Snatam Kaur in Concert May 11, 2012

Snatam Kaur is perhaps the most beloved singer to emerge from the burgeoning chant/kirtan/sacred music world. Her presence, her charisma, her exuberance and genuine love of her craft - these are all elements of this widespread appeal.

Crystalline and radiant, Snatam's voice is a pure expression of the simple yet powerful truth of the heart. While each and every one of her recordings are truly exceptional, she seems to be at her very best while singing live. Her message of devotion is delivered with a child-like innocence and a simplicity that comes from letting her music and her singing speak for itself. Along with Deva Premal and Krishna Das, Snatam has reached the very top tier of the kirtan world, both in reverence and prominence, while others like Jai Uttal and Donna DeLory are not far behind in stature with their own extensive followings.

Concert, chantfest, musical group meditation, a yoga class in melody . . . how best to describe a live performance by Snatam Kaur and her band? It's all of these things and more. Snatam accompanies herself on harmonium (Indian pump organ), as well as violin and guitar. The harmonium and tablas ground the sound in Punjabi Sikh musical tradition, but the music also has a decidedly Western flavor. Most of the concert songs are done in the call-and-response kirtan tradition, which builds an energetic momentum that palpably fills each concert space. Snatam is ably supported by devotional music stalwart GuruGanesha Singh, who handles the guitar with effortless grace, slipping easily between chordal rhythms and mellifluous leads. Snatam's divinely melodic songs, based on traditional Sikh mantras, are augmented by simple, heartfelt English verses that express the meanings these sacred syllables hold and assist the audience to forge their own emotional connection.

Official Website: http://rudramandir.com/performance/snatam-kaur-concert-the-scottish-rite-center.html