Shantala: Benjy and Heather Wertheimer
Sri
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Sacred chanting (Kirtan) with beauty, passion, and reverence.
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Śrī Description
Śrī (pronounced shree) is the long-awaited follow-up to The Love Window, the immensely popular kirtan CD from Shantala (Benjy and Heather Wertheimer). Benjy Wertheimer’s exquisite Indian classical music is featured in his vocals, esraj and tabla, and he creates a powerful percussion experience with world-wide influences on djembe, congas, frame drum, and other percussion. Heather leads sacred chanting on this CD with crystalline vocals from the heart and soul of devotional music. Guest artists include Krishna Das, Snatam Kaur, Gina Salá, and Joe Jencks on vocals, Steve Gorn and Manose on bamboo flute, Jami Sieber on cello and electric cello, John Friend on kartols, Michael Mandrell on guitar, David Trasoff on sarode, Morgan Doctor on udu and hang, Leraine Horstmanshoff on didgeridoo, and others.
The magical journey of Śrī carries the listener with love and ease into the ancient yoga of sacred chanting, kirtan, inviting the listener to sing along in spiritual practice or to simply resonate in the sacred ambiance created by the CD. From the ancient language of Sanskrit, the word Śrī is one of the many names of the Goddess and of the divine beauty of the universe. The mantras and chants on the CD Śrī are in Sanskrit, English and Hebrew including Baba Hanuman (composed by Krishna Das), Om Namo Bhagavate/Because the One I Love (English lyrics and melody by Gina Sala), Hineni, Śrī Ram Jaya Ram, and Holy Ma, which is a symphonic musical reflection of the divine feminine.
As the duo Shantala, Benjy and Heather Wertheimer lead kirtan (sacred chanting) worldwide, bringing audiences sacred lyrics, soul-stirring vocals, and exotic instrumentation. Kirtan is celebration of spirit through the chanting of sacred names carrying participants into a state of heightened awareness, bliss, and devotion. The audience is invited to participate fully through call-and-response, dance, and meditation. The weaving of Benjy's Indian classical singing and instrumentation with Heather's soaring vocals is fresh, original, and profoundly moving. Together they create a beautiful music full of passion and reverence. Shantala has performed and recorded internationally with such sacred music luminaries as Krishna Das, Deva Premal and Miten, and Jai Uttal.
Heather Wertheimer is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who draws on her special love of both music and yoga to lead devotional chanting for yoga workshops and spiritual gatherings. Heather has toured in the U.S. and abroad with her husband Benjy, Steve Gorn, Manose, and Deva Premal and Miten. Heather's debut CD with Shantala,
"Church of Sky," was named one of the top ten albums of 2004 by New Age Retailer and has aired on radio stations nationwide. In April 2003, she and Benjy released
"The Love Window," a well-loved collection of sacred chants that has become a classic among yoga practitioners.
Benjy Wertheimer is an award-winning songwriter, vocalist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist (tabla, congas, percussion, esraj, guitar, and keyboards). Benjy has toured and recorded with such artists as Krishna Das, Deva Premal and Miten, Jai Uttal, Walter Becker (Steely Dan), and virtuoso guitarist Michael Mandrell. He has opened for such artists as Carlos Santana, Paul Winter, and Narada Michael Walden. A founding member of the internationally acclaimed Ancient Future world fusion music ensemble, Benjy toured the U.S., Canada, and Japan with renowned bamboo flute master GS Sachdev. He studied Indian classical music for over 25 years with some of the greatest masters of that tradition (including Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain, Ali Akbar Khan and Z. M. Dagar). Benjy's music receives extensive airplay around the world, and his CD
"Circle of Fire" reached #1 on the New Age radio charts in November 2002.
reviews
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Sri' by Shantala
author: Cecilia SawyerI was nervous about buying a second album of any artist when the first one (Love Window) was so good but I was delighted that the same pure acoustic sound and quality was there. I love their voices and am coming from Byron Bay Australia to hear them live. You can't miss by getting their albums.
Wonderful
author: New Orleans BobI love all of Shantala's CDs, and this is my favorite. I just gave a copy to one of my best friends, and he said "I REALLY loved it, thank you so much."
Sri
author: Teresa ThrossellThis is my second purchase of this incredible music. I gave it to my sister as a gift and she loved it too. It is my new gift to others. Heather and Benjy have voices that lift you up to a whole other level. I saw them live in Seattle and could not believe how their voices touched me and brought a blanket of peace and clarity to my life. Thank you Heather and Benjy!
Sri
author: Deborah MillerWhat an incredible and spiritual journey. I have been using this for reiki sessions, in my car, to meditate, to fall asleep by - 'everything is holy now'! Peace.
Lovely
author: KathyI love this CD and listen to it constantly - thank you!!!
- author: judy levin
a serene, beautiful album
- author: YOGA Chicago Jan-Feb 2008
Shantala is the chant project of Heather and Benjy Wertheimer, both masterful musicians and bhaktis (devotional practitioners). Their latest release, Sri, should not be missed by kirtan lovers. Sri is awesome, incredible and filled with divine bhav, the expression of love. Some of the movers and shakers of kirtan appear on this release, including Krishna Das, Snatam Kaur and John Friend, upping the vibe content. The tracks are spacious, and there’s plenty of room to watch the chants grow and expand – just as your heart will! I love the sound of the chorus as it supports the lead vocal lines. Their recording techniques and production are topnotch and produced mostly in their home studio. There are seven lovely tracks to enjoy (including a Hebrew chant), ready to captivate your mind, body, and soul.
sri
author: susan nyokathis is a fabulous cd. i recently had the pleasure of seeing Bengy and Heather in a live kirtan performance, and this cd brought me right back to that loving spriritual zone created by the kirtan
Sri
author: Frances GranilloSuch a delight. I'm in a different place and it is a beautiful one. Namaste
Sri
author: Melissa RubinHoly Cow! and Jai Radhe!! Shantala has come into their own! It is such a wonderful mix with KD and Snatam and Gina Sala! My favorite chant is #6 the one with Because the one I Love lives inside of you, I lean as close to you as I can!!!!YUM!!
sri
author: Brad BaconIf you have ever seen Shantala live, you know, they are this good live. This CD is a special gift for my partner that we get to share together until Shantala comes back to Salt Lake. Namaste
sri
author: pauline kalishI am so happy to have found this latest offering. It has become one of the first cd's I reach for before teaching a yoga class.
Shri
author: Amira/Sue SimonsHeather and Benji have created a beautiful source that brings each of us to the source. I listened to it over the past 3 days creating gifts for all my friends and family. Gina Sola and Krishna Das and all the other muscians on it bring so much sweetness to an amazing Kirtan. A must for all of us. Everything is Holy NOW......Thanks Heather and Benji. Benji's Tablas are amazing as always in all ways.....
Sri
author: Annie KAfter enjoying the other albums from Benjy and Heather, this one is equaling filling. The CD is the next best thing to seeing them live. It's a real treat to hear the other talents as well. Thank you for sharing your gifts!
SRI
author: david L bladwhen we met at Sacred trees sanctuary when you played with Jami, I knew I would continue buying your CD's as long as you produce these wonders. See you soon, David Blad -- Vashon
SRI
author: dc cThis is a wonderful CD. Bhagavate chant is sublime. Some wonderful guest artists on several tracks. Heather's voice is, as always, a treat. This disc already a favorite.
Sri: Grace, Bliss & Devotion -- The Perfect Mix for A Smash Hit!
author: Ryan LukenWhat can really be said about the magical journey invoked by Sri? It must be experienced through song. Still, I absolutely love chanting, and this is my favorite chanting CD to date! The melodies are rich, the syllables intoxicating... Sri is truly a journey of sacredness, to the most sacred temple in the Heart. You are sure to LOVE Sri. Thank-you, Benji and Heather. I love it!
Sri by Shantala
author: Susan FiermanIt is one of the best kirtan cd's available. The music and voices coax me to join in and open my heart. The fullness of the sound promotes the longing for the merging that is yoga. Thank you to Heather and Benjy for taking us deeper with each cd. Keep going!
Sri: Shantala
author: ardith coleAfter buying The Love Window, I've been patiently waiting for another Shantala CD done by both Heather and Benji Wertheimer. Benji is an incredibly versatile and competent musician, and Heather's voice brings out the best in both of these talented people. The symbiotic relationship of the two becoming one through music touches my heart in a most memorable manner. Please continue to share your fantastic talents with us, and I will continue to share your talents with everyone I know. Thank you.
SRI
author: Edie JulikBenji and Heather both have wonderful voices and the CD is very enjoyable. When I heard Hineni for the first time--I was spellbound. It sounds like it is reaching way back in time -- and with so much passion. I love to use these kirtan CDs while practicing yoga --althought there is one here that I may use for a dance.
SRI
author: Julie SchneebergerAfter seeing Benji and Heather live in Grand Rapids Mich., I was looking forward to more of the spectacular Kirtan that I enjoyed and I certainly wasn't disappointed! It is a beautiful, touching, moving and very singable Kirtan CD. My favorite tracks are the "Everything is Holy now" which culminates with a soaring 3 melody juxtapostion that really uplifts my soul. The track " Hineni" is very inspiring with a hebrew chant and lush layered harmonies. I think the musicianship and quality of the song choice makes this a must buy for serious Kirtan lovers. The couple are truly wonderful people, gracious and genuine in person and transparent in their spiritul devotion.
Sri
author: Traci PetersAhhhh.... From start to finish, this compilation of beautiful sounds inspires, ignites, soothes and transports me!! Thank you, Benji & Heather (and all of the others!) for bringing me into the circle! :) Namaste~
SRI
author: Frank BarnettI didn't think they could top The Love Window, my favorite kirtan CD. But what this shows is some real growth in the four plus years that last release. Not only do they bring us powerful versions of Om Namah Shivaya and Om Namo Bhagavate, but Heather does a beautiful Hebrew chant, "Hineni." And they can include Krishna Das without seeming like they need his notoriety. K.D. is great, but Benjy and Heather make his Baba Hanuman their own.