Pilgrim Heart
A lush musical journey into Hindu spiritualism,Pilgrim Heartencompasses Shiva chants, Hare Krishna mantras, and chants given a modern twist. Krishna Das and his myriad guest musicians (including a female chorus dubbed the Kirtan Posse) incorporate Indian instruments, African percussion, electronics, even bass and guitar, into serene, richly layered songs that provide good background music for meditation or relaxation. Unlike some of Krishna Das's other recorded music, this album is even-keeled, although the repeated use of Hare Krishna chants wears thin at times, but the music generally provides a satisfying antidote for the stresses of the modern world. One nice surprise is the upbeat, soukous-flavored "Ring Song" that ends the album on an energetic note.--Bryan Reesman