Recorded in
the Summer of 2005 by Janaka, this outstanding album is dedicated to
Paramahansa Yogananda and the spiritual heritage of India. Janaka's songs are rich with
devotion and harmony. A beautifully played harmonium is seamlessly blended with
acoustic and electric guitar, sitar, flute, various percussion and some quite
divine vocals. Even if you don't consider yourself a chanter, you will be
singing these beautiful chants throughout the day!
An added bonus is the attractive packaging which includes a triple fold panel
displaying all of the words - something you don't see too often these days. One of our top ten and favorite CDs.
Tracks:
1. Govinda
- listen:
2. Jai Yogananda - listen:
3. Calling Angels
4. Jai
Guru Jai Ma
5. Eyes
Divine
6. Jai
Ram - listen:
7. Blessed
Morning
About the artist:
Born in the Netherlands,
Janaka began playing the guitar at age 12 and from ages 16 to 19 he toured
student clubs with his rock band. A transforming moment came in his awakening
as a musician when, at a Christmas celebration concert, Janaka performed George
Harrison's "My Sweet Lord". The audience was enchanted. It was the first time
people were stirred by Janaka's unique talent of singing directly to the Divine.
Soon after, he became attracted to Indian philosophy and yoga. In 1979 he read "Autobiography Of a Yogi" by Paramahansa Yogananda, the same book that had
inspired George Harrison. Looking into the eyes of the Master's picture, he
felt a sense of recognition and a deep connection from the past. Over the years
Janaka sang during numerous meditation and kirtan events and more recently
started writing his own heartfelt songs of devotion and inspiration resulting
in a series of three CD's dedicated to the Masters, Yogananda, Christ and
Krishna (to be released in Spring 2010).
All songs written and
produced by Janaka, except Jai Guru Jai Ma and Jai Ram. Govinda written by
Janaka and arranged by Nils Tuxen
Janaka - harmonium, lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Nils Tuxen - acoustic and electric guitars, sitar, bass, percussions
Dipak Sarma - bansuri flute
Jessica Brandes - background vocals
Tanmoy Bose - tablas, percussions (tr. 3,5,6)
Subrato Manna - tablas (tr. 1,4)
Prabir Mitra - tablas (tr. 2,7)
Sudokshina Manna - Indian style vocal (tr. 4)
Nora Sanger - background / choir vocals (tr. 4,5,6)
Martina Kanne-Brodzinsky, Iduna Lange, Petra Penners - kirtan singers
Recorded at Lick Lab Studios, Mixed at Chameleon Studios, Hamburg, Germany
