Ammu’s Treasures
Soul Chants, 2023
10/10
The Grammy nominated artist Chandrika Tandon brings along a cast of musical friends for these 35 songs and 21 chants that welcomes folk songs, French chansons, pop music of the ‘50s and ‘60s, and even a 26 minute meditative experience.
Volume 1 opens the listen with Tandon’s soaring voice alongside the cultured melodies of the rhythmic climate, and “I Will Bring You Flowers” follows with a poetic and comforting delivery of expressive singing.
Deeper into this portion, the frisky “Lemon Tree” makes great use of charming percussion amid the flowing vocals, while “Scarborough Fair” exits with an intimate delivery of pretty vocals and rich musicianship.
Some of the best songs present land on Volume 2, where the gorgeous “Molly Malone” resonates much warmth, and the meticulous piano of “Listen To The Pouring Rain” complements the timelessness of the traditional. “Hush Little Baby”, another song we’re all familiar with, arrives close to the end of this portion, and it’s a soothing interpretation that tugs on the heart strings.
The final disc is made up of a series of chants, and they resonate with a distinct serenity that carries a very worldly appeal.
An incredible package that’s housed with 2 sticker sheets and a very thick booklet in a colorful box, Tandon calls this project a ‘hug for the world’, and these songs that populated her childhood sound full of love and wisdom here.
Travels well with: Susie Tallman- Let’s All Sing; You & Us- Calming A Panic