Planet Chant

The first in a planned series of chant collections from Triloka, "Planet Chant" brings together 12 internationally acclaimed artists and ensembles, encompassing such chant traditions as Tibetan Buddhist, qawwali, Hindu, and bhakti yoga, among others. Throughout, the musical goal remains the same: to achieve transcendental states of consciousness via age-old spiritual traditions. The set opens and closes, respectively, with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Michael Brook's powerful "Lament" and Jim Donovan's hypnotic "Indigo." The latter (created by Rusted Root's drummer) blends ancient shamanic instruments with the sacred Eastern chant om and human breath. "Fervent Supplication" intertwines the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, the music of Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, and a cappella singing by way of the Russian State Symphony. Dynamic a cappella stylings can also be heard on Ladysmith Black Mambazo's sun-splashed "Silgugu Isiphambano," which is steeped in the act's Zulu harmonies (known as mbube). More relaxing is Sheila Chandra's "Quiet 8," a celestial Indian gem that is as timeless as it is traditional, as modern as it is ancient -- just like the collection's other tracks.