Heartflow by Snatam Kaur
With its organic, soul-touching, live feel, Snatam’s latest album, Heartflow, seamlessly blends traditional kirtan music of Northern India, spirit-raising anthems, folk tunes, and deeply personal compositions. Heartflow was recorded at El Desierto Casa Estudio in Mexico with her touring band Ram Dass, Grecco Buratto, and Sukhmani Rayat, and features celebrated vocalist/violinist Jahnavi Harrison and classical Indian singer Ganavya as guests on the project. The album draws upon traditional kirtan elements with tabla and harmonium instrumentation accompanying chants in the Sikh language, Gurmukhi, while also extending into English folk tunes with rich acoustic guitars and stirring, layered vocals. The album is an eclectic mix of music from Snatam’s own musical roots and experience that illustrate her journey of healing after her experience of loss and betrayal in discovering the harm that had been caused by her former spiritual teacher.
“Tayraa Naam” features the artist's plea to give her troubles to the divine, with a powerful tabla groove, along with exquisite vocals and violin from guest artist Jahnavi Harrison. “Ekongkaar-Heartflow” is a deeply profound, prayerful mantra, central to Snatam’s journey into her own heart, with delicate piano, poignant guitar, and expansive vocals. “Runnin’ from This” is a sweet, playful, and intimate folk song that Snatam sings, “as an instruction for myself to stay present in life,” accompanied by two acoustic guitars and a soulful pedal steel. “ Gobinday-Joy” is an up tempo, epic chant piece with creative percussive elements and choral vocals sure to inspire absolute joy. “Waaheguru-Fearless” is a traditional chant piece with vibrant, articulate, and groovy tabla and courage provoking group vocals, and “Walkin’ Into the Light,” a stirring guitar-rich, get-on-your-feet-and-dance folk anthem inspired by Snatam’s Grateful Dead roots, and an ode to her stepfather who passed away this winter. “Naraayan-Peace” is an expressive and prayerful track with guitar picking, gentle piano, and the stunning vocals of acclaimed classical Indian vocalist Ganavya who joins Snatam for this unique vocal duet. “Gobinday-Serenity” is a soft, intimate vocal and guitar meditation piece for relaxation.
Tracklist
| 1. | Tayraa Naam | 7:58 |
| 2. | Ekongkaar-Heartflow | 8:50 |
| 3. | Runnin' from This | 3:24 |
| 4. | Gobinday-Joy | 6:17 |
| 5. | Waaheguru-Fearless | 5:36 |
| 6. | Walkin’ Into The Light | 4:17 |
| 7. | Naraayan-Peace | 9:46 |
| 8. | Gobinday-Serenity | 4:38 |
Credits
Snatam Kaur: Vocals, Harmonium, Acoustic Guitar
Sukhmani Rayat: Vocals, Backing Vocals, Tabla, Percussion
Grecco Buratto: Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitars, Backing Vocals, Electric Bass, Mandolin, Glockenspiel
Ram Dass Khalsa: Backing Vocals, Piano, Keyboards, Nylon String Guitar, Clarinet, Synth Bass, Additional Percussion
Jahnavi Harrison: Vocals, Violin
Ganavya: Vocals
KJ Song: Backing Vocals
Richard Hinman: Pedal Steel
Edited, and Mixed by Ram Dass Khalsa
Produced by Ram Dass Khalsa
Recorded at El Desierto, Mexico City, MX
Recording Engineers (El Desierto): Daniel Betran Arizpe, JC Vertti, Rolando Alatorre
Recording Engineer (Siddha Sound): Ram Dass Khalsa
El Desierto Studio Coordinator: Gabriela Sandoval
Mastered by: Juan Garcia
For Runnin’ Snatam Kaur Khalsa, Ram Dass Khalsa, Sukhmani Rayat
For Tayraa Naam Snatam Kaur Khalsa
Light of the Naam Publishing
ASCAP
License
All rights reserved.
Snatam Kaur is a world-renowned, Grammy-nominated devotional singer, musician, teacher, and author, known for the stirring luminous quality of her voice. April 2024 sees the release of her 19th major album Heartflow, on Be Why Music, followed by her Heartflow Tour, with 13 dates across Europe and the UK.