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Short Bio:
Inspired by the profound mood of devotional Indian singing and music, Jaya Lakshmi began leading kirtan with harmonium and 12 string guitar and writing her own devotional songs over 15 years ago on the island of Hawaii, shortly after she received harinam initiation from Srila Govinda Maharaj. Her potently pure voice and high energy kirtans have generated waves of love throughout communities in the islands of Hawaii, the west coast, and Europe, always creating a deep sense of intimacy with the divine.
In addition to leading kirtan, she is the lead singer and songwriter for the band “One at Last” (formerly Lost at Last), a high energy tribal trance experience has toured extensively on the West Coast.
Her three kirtan CDs ‘Ocean of Mercy’ (2003) ‘Jewel of Hari’ (2004) and 'Sublime' (2008) are available on Sequoia Records.
Reviews of Ocean of Mercy , Jewel of Hari, Sublime and Jaya Lakshmi
are available at Amazon.com,
yahoo.com,
sequoiarecords.com and elsewhere on the internet
(please add your own reviews if you feel inspired!)
Listen to some of her music at www.myspace.com/jlakshmi
Articles:
"Immerse yourself in the divine love of the sacred names. Jaya Lakshmi's singing is filled with true heart and passionate devotion. Her blissful blend of Sanskrit chant, harmonium, flamenco guitar, sarod and ambient grooves will comfort your heart and free your soul. Jaya Lakshmi is co-founder and lead singer of the acclaimed world techno-dance band, Lost At Lost. In recent years, she has been performing with Deva Priyo (on flamenco guitar and sarod) to packed audiences. Lakshmi has established herself as a major presence in today¹s new devotional chant scene. This inspiring mantra chanting is unsurpassed for yoga, healing and meditation." - Sequioa Records
"Jaya Lakshmi's singing is absolutely phenomenal. The passion and grace in her voice really stirs the soul. Her music combines the best of both traditional yoga-chant and modern down-tempo grooves into an entirely fresh new sound. The beauty in her music is completely absorbing, and inspiring!"
- David & Steve Gordon
“For the Love of God” by Damon Orion
(Santa Cruz “Good Times” Feb 24 2005)
Reviews
"I would like to think that if something similar to this was first chanted thousands of years ago, it was done with the same soul-filled passion that Jaya Lakshmi does it with. Her beautiful voice and spiritual fervor blend together for a truly unique musical and mystical experience. The music is performed flawlessly, as English mixes with Sanskrit in this lovely and moving piece." - Bryan Douthit, listener.
"I found that I was mesmerized by each song on the album. The whole thing is quite beautiful. Further, this CD (Oceans of Mercy) sparked my journey in discovering other amazing mantra/chanting music by Snatam Kaur and Sri Siva - all of which now dominates my "frequent play" list. So thanks Jaya Lakshmi!" - A New Fan
"Jaya Lakshmi is one of the most innovative, up-and-coming artists in the realm of contemporary chant music." - Music Design In Review
"Jaya Lakshmi's voice is alive with passion; a powerful celebration of life and love for the Universe." - Karen Newton, Innerchange Magazine
"Jaya Lakshmi's luminous voice graces a contemporary world groove blending ancient Vedic chants and instruments from India with Flemenco guitar. Lakshmi makes these traditional mantras come alive in a modern musical vision which is the perfect companion for yoga, dancing or just relaxing." - Album Description
Love Sheila Chandra's albums fusing Indian and European musical forms on Peter Gabriel's RealWorld label but miss the slightly poppier sound of her early-'80s albums with the synth pop trio Monsoon? Then Jaya Lakshmi's Ocean of Mercy is the perfect midpoint. This is not fluffy crossover pop; the eight-lengthy songs are all sung in Sanskrit and feature devotional lyrics. Yet Lakshmi (who also sings with the more pan-global band Lost at Last) subtly updates the arrangements with synthesizers and worldbeat touches that are well integrated into the rich, billowing sound. Unlike many albums that sound tacky and somehow off when exploring similar cross-cultural areas, Ocean of Mercy has a unified and powerful sound. Songs like the hypnotic, largely acoustic ten-minute chant "Gypsy Krsna" are perfect for those newcomers to South Asian music who find the Nonesuch Explorer series too forbidding. Purists may well find it far too pop, and an argument could be made for that belief, but Ocean of Mercy is a quite enjoyable listen". ~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide
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