| Janaka's
second CD after Jai Yogananda, is dedicated 'to the Universal Christ, present
in all Hearts and to Jesus, - the Yogi and Master - who walked by the Ganges'. As with
Janaka's first CD, every track is beautifully composed and performed. Except
for Opal Flame, which is from Paramahansa Yogananda's Cosmic Chants, all songs
are written by Janaka and are a pleasing blend of folk and chant. The musicians
are all polished.
An added
bonus is the attractive packaging which includes a triple fold panel which
includes all of the words - something you don't see too often these days.
Tracks:
1. Oriental
Christ - listen:
2. Opal
Flame
3. Jesus
by the Ganges
4. Love
Divine - listen:
5. Hay
Hare Sundara
6. Om
Christ - listen:
7. Jai
Ananda/Om Shanti
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 Opal Flame from Paramahansa Yogananda's
Cosmic Chants
Janaka -
harmonium, lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Nils Tuxen - acoustic and electric guitars, sitar, mandolin, bass, percussions
Dipak Sarma - bansuri flute (tr. 2,3,6)
Dave Philipson - banduri flute (tr. 1,4,7)
Subrato Manna - tablas Jessica Brandes - background vocals
Sudokshina Manna - Indian style vocal (tr. 5)Nora Sanger - background / choir vocals (tr. 1,2,6)
Daniel Penners - choir vocals (tr. 1,2) Playing
time: 34 minutes
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