Krishna Das
Live Ananda

THE REVIEW

Is it a comeback?

Jeffrey Kagel, known artistically (but not only) as Krishna Das, is the artist I want to talk to you about. An American born into a Jewish family, in 1970 he left for India to study under the wing of the guru Neem Karoli Baba, called Maharaj-ji by his "followers". He studied meditative practices, finding his true self in Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of devotion. There, he attended and participated in various kirtan sessions, which are collective devotional chants.
His life was undeniably changed, but he experienced a significant shock when, in 1973, Maharaj-ji passed away. Krishna Das, a name given by the guru which literally means "servant of the supreme", thus returned to New York, where he spent years in deep depression.

Only in 1994 did he return to his roots, deciding to bring his experience to the world by singing, playing, and teaching everything that years before had radically changed his life.
To date, he has released several studio albums, as well as some live albums and compilations, generally offering simple arrangements, more Western than Eastern, of devotional songs from the Hindu tradition, but often turning towards Buddhist and even Christian songs.

I want to introduce you to "Live Ananda", an album that brought Krishna Das' name to a wider audience thanks to its nomination for the Grammy Awards 2013 for Best New Age Album, allowing him to perform at the award ceremony, although he didn't win.

"Ananda" is a Hindu term that literally means "bliss," and that's exactly what happens when you listen to his voice and his music: we are overwhelmed by a profound sense of bliss. Krishna Das' baritone voice caresses us while simple melodies flow from harmonium, guitar, bass, violin, kartals, and tablas.

This album features only 5 tracks, relatively long (the shortest does not drop below 11 minutes), in honor of the deities Hanuman (to whom Maharaj-ji was particularly devoted), Krishna, Devi, and Sita.

People of all kinds participate in his "retreats," because there is no need to refer to religions or philosophies. The chanting of sacred names is a therapy open to everyone.