SHANTALA: The Love Window

Shantala

The Love Window

© 2003 Benjy & Heather Wertheimer (825336300323)

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Music of East and West unites in these sacred chants of devotion, with beautiful singing and instruments from around the world.

notes

Benjy and Heather Wertheimer, also known as the musical duo Shantala, lead devotional chanting for workshops and at yoga centers across the U.S. and in Costa Rica.

Benjy Wertheimer, a founding member of the internationally acclaimed Ancient Future world fusion music ensemble, has studied Indian classical music for over 20 years with some of the greatest masters of that tradition (including Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain, Ali Akbar Khan and Z. M. Dagar). An award-winning songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist (playing tabla, congas, percussion, esraj, guitar, and keyboards) and vocalist, Benjy frequently tours and records with Krishna Das. He has also toured the US, Canada, and Japan with renowned bamboo flute master G.S. Sachdev, and opened for such artists as Carlos Santana, Paul Winter, and Narada Michael Walden.

Heather is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, yoga teacher, and therapist, whose beautiful vocals, unique perspectives and unusual depth reflect a wide array of human experiences. Heather performs and tours with Benjy and with virtuoso guitarist Michael Mandrell. She combines her special love of both music and yoga to lead devotional chanting for workshops and spiritual gatherings. Her debut CD with Shantala, "Church of Sky," is a contemporary folk CD with musical influences from around the world. In the past, Heather was a featured vocalist in the musical "Return to Avalon" and has performed throughout the Northwest with the groups HeartStrings and Lonesome Taxi.

Devotional chanting is an opportunity to open your heart to the divine through the singing of ancient mantras. You may offer your devotion to whatever it is that you hold dear in your heart. Chanting the names of ancient deities speaks to spirit that lives inside each one of us, evoking the power of the ages. No experience is necessary, and no musical talent is required in order to participate.

reviews

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  • author: Fran Coleman

    This album moved my heart like nothing else I can think of. I first heard Benjy and Heather in concert at a Unity Church and was so taken with the combination of beautiful voices and haunting esraj that I became an immediate fan. I had never heard of kirtans before but find them an enchanting form of music and devotion. I bought Voice first, then Sri and finally Love Window. I look forward to more from Shantala and hope someday they come back to our town again.

  • Beautifull bled of male and female
    author: Douglas W McKenzie

    The contrast between the two lovely voices against the instrumental backdrop is transforming. A wonderful reminder that there is a real world that supports the visible world and is generally transparent because of our own lack of 'tuning'. This music reminds us and helps to tune.

  • Powerful and Enchanting
    author: Gopala, Sweden

    Except for the first to songs, which I don`t like, it is one of the absolute best kirtan CD:s ever. Classical Kirtans and Chants with a special sound. Enchanting!

  • author: Franke Johnson

    I bought the cd for the first song that I heard in a yoga class. I have now grown to love each song and find myself humming parts of each song while driving home.

  • musica chidota
    author: lumiere

    desde Mexico, esta musica es muy relajante, tiene colores folkloricos, se siente la ineterpretacion natural de la misma.

  • The Love Window
    author: heather dahline

    I bought the CD mainly for a couple songs that I had heard in a yoga class - and they do not disappoint! My 4 year old daughter has taken it over though and listens to it at bed time. I may have to get another...

  • Astounding!
    author: PiscesGem

    I had the fortunate circumstance to see Shantala play in Albuquerque and I was so utterly taken with their music, I just had to buy this CD. All the songs on it are absolutely beautiful, as are the voices of the Wertheimers. Heather Wertheimer's angelic voice sooths the soul and Benjy's astounding drum skills speak to the gut. I highly recommend this CD, especially to anyone who enjoys Krishna Das.

  • A peaceful, inspiring album!
    author: Ojoe

    I bought this album on a hunch and it is wonderful. It has truly touched my soul. Thank you. It has yet to leave my cd player and I play it on my ipod constantly. It's gorgeous. Heather, you hit a home run with this album. Thank you for blessing us with this album. Om Mata Kali is my favorite right now, but the whole album is wonderful. Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift. You are so Blessed.

  • wonderfull music
    author: Susanne

    Such wonderfull music! I had to command it 5 Times, for my friends who love the music to. I like to hear it, when I make Yoga, when I go to the sauna and everywhere.

  • author: JO

    A beautiful CD - truly heart opening. Great for singing along to, or to relax and unwind. More please!!

  • Soul inspiring music weaving a joyful tapestry of lilting voices and instruments
    author: Marie Procter

    First heard this CD at my yoga class and was so taken with the gorgeous sound that I had to have it. It's haunting melodies and sentiment melt my heart every time I listen.

  • wow, wow, wow, It opens my heart and touches profoundly
    author: Christopher

    The quality of sound and artistic essence is amazing. I still am amazed by this cd. Masterful instrumentals, beautiful, exquisite vocals from the artists and an amazing group of backup singers sing back the kirtans. It:s so beautiful. I cried the first time I listened to it, and I still cry listening to it today. The energy of their devotion and love shines through clearly. Do yourself a favour and get this cd. Durga jai jai maaaaa.

  • Beautiful and inspiring!
    author: Tomas Michaud

    Beautiful voice. Inspiring melodies. I play this CD many nights before going to sleep.

  • wonderful heart opening
    author: Mia

    In the moment this cd is my absolute favorite, especially the first two songs. Hare Krishna is so wonderful and creative, soft and strong, opens my heart...thank you! More!

  • spiritual alchemy
    author: linda

    find bliss through sound..on this cd, heather and benjy weave their voices with instrumentation, creating divine tapestries...dialogues between spirit and soul. The Love Window is more like a time machine, a portal to ananda...i use it in yoga classes: students LOVE IT!

  • Great CD

    I first heard this beautiful music at Canyon Ranch and LOVED IT. Great for meditation, centering, decompressing.

  • author: Mary

    Such a beatiful and inspirational cd. I bought it to accompany my yoga classes, but my little boy sings along at home too! So much joy, heart and grace in the voices of Benjy and Heather. Thank you for sharing your talents both in person and on the cd. Namaste!

  • Amazing chants, voals and instrumentals
    author: Jay

    I bought it for my yoga practice, however, my daughter, Sage 4 yrs old, loved it so much that I am buying another CD for the other car and one for a friend. She sings the songs at pre-school!

  • The goddess sings, releasing nectar for the heart and soul...
    author: Lora

    This is such a beautiful spiritual offering - it really does feel like nectar for the soul. Thank you Shantala for sharing your gifts - we are blessed!

  • Superb!
    author: Lydia

    Excellent! It was great listening to these wonderful artists live at the Yoga Center in Arcata, CA. The music moves the soul and enlightens one's thoughts and feelings. This CD is highly recommended!

  • it is as the Goddess is singing straight to your heart
    author: Meta

    I love this cd that was purchased after seeing Shantala live... Heather's voice went straight to my heart - it was as if the Goddess was singing to me "whispering how to love God". The music and Benji's voice vibrate deep within... I can't say how much I appreciate the devotion that created this beauty.

  • This lovely album is bound to inspire well-being
    author: New Age Retailer

    Reviewed in Sounds From the Ground Up by Mara Applebaum — October 2004 After reviewing Shantala’s first CD, Church of Sky, I could see that Shantala’s members, Benjy Wertheimer and Heather Wertheimer, share a deep dedication to the paths of love and peace. Shantala’s latest release, The Love Window, is a collection of devotional kirtans that will appeal to both seasoned chanters and those who are approaching kirtans for the first time. In the company of distinguished bansuri flutist Steve Gorn and many other talented musicians, as well as a chorus of the Wertheimers’ kirtan community, Shantala brings sacred song to a broad audience with this CD. In a meditative atmosphere, the sacred chanting on the lovely album is bound to inspire well-being and grounding.

  • Peaceful & Beautiful
    author: Renata

    It is absolutely wonderful but I was already familiar with it. My yoga teacher in Mexico played it in class. I liked it so much that I wrote down the tiltle and bought it when I returned home. thank you

  • It is all so peaceful....just wonderful! A great way to wind down.
    author: shantala:the love window
  • A truly inspirational collection
    author: Lisa F.

    I love this c.d. The Love Window is an uplifting and beautiful collection of devotional chants. I am mesmerized by the vocals and instruments. Shantala's Hare Krishna chant is the most beautiful version I've ever heard.

  • My whole family adores this CD!!!
    author: J Karren

    Very relaxing and inspiring. These mantras are beautifully done in this CD.

  • Great CD
    author: Chacona

    I really enjoy this CD. It is very peaceful music. I use this for meditation and Yoga.

  • Open up the love window!
    author: Laura Miller

    _Love Window_ is a glorious kirtan CD, educated and respectful of its subject matter (Douglas Brooks does the translations from Sanskrit) with a deep steeping in traditional classical musical discipline at the same time that it breaks loose, uninhibited, ecstatic! The energy of the chants and arrangements builds throughout the CD, hits a wild zenith, and then ebbs into a flowing, graceful _Purnamidah_ at the album's end, which makes the album a perfect accompaniment to a yoga practice. But the album is equally fine just played around the house, to chill to or to sing to. One can hear the ardour and intense devotion of the artists, which feeds the beauty of their music.

  • Excellent, Inspiring, a beautiful work of art...
    author: Leslie Gawain

    The Love Window touches that sacred place within...the place of the heart. Heather's sweet yet powerful voice is complimented by Benjy's incredible ability to make sounds unlike any other. The CD is playing in the background as I type this review...Well Done!

  • Beautiful
    author: Ragani

    Beatiful kirtan and instrumentals on your CD. I especially enjoyed the "Durge" chant. Nice work!

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