Shanti, the Sanskrit word for peace, graces this album as its title and its content.
Snatam Kaur’s exquisite, soothing vocals evoke an inner and outer sense of peace. The subtle instrumentation enhances this experience.
Rhythmic tablas beautifully support the chants. Piano, sitar, san tour and flute melodies add a delightful element.
Snatam Kaur has been singing and playing instruments virtually all of her life, having been introduced to Kundalini Yoga mantra at an early age.
As a young girl growing up in California, she learned to sing with her mother, Prabhu Nam Kaur, in the Sikh musical or Gurbani kirtan style.
These lessons were augmented by her local Sikh community, where she learned not only the correct pronunciations but also the passion which is always invoked at these spiritual gatherings
Many of the chants and mantras in this album are written by Guru Nanak, the First Guru of the Sikhs who lived from 1469 to 1538.
Guru Nanak traveled on foot with his disciple, Mardana, throughout much of India and other countries in Asia.
Mardana came from a long lineage of master musicians. Mardana played the rebeck, a simple stringed instrument of Persian origin.
Guru Nanak would settle in an area perhaps under a tree, or by a river, and begin to sing with Mardana accompanying him. People would come from miles away attracted by the pure sound current and soon many people would be gathered around them in absolute rapture and love.
Guru Nanak’s songs have amazing rhythm and poetry, and his message speaks to the Soul.
