I reviewed a couple of guitarist Shambhu’s albums in the 2010s when I was actively reviewing contemporary instrumental jazz/new age/fusion releases, but I had since lost track of his work. Now I’ve found myself back on the path again, thanks to Shambhu’s radiant and illuminating retrospective collection, Transcendence.
Comprised of ten choice cuts culled from the last fifteen years of Shambhu’s solo career and remixed in the spatially expansive sonic resolution of Dolby Atmos, the album truly lives up to its title in elevating listeners above the chaos and confusion of the crazy times we are living in. But regardless of when and where we find ourselves listening, the music is spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically therapeutic, as well as inspirational and uplifting. In this way, the album is timeless.
The primary instrument here is Shambhu’s acoustic guitar, sometimes by itself and other times accompanied by notable guest artists on guitar, bass, keyboards, flute, violin, cello, horns, percussion, and voice.
The album is consistent and flawless from beginning to end, never underwhelming or overbearing, just right. As varied as each track is, from beautifully simple to intricately lush, all of the tunes are thoughtful, sensitive, and, yes, transcendent.
Whether you are familiar with or are new to Shambhu’s work, or you just need something to take you away and reset you, this album delivers the goods.
Shambhu’s Transcendence exudes peace, love, and kindness.
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