Top 5 Music CDs for Relaxation

Indian classical music has no parallel. And if you add a good proportion of mysticism to it, you’re bound to get a sonic potion that can do wonders to your senses. This is a great way to soothe your nerves at the end of a hard day’s work, meditate or even sleep. Here’s a selection of albums that blend ancient chants and modern orchestration to get the best of both worlds

1. “Chants of India” - Ravi Shankar

What can you expect when the sitar maestro himself lays his fingers on the sacred chants from Hindu scriptures and transforms them to music for Western ears? A captivating classic, this collection of mantras and prayers from the Vedas and Upanishads accompanied by flute, tamboura and sitar, was produced by the late George Harrison. Gentle and relaxing!

 2. “Chanting the Chakras: Roots of Awakening”

Acclaimed composer Layne Raymond combines drumming and chanting to evoke a sense of spiritual well-being in the Indian tradition of nada yoga (sound yoga) that helps you travel inward and rejuvenate. Redmond is accompanied by Steve Gorn on the bamboo flute, and Amitava Chatterjee on the sitar, among other musicians. Includes a 24-page booklet explaining the chants.

3. “Love Is Space” - Deva Premal

Deva Premal from Germany and Miten from England met and fell in love in India, where they had gone to study its musical heritage. Their compositions promise you a journey into the spacious realm of chants, with music ideal for yoga, meditation, or even slow dance. The ancient mantras, the beautiful rhythms and soulful songs will calm your senses.

4. “Jiva Mukti” - Nada Shakti, Bruce BecVar

Another sonic healer comprising mystical chants and mantras of India and Tibet escorted by an exotic array of instruments - harp, guitar, keyboards, bells, dumbek and tabla - this one is more than just a series of soothing melodies. Play it on and on, for you can hardly get bored…it’s vibrant, hypnotic, and has a sacred aura to it.

5. “Devotion” - Rasa

In this album inspired by ancient India’s Vedic culture, singer Kim Waters and musician Hans Christian collaborate to present sacred Sanskrit chants and Bengali devotional songs and ‘kirtans’ to the accompaniment of sarangi and sitar. Kim Waters’ haunting vocalization strikes an even balance with Hans’ instruments and evoke a mystical mood. Enjoyable!