Yoga, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and other spiritual texts. Treat yourself to a wonderful and unusual hour of Kirtan featuring horns, electronics, percussion, improvisation and more. The teachings from the Sutras combined with non-traditional instruments, jazz stylings, and instrumental moments for reflection create a unique, exciting and inventive Kirtan.

Dharmashakti has performed jazz, pop, experimental and new music in venues around the world. He discovered Kirtan while studying to teach yoga and began writing his own chants as study aids for examinations and found that others enjoyed them and used them to teach and remember Yogic lessons. Although he had nearly retired from music, Dharmashakti was given an opportunity to lead Kirtan and rediscovered his love for performing through sharing the principles of Yoga. He is a certified Hatha Yoga instructor, as well as the recipient of a 2001 Mabel R. Dodge Fellowship at Music Omi (an international musicians' residency), two Australian Green Awards for musical direction, and an OMA award as Outstanding Outmusician of the Year. After 15 years in New York, he now resides in New Mexico and travels extensively.

Performing on electronics and trombones, Christian Patrick joins Dharmashakti and brings a fresh perspective to Kirtan and to the traditional sounds of chant. A graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music and the Manhattan School of Music, Christian has composed and presented work across the spectrum from traditional Jazz to experimental and conceptual works. He also creates and teaches live composition using a visual sign language known as Soundpainting. He has released several recordings in collaboration with other artists and is a 2007 Music Omi Fellow.

"About the Chants" by Dharmashakti

1. Jai Ambe Jagadambe Mata Bhavani Jai Ambe.
Jaya Jagad Janani Jagadambe Mata Bhavani Jai Ambe
I love this chant especially because, although it is a chant to the creator-mother, I take it as a reminder to reflect on the things I create in my day, the things to which I "give birth" daily in my work, thoughts, relationships and intentions. This chant keeps me mindful of all that I bring into the world with each moment.

2. OM Namah Shivaya, Shiva, Shiva, Shiva
This chant has such an amazing mix of the masculine (HA) and feminine (THA) even as it evokes Shiva, creator and destroyer. There is an interesting manifestation of Shiva, called "Ardhanarishvara" or "the Shiva who is half-woman" that is interesting to consider as a reminder to seek balance and strength and to live with a confident gusto inspired by the aware and empathetic divine reflected in each of us.

3. Mahamrityunjaya Fanfare (Om Tryambakam)
This is a tribute to my yoga teachers and Integral Yoga, where I first heard Kirtan. We had to memorize the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra to become certified. I've joined it with the closing Slokas that are the traditional endings of every Integral Yoga class.

4. Maitri, Karuna, Mudito, Upekshanam.
Sukha, Dukha, Punya, Apunya.
Vishayanam Bhavanatas Citta Prasadanam.
The Locks & Keys are a driving interpretation of a chant I lead in Kirtan reminding us that we can keep our peace regardless of the personalities we meet along the way if we remember that for every lock, there is a key.

5. Tasya Vachakah Pranavah. Visoka va Jyotishmati.
Tat Pratishedha'artham Eka Tattva'Abhyasah. (OM)
On OM actually goes something like this in live performance as the chanters try to maintain focus as noise swirls around creating sonic distraction. A not-so-subtle lesson on the importance of focusing on one thought, one idea, one way.

6. Om Sri Rama Jaya, Rama Jaya, Jaya Rama
It's said that Gandhi chanted to Rama every day. Traditionally a chant to the incarnation of Vishnu in human form, I look at this as yet another reminder of the divinity I claim as a child of god, a manifestation of the divine -- and the responsibilities that come with that. The chant also finishes with the Jai Sri Satguru, hail to the true teacher who resides within each of us.

7. Shall We Gather At The River: A traditional hymn with non-traditional tablas, is more than just a chance for me to sing in 3-part harmony at the end, it's a celebration of the journey we all share on the river of life.

8. Svaha. Amen. So be it. Shalom. Inshallah. It is so.
Traditionally said during fire ceremonies to bless an offering or speed a prayer on its way, I find great comfort in the message that whispers to me to let go of the things keep me from moving on or accepting what is waiting for me without expectation. It is the Amen at the end of the recording and my prayer that those who listen will receive the blessing that I pray for them.

For more information, contact Dharmashakti or visit the website.