Enchanted

Gurudass
 

 
Opening with a misty flute solo by Manose, the first track Ek Ong Kar quickly wakes up, highlighting the raw, female energy that is Gurudass Kaur’s voice. Her vocals are the prominent voice throughout most of this traditional ‘call and answer’ kirtan style album. The voices that answer her passionate calls are a chorus of talented singers led by her husband, Gurudass Singh’s deep, soothing voice. The second track, Gobinde Mukande, introduces the Spanish flavors that percolate through the album, emphasized by the masterful riffs of flamenco guitarist Jorge Liceaga and percussion of Rami Ziadeh.

On the more gentle tracks Wahe Guru and Dhan Dhan Ram Das Guru, the exquisite vocal harmonies are interlaced with flute, acoustic and flamenco guitar, tabla, doumbek, cajón, clay pot, and harmonium in a soothing sea of sound.

The final track, Aval Allah, has Gurudass Singh’s sweet, dusky vocals leading a Santana-flavored chant that brings the album to a lively conclusion complimented by the bass guitar of Kai Eckhardt.

Producer Jeffrey Cohen had been a long-time fan of Gurudass’ music when he offered to produce this album. He wanted to provide the right musical frame for their talent. Gurudass were eager to work with Cohen, whose credits include having written and/or produced for artists including the Pointer Sisters, Herbie Hancock, Santana, Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Patti LaBelle, and Eddie Murphy. He also won a Grammy for co-writing “Freeway of Love” for Aretha Franklin. On Enchanted, he has expertly brought this experience to the genre of mantras and chants.