In 1994, Tibetan Buddhist {|Lama Gyurme|} and French keyboard artist {|Jean-Philippe Rykiel|} released {|THE LAMA'S CHANT|}, an album that "went gold" in Spain. On RAIN OF BLESSINGS, the unlikely duo reunites to present eight Tibetan chants, blessings, mantras, and prayers. The Lama -- originally from the kingdom of Bhutan, but now residing in France -- is a master...
Read moreIn 1994, Tibetan Buddhist {|Lama Gyurme|} and French keyboard artist {|Jean-Philippe Rykiel|} released {|THE LAMA'S CHANT|}, an album that "went gold" in Spain. On RAIN OF BLESSINGS, the unlikely duo reunites to present eight Tibetan chants, blessings, mantras, and prayers. The Lama -- originally from the kingdom of Bhutan, but now residing in France -- is a master singer whose deep resonant baritone doesn't have those discordant multiple overtones so typical of the Tibetan chanting tradition. Here, he sings lovingly with Rykiel's melodically simple or droning accompaniments. The chants are Tibetan, but Rykiel uses many melodic patterns that will be familiar to Westerners. Tibetan cymbals, bells, and drums create exotic colors, while the keyboard creates shimmers of heaven. The steadfast richness of the Lama's prayers provides ballast for the album, and the overall effect is of beatitude. Choose from prayers for blessing, healing, purification, prayer, liberation, compassion, and protection. I found the album even more ethereal with headphones -- and I found myself pushing the repeat button as soon as it ended.
Brand: REAL WORLD
