May 2009 Issue
Over the past two decades, modern kirtan (chanting) master Jai Uttal has released a series of stellar albums offering a unique mix of devotional chant, world music, folk, funk, and more. Uttal’s latest, Thunder Love, with its generous serving of irresistible Brazilian rhythms and a pinch of country blues, is his most fully realized work since 2001’s Mondo Rama.
Working with longtime collaborator Ben Leinbach, composer Bill Laswell, guest vocalists including the Chicago Children’s Choir, and members of his Pagan Love Orchestra, Uttal has produced a versatile set that lends itself by turns to a vigorous asana practice, a swingin’ dance party, or an intimate evening for two. Yet it also includes soaring hymns of spiritual aspiration and heartfelt expressions of unfettered desire. In fact, one of the subtler achievements of the songs here is the way they blur physical and spiritual longing. And it’s a great surprise to hear how naturally a mantra like Bhavani shankara dances to a Brazilian beat.
As on Uttal’s previous albums, the arrangements and ensemble performances here are pitch perfect. And his vocals are soulful, unrestrained, intensely emotive, and melodic. –Phil Catalfo
On March 7th I led a Kirtan at Laughing Lotus in San Francisco accompanied by Ben Leinbach and Radhanath Das on percussion and Manose on Bansuri flute. It was totally rocking. The walls were pulsing and the floors were throbbing! Quite to my surprise, Lou Judson and his beloved, Colleen, who were running the sound, also recorded and mixed the night. So I’m offering a special treat to all of you Kirtan devotees: a free 30 minute download of Rama Bolo from Laughing Lotus Yoga Studio in San Francisco, March 7th, 2009. Stream via the website music player…
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Or here’s the download link (Right click to download). Enjoy.
Happy spring to one and all!
much love,
Podcast: Download
From The Marin Independent Journal, March 20th, 2009
San Anselmo world music star Jai Uttal opens up to life, love on journey to sobriety
By Paul Liberatore
World music pioneer Jai Uttal has produced a series of acclaimed albums over the past two decades.
Jai Uttal, the world music star who has just released a transformational new
album, “Thunder Love,” was sitting on a plump couch the other day in a comfy
corner of Open Secret, the San Rafael New Age bookstore, when strains of
exotic music floated from the shop’s sound system, causing him to bolt
upright and his eyes to light up like an electric Buddha.
Read the rest of this entry »
Hey there friends!!!!!!
Welcome to my new website……. We thought it was time for a change. Not only a new look, but a website that I could deal with a bit easier than my old one. I’ve been wanting to write notes to you all (I guess they’re called blogs… I really have a hard time with that word. But the idea is great, isn’t it?), upload pictures from my iPhone and computer, offer more special music downloads. Hopefully, the new site and new technology will make that all do-able for such a non-techie guy as myself.
Big thanks must go out to my friend and designer Sankar Sury and to my manager, Steve Dalmer, for pulling this all together. Whew….. A website is a huge job……..
Anyway, I sincerely hope you like the new site. And please be patient if there are a few glitches at first, it’s all a work in progress. (Actually, isn’t life a work in progress?!?!).
Oh and one more thing, my new CD “THUNDER LOVE” will actually be released on March 24th. Enjoy!!!!!!
much love,
