Album Notes

Live Devotion is Robin Renée's first recording dedicated wholly to sacred chant. Borne of one inspired recording session in October 2006, the seven long tracks evoke peace, passion, and the presence of Universal Love. From the sexy, rock feel of "Jai Ma" to the time-honored "Sita Ram" to the fun, ‘peace-army’ multi-part "Om Shanti Krishna," Live Devotion is a fresh take on an ancient tradition. These are songs that invite joy, stillness, dance, insight, tears, expansion, and connection.

Accessible tunes with a spiritual twist have forged Robin’s personal genre--Mantra-Pop! The seeds of her diverse influences (acts as disparate as Elvis Costello, Krishna Das, James Taylor, Gary Wilson, and Devo) can be uncovered therein, as well as a longtime focus on Eastern and eclectic mysticism, the mystery that cuts to the core of this powerful singer and wordsmith. At a live show today you might catch Robin Renée at a solo acoustic singer/songwriter set, in a collaboration, or leading kirtan- the call-and-response form of Hindu-based devotional chanting in Sanskrit prominent on Live Devotion.

Songs like “I’m Coming Down” and “Holy River” from her previous offering, All Six Senses, foreshadowed this directly spiritual debut with their stories of cosmic transformation. All Six Senses (2002) was produced by Scott Mathews, who has worked with artists as fabulous as George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Elvis Costello, Patti LaBelle and many more. It followed In Progress, Renée's first full-length recording (2000), which was applauded in much alternative press across the U.S.

Robin Renée has often credited the sight of David Bowie in a dress with opening her eyes to transformation and expression. It was no doubt an inspiration, but Renée's real drive comes from within. She has battled through the grip of depression, has been enveloped in the bliss of spiritual ecstasy, and lives to tell the tales. On Live Devotion, she foregoes storytelling in lieu of the powerful simplicity of mantra. She says, “The best gifts may come when we stop worrying about the meaning of words and just sing. Allow the sound to do its work of awakening.”

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