Awake! Arise!
SRI Chinmoy, 2023
8/10
The esteemed vocalist Laila Faerman inteprets the songs of Sri Chinmoy across this very spiritual affair that welcomes the pianist and arranger Misha Tsiganov, plus many other musicians.
“Mantras” opens the listen with Tsiganov’s warm keys and Donald Edwards’ light drums illuminating Faerman’s soothing pipes, and “Mata Tumi Tomar Asi” follows with Premik Russell Tubbs’ soulful sax adding much emotion to the poetic and very dreamy delivery.
In the middle, “Saha Nav Avatu” emits much textured beauty thanks to the twinkling keys and gentle brass, while “Do Not Cry” benefits much from Faerman’s expressive voice and Tsiganov’s flowing piano.
Approaching the end, the cozy “Ei Jibaner (Purity-dawn)” radiates a stirring intimacy via the agile keys and Alap Jetzer’s bright duduk, and “Khama Karo (Forgiveness)” exits with Shamita Achenbach-Konig’s absorbing cello that suits the flawless and lifting vocals.
A very meticulous version of world jazz with plenty of modern sensibilities in the area of classical music, Faerman’s voice is nothing short of stunning, and the players on hand accent the emotive presence superbly.
Travels well with: Ramana Vieria- Tudo De Mim- All Of Me; Maria Jacobs- Back At The Bop Stop