Search - Rasa :: Shelter

Edgy, hypnotic improvisations

Brianna Neal | USA | 01/01/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This, Rasa's third studio recording, finds them with a new label, more contemporary beats, and a wider range of approaches to their distinctive fusion music. Hans Christian and Girish Gambhira weave exotic instrumental tapestries on cello, sarangi, nyckelharpa, sitara, bass, usu, frame drums, shakers, synthesizers, tablas and mridangam as Kim Waters' light, mellow voice floats above them, singing devotional songs derived from the Indian tradition of Vaishnava. For only three musicians, even with overdubbing on multiple tracks, this incarnation of Rasa has a rich intensity of sound. Some of the tracks on "Shelter" are truly striking, such as the deep and moving "Gauranga Karuna", the ever-developing "Jaya Radha", and "Narada Muni, with its explorations of harmonic complexity and cool duets for strings (I'm betting it's the Indian sarangi and Scandinavian nyckelharpa playing, but they blend so well it's hard to tell!). "Arunodaya" is another interesting one--a bouncy, cheerful piece that seems to reinvent "Jiv Jago", a track from two albums ago, albeit in another key. The other selections, however, seem to revert back to Rasa's debut album in a different way--despite the addition of more contemporary backup techniques, the compositions lack that satisfying sense of harmonic and textural progression developed in the group's second recording, "Union". To be fair, this may be by design, since the music is designed to be a meditational aid, but when listening to songs that are so lushly and interestingly textured, I suppose I find more inspiration in being musically moved than musically lulled. If you like the work of Rasa, you may also enjoy another world fusion group with similar qualities: Vas, with singer/hammered-dulcimer player Azam Ali and percussionist Greg Ellis."

Eternal heartfelt gratitude for this amazing offering

Lucy Destin | San Antonio, TX USA | 03/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Once upon a time in the 80's, a series of chants came forward out of Arizona. These were called, "Healing Sounds of the Ancients" and they reflected the successful attempt of devotional musicians to touch into the love of Source via a Master and translate this energy into music. I have not heard (or felt) the effects of such an accomplishment since...until Rasa's Shelter. This album invites the listener to put everything aside and lift off into the energy of absolute love. The album can be examined for its technical merit (which is superb); it can be compared to earlier albums (also excellent) or other artists. For me, it stands alone as a consummate "heart-opener." I just ordered 15 copies for participants at a workshop I'm giving next week......"

Masterful.Beautiful.and truly Amazing.

Om... | atop the lotus | 11/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"although this is their latest release, it is the first rasa album i've heard. and i adored every lovely second of it. since then i've purchased the 'live in concert' album and immediately fell in love with it as well. rasa has quickly become a personal favorite - i can't wait to see them live!!"