Various Artists – World Yoga

Putumayo are known for their eclectic collections of music from around the world. Their latest release tries something a bit different. World Yoga is a compilation of global songs that provide the perfect soundtrack to finding your inner balance and drawing out deep relaxation. This CD is ideal for a yoga session as the sequencing of the tracks corresponds with the natural progression of a class, but you don’t need yoga to enjoy this album. The calm, reflective qualities of these mostly acoustic songs can bring peace and harmony to any music fan.

Countries represented on World Yoga include: Gambia, UK, Belgium, Germany, USA, Mexico, Wales, South Africa, Mali, Portugal, Armenia, Uganda, France, Tibet, Nepal and Sweden. The sweet voice of Gambian-British musician Sona Jobarteh, the granddaughter of the master griot Amadu Bansang Jobarteh and cousin of the celebrated kora maestro Toumani Diabaté, kicks off the album with “Reflections.” Another kora player, Balla Tounkara from Mali, contributes one of the most stunning tracks (“Yarabi”) on World Yoga. Geoffrey Oryema from Uganda adds his distinct vocals over some evocative guitar playing on “Makambo.” German-British duo Deva Premal & Miten put ancient Sanskrit mantras to contemporary music on “Om Asatoma.” Mirabai Ceriba is a duo consisting of guitarist/singer Markus Sieber and singer/harpist/keyboardist Angelika Baumbach. Markus is East German and Angelika is an American born to a Mexican mother and German father. Their song “Ong Namo” is a soothing, reflective piece that carries the tone of the record. This fine collection of international artists is due out on Putumayo World Music October 30th. Stream the release above or at bandcamp.

TRACKLIST

1. Sona Jobarteh – “Reflections”
2. Quentin Dujardin – “1977”
3. Deva Premal & Miten – “Om Asatoma”
4. Mirabai Ceiba – “Ong Namo (Putumayo Version)”
5. DJ Drez – “Floating Sweetness”
6. 9Bach – “Cariad Cyntaf”
7. Sona Jobarteh – “Saya”
8. Stevin McNamara – “Moon Magic (Chandra) (Part 2 – Gat)”
9. Balla Tounkara – “Yarabi”
10. Sara Tavares – “Exala”
11. Sean Johnson & the Wild Lotus Band – “Ramachandra”
12. Ara Dinkjian – “Offering”
13. Geoffrey Oryema – “Makambo”
14. Kelsang Chukie Tethong – “A Prayer to Dispel Sickness and Harm”
15. Tiny Island – “Le Valse Petit”