From LA Yoga Magazine
author: LA Yoga
In the liner notes for this recording that Overberger names Music for Yoga, Meditation and General House Cleaning, it says, “Dharma Gypsys came to be when Daniel Overberger’s trips to India turned him on to Hindu chanting. As he got deeper into kirtan and chanting, one question kept coming up: ‘Where are the guitar solos?’”
In this recording, here are the guitar solos. Before you expect a hard rock Yoga album, though, the guitar solos are primarily acoustic, playful and melodic, such as the thoughtful strums of the instrumental track “Ekam.”
The Dharma Gypsies comprise a collection of musicians, including artist and Yoga teacher Overberger (check out his
classes in Runyon Canyon in Hollywood). Overberger on guitar, vocals, bass, shruit box and Rhodes is joined by Katrina Chester, Tommy Stewart, Robert Gamboa, Scotland Stephenson, Danielle Mays and DJ Soul Junkie.
Music for Yoga works for a variety of settings, as promised. For people who are expecting traditional Sanskrit chants and melodies, Overberger incorporates Western-style melodies and chord progressions. The opening chant, “Asato Ma,” has a bit of a minor chord feel to the vocals accompanying the gorgeous guitar styling, it gives the beginning of this recording a bit of a brooding tone that sets up the urban feel to a innovative set of musically evocative chants.
In “Govinda,” the familiar chant is given a new feel with Katrina Chester’s voice over an acoustic guitar backup. It’s quiet, contemplative, and imminently sing-along-worthy. This segues into a version of “Jai Ma” that’s a little more electric and ethereal with interesting tonal chords and percussive rhythms for meditative practices. The musically innovative, well-harmonized selection of modern tunes offers a fresh take on music for Yoga and meditation and housecleaning and commuting and any number of other activities. I’m looking forward to Dharma Gypsies’ live appearances and to their Volume Two. leavingstressbehind.com.
Reviewed by Felicia M. Tomasko, RN
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Dharma Gypsys
author: Matthew
Killer sounds! I've listened to this disc three times a day, every day since I got it . . . Smokin' Guitars!
Where and when are you guys touring so I can see you LIVE!
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