Heart of the Universe
Snatam Kaur and Peter Kater
When I first learned about the Snatam Kaur and Peter Kater release, Heart of the Universe, I couldn’t wait to listen. For years, I’ve long been a fan of both these unique artists. Peter Kater is a multi-platinum Grammy-nominated composer, songwriter, and pianist whose recording Essence is a favorite of mine, along with every massage therapist I know. Snatam Kaur’s sacred chants have rocked the yoga world as well as being instrumental in my own life.
Heart of the Universe delivers everything you would expect and imagine from these two talents, with some twists. A number of musicians accompany the duo, including beautiful arrangements featuring the Macedonia Radio Symphonic Orchestra. In a departure from much of her catalog, Snatam sings predominantly in English here, with a range reminiscent of early Natalie Merchant (think Ophelia).
The happy and joyous opening track, “Song of Your Heart,” has become my new favorite anthem; it’s one of those songs you’ll savor hearing in your head over and over again. While many of the tracks have a similar energetic quality that provide continuity, by the time the final track “Satigur Prasad” played, I was excited to hear Snatam’s voice complete the cycle with a mantra. Tracks one, two, and eight alone would inspire me to add this beautiful, powerful, and at times haunting selection of sacred music to my go-to playlist.
Beth Shaw is the founder of YogaFit – a company that provides yoga, health and wellness education to the world. She has recently opened YogaFit studios in Toronto and Los Angeles: yogafit.com; yogafitstudio.com
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