Album Notes

When the Universe wants you to do something, there really is no way around it. I was personally a little uneasy with the Krishna chanting, especially "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare." I had never taken to the Hare Krishna movement, even though I myself had lived in a similar ashram for 15 years. In fact, I was a little scared of the mantras.

Making 30 minute cassettes of Krishna chanting for a music student required a bit of set-up, quite a bit of composing, and even more time recording. I added background vocals and overdubbed bass tracks. Which meant, in short, that I was spending a good portion of every week immersed in these chants. I didn't feel overworked, I felt simply marvelous. It was a drunken bliss, and I couldn't get enough. Chants and mantras to the Great Krishna entered my day, my meditations, my dreams. I got high.

I'm not really sure how I ended up in the studio tracking CD Krishna. I booked 2 days in a studio and we recorded onto a single 8-track ADAT. There was no pre-production. I just arrived at the studio and started playing. In my increasing bliss, I had actually forgotten how some of the songs were supposed to go. My brain had ceased to function in the manner I was accustomed. My heart had started to open. The correctness of melody paled next to the energy I had tapped into.

I invited a handful of chanting friends to join me for tracking response vocals. It had to be the most magical set of evenings - so much love and support. It was my first experience joining together with people from various traditions. What a gift.

Seva mixed and mastered this project from Knoxville, TN. (Seva helped found and develop WAVES technology, which made him famous in the technical world). When I told him I wanted a dub version of one of the songs, he just chuckled. (He knows my love of reggae) Seva chose Gopala Hare. He took the harmonium tracks and connected them to the tabla tracks, so that every time the tabla played the harmonium would trigger. The result was a goofy sort of reggae rhythm, perfect for the project. Add some delay vocals. Dub Version.

Immersed in the subtle energy of this project, I was able to open my heart a little more. Heal some old wounds. Soften some of my harder edges. The CD reflected everyone's willingness to embrace a divine energy of love.

Om Shanti, wah! more at.... www.wahmusic.com


Editorial Reviews

The Messenger/Mt Dora, FL
Wah! is velvety smooth, sassy and a little bit unpredictable. (These are) some of the most dazzling love songs to the Divine you will ever hear or sing. Wah! is strikingly passionate. It is an experience you must have for yourself rather than allow someone else to describe it for you. 5/01/01

Music Design Magazine/Milwaukee, WI
CD Krishna is an album you cannot listen to only once, it digs into your mind and penetrates your consciousness, becoming unforgettable. Filled with unrelenting enthusiasm, Wah! takes spiritual chanting and gives it a pop mentality, making it catchy and hypnotic. Light unobtrusive beats keep the pace with tabla, flutes, saxophone and bass providing the background. Wah!'s voice, reminiscent of Natalie Merchant, is (with an added clarity) the focus. It takes center stage, drawing your attention away from all the other elements of the music, allowing you to drift along, hooked on her simplistic vocals. Wah! frequently tours with Krishna Das and has opened for Hole frontwoman Courtney Love. 1/15/01

"Spirituality for Dummies" by Sharon Janis (IDG Press) Wah! is a young woman who combines chanting with jazz in a way that actually works. Her voice is profound, sexy, innocent, strong, and vulnerable at the same time. You may find yourself drawn deeply into the mantras she sings, as your soul dances to the kicky beats. 9/1/00



Fan Reviews

Sita Schulte/Germany I live in Germany, and I just wanted to say that I love your music!!! The Krsna-music is the best!!! Especially Govinda Gopala! Thanks for this wonderful music. 2/20/02

Bhakta Kevin/USA Hari Bol Prabhu! Thank you! thank you! thank you! I was recently given your CD. Such nectar! I haven't heard and experienced such musical bliss since a copy of a copy of a copy of "Chant and Be Happy by HareKesh". Dandevats!!! 12/03/01

Clint Gould/Escondido, CA I first heard your CD two nights ago. Gopala Hare was making me spiritually drunk so I've had to ration you. 8/19/01

more at... www.wahmusic.com