Approaching the voice as an instrument, British-born Indian Sheila Chandra brings an expansive, timeless quality to this collection of improvised songs based on ragas and modern folk music. Most of the tracks, outside of t... more »he drone, are unadorned--as is Chandra's pretty voice, simple in its low tone and unaffected in vocal style. Still, Chandra travels to expansive places, reliving her days as Monsoon's lead singer on "Ever So Lonely/Eyes/Ocean." Though Chandra revisits British and Celtic music, her voice is at its strongest when borrowing from traditional Indian vocal technique and ragas. "Bhajan" is a soothing hymn with drone as are "Sacred Stones" and "Om Namaha Shiva," proving Chandra has indeed succeeded in connecting to ancestral voices for a lovely, meaningful album. --Karen K. Hugg« less
Approaching the voice as an instrument, British-born Indian Sheila Chandra brings an expansive, timeless quality to this collection of improvised songs based on ragas and modern folk music. Most of the tracks, outside of the drone, are unadorned--as is Chandra's pretty voice, simple in its low tone and unaffected in vocal style. Still, Chandra travels to expansive places, reliving her days as Monsoon's lead singer on "Ever So Lonely/Eyes/Ocean." Though Chandra revisits British and Celtic music, her voice is at its strongest when borrowing from traditional Indian vocal technique and ragas. "Bhajan" is a soothing hymn with drone as are "Sacred Stones" and "Om Namaha Shiva," proving Chandra has indeed succeeded in connecting to ancestral voices for a lovely, meaningful album. --Karen K. Hugg
"First, let me say that if you prefer your world music with strong instrumentation over vocals, then this is not the album for you. Sheila Chandra takes her listener's on a musical voyage using almost nothing but her versatile, compelling voice. The instrumentation is made up mostly of drones, and even that is minimal. But if you are a fan of voice, or a cappala work, you will dig this album.
Chandra lives up to the title of this disc by weaving eclectic vocal styles from various traditions together, sometimes on the same track, as on the so-so Dhyana and Donalogue. The stronger tracks include Nana/The Dreaming, The Enchantment, and the totally inspired weaving together of Ever So Lonely/Eyes/Ocean. And as a previous reviewer noted, the two Speaking In Tongues tracks have to be heard atleast once, but after that, they really are skippable (thank God for programmable CD players) as they don't offer much in way of asthetic enjoyment.
So all in all, the album is hit and miss. It really works best as background music, for relaxation or while surfing the 'net. Of course, Sheila's best was yet to come on ABoneCroneDrone, but you can hear the seeds of that work being planted here on this somewhat experimental disc."
Very relaxing
warnerse | Lombard, IL, USA | 11/09/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Sheila Chandra is one of my favorites. Her voice is so smooth and rich. The execution of each note is right in tune. The bols she sings is very interesting, not a favorite of mine, but I do find it amazing that someone can sing like that. If you purchase this CD, I think you'll be pleased."
ARTFUL MUSIC
WENDY BANDURSKI-MILLER | SEMPRONIUS NEW YORK | 07/19/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sheila Chandras music on the "Weaving my Ancestors Voices" is difinitive in its impact. It is unforgettable as the musical manifestation of a beautiful history of voice and sound.
As an artist i use music to paint to and i find this particularly atmospheric and evocative without jarring the soundscape. Meditative and contemplative with universal appeal.
Certainly defined for me as one of her great new creations. for all musical tastes.
Wendy Bandurski-Miller
Sempronius New York"
Haunting, minimalist work
Kevin Carlson | Everett, WA USA | 11/24/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Some reviewers call this music "dull", although perhaps only in comparison to "hard rock", etc.
I call it wonderfully meditative and not over-produced. My only dislike is that the song list is nearly identical to "Moonsung", so you would probably not want both discs...