Search - Kalyan & Sambodhi Prem :: Cello Circles

Mellow instrumental music based around a cello

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 03/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Described on the cover as music for creative living, I'm not sure if it inspires creativity but it is certainly very soothing and relaxing. There are just two musicians, both of who play a variety of instruments, and who composed all the music between them. Kalyan (based in Canada) is a classically-trained cellist, but also plays dilruba, recorders, flutes and fretless bass. Sambodhi Prem (based in New Zealand) plays electric and acoustic guitars, bass and sound modules. He also produced and mixed the album. With the two musicians being at opposite ends of the globe, collaborating on the project would not have been straightforward and that may explain, at least in part, why it took around seven years from inception to completion.



Despite the multitude of instruments used, the cello is always the primary instrument. If you're interested in the more exotic backing instruments, listen for the dilruba (an Indian instrument) on two of the eight pieces, these being Spring water (the last of the eight tracks) and the intro to Leaving space (track 3), while you should listen out for the Japanese kyatoku flute on This moment (track 6).



Some years ago, I bought and reviewed Appalachia waltz and Appalachian journey, two albums that Yo-Yo Ma recorded with Ed Meyer and Mark O'Connor. Those albums eventually guided me to this one. Rather like them, this is hard to classify, but I'll describe it as classically-influenced Celtic music.



While this is not typical of the majority of music that I listen to, there is always a place for superbly performed and very relaxing music like this in my collection. It also reminds me that I haven't checked up on what Yo-Yo Ma and his collaborators have been up to in the last few years; I must do that."

Cello Circles: Good for the Soul

Thomas Hohn | Swansea, IL, USA | 01/27/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The cello and the guitar (in its later stages) are extremely difficult to master. I know: I play both of them and have mastered neither, so I have a good idea how they should sound when played by virtuosos.



Both the cellist Kalyan and the guitarist/soundscapist Sambodhi Prem are world-class artists separated by continents, yet united musically in this collaboration that grew and evolved like a living thing over several years.



Kalyan's cello sings with the voice-like quality reminding me of the late, great Jacqueline DuPre.



Sambodhi Prem's quiet, yet soulful guitars and rich soundscapes remind me of both Andres Segovia's later, more mature years and Kitaro's earlier works.



Yet both are unique, going beyond the above-mentioned greats, adding not only the voices of their main instruments, but many others (according to the insert notes), their versatility adding a depth and texture to create a new reality: peaceful and restorative.



I would highly recommend this CD for introspection, reflection, and meditation. Or to just unwind after a long day.



These notes and rhythms will touch deeply, if you let them, and give you a wonderful peace.



I aspired in early life to sound like DuPre and Segovia.

Now, I'd rather sound like Kalyan and Prem.



Also, take note of the beautiful painting on the CD case, created for this CD by the artist Sandipa. Certainly a feast for the eyes.



So put this CD on, close your eyes, open your ears, and listen with your soul. You'll feel better."

Heartfelt transmissions of love and joy

Bodhi Heeren | Copenhagen | 01/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Australian Sambodi Prem is a seasoned new age artist, who has produced a string of beautiful, relaxing albums. Like Karunesh, Deva Premal and Miten, Anugama, Prem Joshua and the great nestor Deuter, he has his roots in the fruitful musical melting pot that originated around the mystic Osho. He has also worked with the illustrious Maneesha James, making background music to her guided meditations.



On this album he collaborates with the fine cellist Kalyan. A seasoned musician and a accomplished improviser, the album is really centered around his demanding cellotones in fine interplay with Sambodhi's profound soundscapes. Kalyan also contributes some Eastern instruments like dilrupa and kyotaku flute, providing a nice touch of the exotic, as well as making his presence felt on recorder and some fine fretless bassplaying.



This may not be new age at it's most daring and psychedelic. though it certainly have depths and moments of great beauty frozen in time, coming from the heart. Clearly reflecting the musicians' authentic meditative and spiritual experiences and transmitting them effortlessly to the listener.



Ideal for yoga practice,relaxation, massage,meditation.

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