Author: Gyurme, Lama/Rykiel;Jean-Philip

Format: Import

Release Date: 14-03-2000

Details: Amazon.ca The notion of setting eastern mantras and chants to western music is not a new one, just not a terribly good one. Whether becoming lost in the cultural tourism of ethno-beat dance music or given a frightfully respectful backing that adds nothing at all, either way the original impact is usually lost on the untrained ear. Lama Gyurme and Jean-Phillippe Rykiel have managed to meet somewhere in the middle and complement each other perfectly. A range of blessings delivered by a Tibetan monk in a voice of delicious depth and richness and intended to heal, purify, protect and liberate, the album is given added emotion by Rykiel's score. While tracks such as "Sacred Words Of Liberation" and "The Six Syllable Mantra Of The White Lotus Lord" aren't likely to be vying with Britney Spears for radio play, the combination of voice and music is one made in heaven. Almost in classical style (the composer's background) but speckled with modern technology, the backing helps take the quite extraordinary Gyurme to levels to which many have aimed but few have achieved. Hey, they even delve into the world of MTV speak with an "unplugged" version of "Offering Chant", a rather crass term for a quite beautiful duet of piano and voice. It may not totally cleanse your soul, but "Rain Of Blessing" certainly takes you to a better place, even if only for a short while. -- Phil Udell

UPC: 724384881429

EAN: 0724384881429

Languages: English

Binding: Audio CD

Item Condition: UsedVeryGood