Release Date: May 30, 2024
Label: Round
Sky Music
Gratitude Joy 3 is a collaboration of many talents. Paul Avgerinos, Siddhant Bhatia, and Keerthy Narayanan combine their artistry (and many others) to celebrate new age-world meditation.
If there were one word I had to describe this music, it would be
"mesmerizing." The recording begins with "Jaya Ganapati
Om," a particularly relaxing and melodic piece that lays a solid
foundation for the future of this recording. And all of it will be for your
spiritual well-being—that is why these people make this music.
When I searched for the translation to the track, it said the
following: Translation Glory to Thee, O Ganesha, the elephant faced one, the
bestower of boons, the one who has the mouse as His vehicle, the one who has
Modaka (a sweet preparation) in His hand, the supremely pure one. O Lord, I
offer obeisance at Your Lotus feet.
So, as you delve into this collection of recorded blissfulness,
you should dig deeper into the meanings to better understand the beliefs of the
culture from which it was derived. Although I add the world to the genres
covered, it frequently leans towards a more Middle Eastern atmosphere.
As Paul says in "Om Namah Shivaya," "the cosmic
healer, my eternal friend, is, in fact, the calm in my chaos." And he also
says, "The eternal flame I draw you near." From my perspective, this
is essential spiritualism. Even though it is in a different language, the
communication is clear and straightforward. One human race, one spirit, one God
or deity, or whatever you choose to call it, we are one with each other, and as
we are with our creator, regardless of what you decide to call it or the
religion you may believe in.
The number of individuals involved in this project, which
features over 100 musicians and singers, is incredible. "Lokah
Samastah" gives you a glimpse of the talent assembled and the seemingly
effortless vocals of so many. It sounds like a choir singing along to all the
music and layers of instrumentation. The track's meaning is the Sanskrit phrase
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu, which supports the prevalence of love over
hate. We could use that on a world level these days. Our lives and future could
be beautiful with enough of everything for everyone to live comfortably.
It's a nice thought; perhaps this will be realized with music
and words like this leading the way. Therefore, I needed to investigate the
meaning of some of these tracks. It strengthened my own beliefs and wishes for
our future.
"Om Shri Govinda" means "O Lord Govinda, the son
of Devaki and Vasudeva, the Lord of the universe. Please grant me a son, O
Krishna; I take refuge in you." This track has a very appealing percussive
element and beautiful, transient, and universal vocals. While religious or
spiritual beliefs may differ from yours, they all fold into one book of
humanity when you take a step back and absorb the messages in these
compositions.
I enjoyed one of the instrumentals, "A New Creation."
The difference was that no thought went into the chanting; this time, it just
let the music take you. That is often all I (and hopefully you) need to get to
that place in my mind and heart to be exactly where I should be in those
moments.
I must be honest. Once I heard this kind of music, I only
considered a different language, religion, or spirituality the same. I had to
simplify everything to be open to and feel it.
Gratitude Joy 3 is like the world church of music,
all under the same roof, looking for the same result and what we all want:
peace and love. This accomplished group of enlightened individuals allows you
to step outside your daily existence and preconceived ideas of what this could
be. Let the music and words flow (although, as I mentioned, you may want to do
some research). But even so, if you do not understand the words, you can feel
the spirituality of this music and the voices in every fiber of your being.
Either way, it works.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder
June 13,
2024
Tracks:
01. Jaya Ganapati Om 5:13
02. Narayana Hari Om 4:39
03. Om Namah Shivaya 5:20
04. Lokah Samastah 4:30
05. Devi Om 5:16
06. Om Shri Govinda 4:13
07. Ma Om 5:51
08. The Sunlit Path 3:49
09. Universal Guru 4:39
10. A New Creation 5:03
11. Blessings For All 4:33
12. Goddess Supreme 4:59
13. Lotus Petals 4:31
14. Mother's Love 5:51