A Turban at the Grammy's?

In todays post-September 11th hate culture, it is refreshing to see a positive representative of all that is America from such a public entity as the Grammy's.

Since September 11, we've seen Americans go through a variety of reactions to people that look 'different'. There was suspicion, interest, anger, and understanding all interweaving in the American mind. And many people who wear turbans, despite having no connection to Iraq or the middle east, were covered by that blanket.

But what a statement for America's ability to see through their prejudices to find that the semi-final list of potential nominees for the Grammy Awards includes albums like Snatam Kaur's Shanti.

A chant album, Shanti finds itself among a genre of music gaining widespread popularity with mentions in Time Magazine, Martha Stewar's Living, Newsweek, and many more.

On "Shanti," her second solo release, Snatam sings beautiful prayers from the Sikh tradition. Her graceful chants reveal the magic and beauty of each prayer. "I didn't make a conscious choice to make the pieces," explains Snatam. "But I would sit down and be inspired.

"Shanti," as with all of Snatam's recordings, reflects a universal sensibility that embraces many faiths. It is simply worshipful. According to Snatam, these songs "go beyond all boundaries to break through to pure awareness."
Snatam's soothing vocals on the album are tastefully enhanced by Eastern and Western instrumentation. Rhythmic tabla beats punctuate the chants. Piano, sitar, santour, and flute melodies delightfully enhance the spirit of the recording. Thomas Barquee's brilliant production makes it all shine. But the power of Snatam's devotion is the force that inspires and moves.

States Snatam. "The experience of creating an album or preparing to perform is for me to tune into the living and breathing consciousness of sound, which I call my guru."

To find out more about Snatam's music and her record label Spirit Voyage Music, visit www.spiritvoyage.com