HOSIANNA MANTRA / TANTRIC SONGS

It's very difficult to put a description of this to words. It is quite simply some of the most relaxing, beautiful, ambient, and meditative music you've ever heard. It belongs to a very small group of titles that I have used for yoga/meditation music because it is capable of inducing trance, relaxation, deep breathing, spiritual experience, however you want to think of it. It's a must for lovers of ambient music a la Eno, but I would even recommend this to anyone who likes the quiet space rock passages that sometimes occur in Oldfield, Floyd, Third Ear Band material. Of course this does not rock but it still should appeal to your quieter side.

This CD is actually a 2 for 1 package with two separate albums "Tantric Songs" and "Hosianna Mantra." If you can't find this compilation I believe both are available separately, though the two albums do work very well together as a lengthy experience.

The soundscapes are generally fairly quiet with acoustic instrumentation: piano, guitar, oboe, english horn, sitar, tambura, violin, harpsichord. "Tantric Songs" is the more eerie and atmospheric of the two with occasionally unsettled moods. It is somewhat more adventurous and earthy. "Hosianna Mantra" is mellower with soft washes of piano and the angelic voice of Djong Yun. Her vocals are so haunting and ethereal as they swirl with melodies of the instruments and the stellar guitar play.

If you close your eyes and suspend your thinking mind while playing this music you will likely be profoundly moved by it and transported deep within. It can be music of solitude as easily as music for lovemaking. I can't think of better reasons to recommend it wholeheartedly. It is not music for rock and roll gratification however, so steer clear of this if you are bored by a more delicate approach. Individually "Hosianna" would be the preferable title close to 5 stars, whereas "Tantric" would be at about 3.75 for me.

The Tantric Songs features very quiet and meditative pieces from 1978-1979 and fits in quite well with the older Hosianna Mantra album. The original track order of both have been maintained which makes this a perfect buy. The only thing you'll miss out on is the original artwork.

While this won't give a good overview of Popol Vuh it's an excellent introduction to the band's more reflective and deeply spititual side. Very recommended.