Suvarna: Fire of the Oracle

John W. Patterson

Recent articles (186 total)

Published: June 1, 2001

No this is not ambient space music, not jazz, not fusion, not progressive rock nor power pop. But this is a tranced-out, tenderly soul-fired, world fusion beats, jazzy, vocals-driven, keys, and jazzy fusion, violin-enhanced, raga-rock, blow-out of unique power and grace! And yes you will be tempted to begin swaying and dancing within this Indo-fusion, groove-temple-of-sound.

I finally received this final version CD long ago from Etherean Music after being sent a pre-release CD-R demo from a good friend. If you love female vocals - ethereal yet passionate blended with electric violin and then intertwined with Indian-raga, beat-driven, mantras, eclectic synths, and an air of deep mystery —THEN BY ALL MEANS GRAB THIS NOW.

Suvarna Freeman's vocals and violin are a luscious experience!! THIS RELEASE IS JUST TOO COOL!! It avoids all that cheesy gestalt of, "let's-rip-off-Indian-trditional-music-and-make-a-fast-buck-disco-drivel" stylings, all too prevalent in world music — BUT INSTEAD delivers a truly unique listening experience. The 7:30 "Completion" song was AWESOME, a meditative lilting of ecstasy unbound, solemn, pure light in sound, and to hear Suvarna's spoken words were as if an angel had come to my side — ooh, serious athrilling goosebumps — oh for this song to have lasted three times longer.

Next CD, Suvarna, fill a whole CD with such!! Let your soul fly for a good 18 minutes or so. Do it! Suvarna, you are !!MAGIC!! and your voice has lifted this seasoned reviewer into planes of new sonic nirvanas — please do this again!! Thanks!

Need I say this? . . . Highly recommended!

Track Listing: Fire of the Oracle, Nature Spirits, All is Dust, Contentment, Emancipation, Rain Dance, Completion, Flame of Life, Rising Tree, The Master

Personnel: Ravi Freeman is keys, kora, guitar, kaval, bass, percussion, chants, overtone vox, loops and many talented others helped out here and there . . .

Record Label: Etherean Music
Style: Ambient