Jai Uttal Shiva Station CD

Westerners like Jai Uttal and Krishna Das have become enormously popular by writing non-traditional music to accompany incantations to Shiva, Ram, Radha and a whole stable of deities. But where Das makes simple, heartfelt music to sing along to, Uttal aims for sophisticated ethnic fusions that are as appropriate for the dance floor as for a kirtan gathering. Uttal was already prominent in the field of world music when the 1997 release of SHIVA STATION brought him a large mainstream audience, bolstered by the growing popularity of yoga and chant.

Aided by producer and musical adventurer Bill Laswell, Uttal freely mixes classical Indian melodies with elements of funk, trance, dub, and an intoxicating feeling of controlled chaos. The passionate vocals sound largely improvised, enhanced by supportive backing from the Pagan Love Orchestra and samples of wandering street musicians of Bengal (to whom Uttal paid homage on his 1994 release BEGGARS AND SAINTS). A lush blend of instruments includes banjo, sitar, tabla, trombone, and electric guitar. There's even a power ballad here, with soulful vocals recalling Sting. Whether you're a devotee of Krishna, or just looking for something to dance to, SHIVA STATION is well worth tuning in.

Respected dotar player and chant master Jai Uttal proves once again you don't need a highly self-conscious message or calculated vigilance to successfully mix music of East and West. Uttal approaches his unique blend of jazz, Indian, and world music just as any experienced musician long familiar with his instrument would: as a jam session meant to spin a groove or draw on inspiration rather than highlight a single genius. Shiva Station is a testament to this refreshing approach, somehow mixing a laid-back Miles-style horn with a smooth-jazz dotar, somehow slipping a wah-wah pedal into a reggae-doused groove, somehow laying the rock and funk under ancient Indian chant. All this with a dash of banjo, trombone, and violin and the styles cook up a stew surprisingly tasty. Uttal's secret? It may be that he approaches music without apologizing for being Western while allowing inspiration from the East to flow through him authentically. He locks into the Indian tradition in the name of musical spirituality rather than a star's ego and the effect is mesmerizing. His backing band, the Pagan Love Orchestra, reflects this understated aura as well. It features some of the finest musicians from America and beyond in collaborative, eclectic jamming--most notably on "Malkouns" and "Bhajore"--that ...