CD Review – Kirtan Aid: Orphans of Rishikesh, by Various Artists

Kirtan Aid is a series of charity albums produced by the Sat Nam Foundation and Spirit Voyage Music, with various sacred chant artists from around the world donating tracks and one hundred percent of the profits funding humanitarian concerns.

The latest edition focuses on the plight of the Orphans of Rishikesh, abused, abandoned, and destitute children who receive care and rehabilitation at Ramana's Garden, a safe haven and home tucked into the foothills of the Himalayas.

Contributing artists include Krishna Das, Snatam Kaur, Deva Premal and Miten, Ram Dass, Jai-Jagdeesh, Harnam, Nirinjan Kaur, Tina Malia, Shimshai, Jai Uttal, Wynne Paris, Simrit Kaur, Dave Stringer, Karnamrita Dasi, Sudha, and Maneesh de Moor.

The music is primarily classic and traditional Indian chants, framed within the context of modern Western instrumentation and mixed with exotic ethnic sounds. The result is a worthwhile listening experience that also benefits a worthwhile cause.

--Raj Manoharan