Of the nearly 16 million people practicing yoga in America more than a few of them happen to be music superstars whose work has been collected onto a new CD, Yoga Revolution, released to stores and online retailers March 30th (Time Life).
The 14 track compilation includes performances by Sheryl Crow, Peter Gabriel, Sarah McLachlan and Ziggy Marley alongside yoga culture icons Krishna Das, Snatam Kaur and duo Deva Premal & Miten. Yoga Revolution also pairs Sting with chanters Anoushka Shankar and Karsh Kale, and Seal with Guru Singh, making their songs both familiar and soothing at once.
With an astounding 50% increase in practitioners since 2002, yoga is one of the fastest growing forms of fitness alternatives in the country, not only popular for its physical intensity but its highly touted meditative and spiritual component as well.
The assortment of artists featured on Yoga Revolution reflect the broad appeal of the ancient discipline, counting pop artist Sheryl Crow, reggae legend Ziggy Marley, ethereal vocalist Sarah McLachlan and superstar Sting among its fans.
Their songs selected for Yoga Revolution all bear the relaxing undertones of the music found in a yoga session and are a natural fit with the music of traditional devotional chanters that are also featured in the disc.
Yoga Journal magazine called it an ‘eclectic set, for sure, but it’s also a sweet, uplifting look into how various artists devote themselves to love, peace, and spirituality in their own creative ways.’ Sting is also quoted in the magazine’s March 2010 issue, saying ‘Like music, yoga is a journey, one that is long enough so you keep developing, and keep learning. I don’t see an end to it… yoga is an important part of my creative life.”
Time Life worked with producing partner Nettwerk Music Group on Yoga Revolution, who is donating a portion of their proceeds from the CD sales to benefit Yoga Health Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting preventative health care and yoga through awareness campaigns and educational programs targeting at-risk youths and adults.
Yoga Revolution Tracklisting:
Narayana/For your Love – Krishna Das
Salala – Angelique Kidjo feat. Peter Gabriel
Sea Dreamer – Anoushka Shankar & Karsh Kale feat. Sting
Ganesha – Wah!
Prayer of St. Francis – Sarah McLachlan
I Know I’m Not Alone – Michael Franti
I Am – Guru Singh with Seal & Friends
I Shall Believe – Sheryl Crow
Om Namo – Eday
Bathe in these Waters (Earthtones Mix) – Donna DeLory
Love Is My Religion – Ziggy Marley
Angeli – Sasha Lazard
Om Tara Tuttare (Red Fulka Mix) – Deva Premal & Miten
Long Time Sun – Snatam Kaur