Sudhananda Garden Of Mystic Lovers CD

Sudhananda is a troubadour of the heart and spirit. He is a guitarist, singer, composer, songwriter, recording engineer and producer. His exquisite guitar playing is intricate and sensitive, coming from a background of classical training that has been wedded with folk, rock, jazz and world music influences.His relaxed, clear tenor voice has a soothing, pure and gentle quality with the power to pull you within.Sudhananda's new CD "Garden Of Mystic Lovers" transforms the mystic poetry of Rumi into songs, setting the text to beautiful melodies. He is joined on vocals by the gorgeous voice of Tina Malia. The 13 songs range from soft and intimate to funky and lively with full band. This all acoustic album features a creative blend of some Western and Eastern world instrumentation featuring Richard Hardy - flutes, Daniel Paul - tabla, Deva Priyo - sarod, Rick Shlosser - drums and Joanna Blendulf - cello, and viola da gamba. Some of the songs are in the classic singer songwriter style while others are simple, cyclic and easy to sing along with similar to mantras and bhajans. Sudhananda's music is about beauty, harmony and unity. The beauty inspired by nature - the harmony of living in balance - the unity of our interconnectedness with each other and the whole. Sudhananda's music is about meditation, transformation and celebration. Meditation inspired by his master Osho - transformation through the process of awakening from illusions and conditionings - celebration from the bliss of tasting the purity and silence of the being and the joy of living.-----------------------------------------------------------"I find it just beautiful. ...the compositions, the arrangements and the care that you have obviously put into every detail.You really have done a great job. Deva and I were just on a two week drive around France, and we played it all the time. I really love this jewel, and I will treasure it!" Miten (musician,producer,recording artist)-----------------------------------------------------------"Sudhananda's new CD, Garden of Mystic Lovers, envelopes the heart and soul with sublime beauty. The timeless poetry of Rumi stands very well on its own, but these adaptations breathe new life and dimensions into his words. Sudhananda's creation is a glorious masterwork. Never has his voice sounded sweeter, his compositions more compelling or his arrangements crisper. The gorgeous voice of Tina Malia blends perfectly and the harmonies repeatedly bringing tears to my eyes. The opening track "Waterwheel" opens with lovely solo steel-string guitar ... Sudhananda's signature sound. Joined by Tina's voice, strings and flutes, the music combines Baroque and Celtic elements and like a waterwheel, appropriately becomes a round. The title piece "Garden of Mystic Lovers" has a deep, compelling beat and world-fusion sound with a plethora of instruments like tabla, didjeridoo, sitara and more. The haunting piece "Mirror" is perhaps my favorite, although trying to pick the most outstanding piece from this flawless production is next to impossible. The arrangement has a simple refrain with the guitar and voice very exposed .... The chord progression absolutely tugs on my heart strings and transforms and hypnotizes me ... A soulful penny whistle enters, casts a spell, clears the palate and leaves way for a final delicate verse which reminds me of the beauty of a sunset. "Sacredness" returns to the world-fusion sound with sarod and enchanting vocal harmonies. "Kiss the Earth" has a Celtic/pop flavor with an uplifting, positive message. "The New Rule" turns it up a notch with a full rock beat and lush vocal arrangements. "Come" is an exquisite chant which sounds to me like a perfect new classic for "dances of universal peace". I can see the dancers whirling in my mind. Rumi's powerful words, with this musical arrangement could just go on and on forever and I'd never tire of it. "In Sunlight" has another stirring round with sarod and flute dancing aro