His first release in several years (the last being 2003's Awakening), Robert Gass and On Wings of Song are back and in fine form with Kirtana.

 

Like their previous Indian chant album Om Namah Shivaya, Gass and company delight with their spiritual potency, great backing instrumentation and the always transcendent On Wings choir. Unlike Om Namah Shivaya, this album focuses on kirtan-style chant, with Gass and singer Danya River taking the lead roles and the choir proving the "response" portion of the chants.

 

The mantras are mostly familiar, including "Om Shanti," "Govinda Hare," etc.; and all sung with ethereal grace and beauty from those involved. On the instrumentation side, Gass has amassed an impressive roster of backing players, with Wah (violin), John McDowell (percussion), Steve Gorn (flute), Ty Burhoe (tabla) and Hans Christian (sarangi, sitara) filling out the ranks.

 

Robert Gass is a pioneer of the contemporary chant genre, paving the way for Krishna Das, Deva Premal, and many more. "Kirtana," his first new recording in nearly five years, features seven powerful Sanskrit kirtan-style chants and will appeal to his existing fan base as well as new listeners drawn to kirtan chanting in yoga classes and workshops.

 

Features the full On Wings of Song chorus, guest solo vocalist Danya River, and noted musicians Ty Burhoe (Kitaro, Deva Premal), Steve Gorn (Jai Uttal, Paul Simon), John McDowell (Krishna Das, "Born Into Brothels" soundtrack), and more.