Yoga Dreamland
Putumayo, 2021
9/10
An aptly titled record, the Putumayo label assembles a global cast here, where gentle and varied songs can easily soundtrack a peaceful yoga session or even a restful night of slumber.
Poland’s Justyna Steczkowska’s “Zamknij Oczka” starts the album with warm keys in a bare setting of elegant, dreamy singing, and Nitin Sawhney’s “The Boatman” follows with expressive vocals from Acharya Jayanta Bose alongside graceful keys and Indian influences.
Landing in the middle, “Fantang”, by Malick Pathé Sow, brings his African roots into the intricate guitar picking and soothing backing vocals of the traditional ode to bravery, while Zoe Conway & John Mc Intyre’s “The Curra Road” unfolds like an Irish folk tune with much intimacy in the album highlight. Marta Gómez’s “Arroró”, another exceptional track, then has the Colombian Grammy winner in lullaby territory amid much beauty.
Towards the end, Mirabal Ceiba offers the minimal but impactful and emotive quality of “Claro Lucero del Dia”, and “Midnight Dreaming” exits the listen with low keys and plenty of calming ambience to finish the listen perfectly thanks to Peter Kater & Michael Brant DeMaria.
In addition to the 9 splendid songs, the packaging includes photos and explanations of several basic yoga poses performed by children, which only adds to the universal appeal of this very relaxing and cultured collection.
Travels well with: Putumayo- New Orleans Mambo; Putumayo- Celtic Women