Now
The legendary guru Bhagavan Das is known as the Wildman of Kirtan, which  is an ecstatic brand of call-and-response chanting. The holy man has published  three books, butNowis his first proper album of chants set to music.  WithBeastie BoyMike D  producing, arranging, and cowriting this album, never has chanting sounded so  hip. Das's vocal mantras in ancient Sanskrit--and occasionally English--are well  complimented by highly textured drum 'n' bass programming. D has also brought in  live musicians, on modern and ancient instruments, to make the ever-shifting  integration of ancient and modern sounds a smooth and hypnotic one. If the  album's opening call to prayer isn't an obvious enough clue, this is religious  music, and one can hear and feel the ecstasy in Das's voice as he chants and  riffs. Interestingly, Das and D reference gospel on "Shiva Gospel" and the blues  on "Shiva Shambho" with equally interesting results. This album should surprise  many if they take the time to check it out.--Tad Hendrickson