Release Date: August 22, 2025
Label: Independent
Part 1: Review
Shayan’s meaning, derived from the Sanskrit word for deep sleep
or rest, perfectly encapsulates the pure beauty and complexities of this
recording. It’s a journey that will transport you to places beyond this earth,
a unique blend of new age, world, and classical elements that will leave you
intrigued.
There is no track under 4 minutes, and the longest is 8 minutes
and 44 seconds.
With Charu on piano and composition, and a diverse range of
additional elements including violin, ukulele, guitar, harp, and vocals, the
album promises an engaging and immersive listening experience. The Venezuelan
Strings Recording Ensemble adds a unique touch, ensuring there’s always
something new to discover in each composition.
The title track “Shayan” begins. The sound of a harp is ethereal
and magical, as the piano keys add their ambiance and orchestral qualities. A
wordless vocal is heard in the background, which is quite beautiful. The vocals
come back as part of the ongoing composition. This piece is lovely and could
serve as a meditation, thanks to its rich textures, atmospheric quality, and
angelic, wordless vocals. Does this set the tone for the future? We shall see.
“Mohanam Hymn” brings the flute into the picture as the piano
gently adds its soft notes, enhancing the flute’s dreamy layer. The violin
arrives, then a chant begins. This is a hymn, and all the pieces that come
together make it so. With over seven minutes of musical transitions and a tempo
that sounds classical, it takes off from that foundation and morphs into a
new-age world journey. It is a certainty at this point that not only can the
music be used for relaxation and reflection, but also for meditation, inviting
you to a calm and introspective state.
“Inner Peace” lives up to its name right away. It begins with a
flute and gently introduced piano, and then a cello adds depth, accompanied by
a violin. The flute carries a melody as the vocals arrive like a guided
meditation. As the flute calls out, the other instruments respond with their
own grace and eloquence, each tailored to its unique tone and timbre. It is an
exercise in instruments and vocals arranged in different places to create the
peace you seek and shall find within the music.
“Raga Jog” sounds like a sitar once it begins, and to say it’s a
guitar wouldn’t be too far off base (because of effects, etc). This is Max ZT on dulcimer at work here. Then the deep cello arrives
for the effect it can only provide. Its deep resonance is both moving and
dramatic in comparison to other stringed instruments. As the piece builds, the
cello becomes more prominent, but not aggressive in this context—a complex
arrangement with a wide array of textures and sounds.
“Nightingale” starts quite differently from all the previous
tracks in terms of style. This is an acoustic guitar and piano duet. It sounds
slightly removed from the recording because of the change from a complex to a
simpler composition. This does not detract from its beauty, though; it is
lovely and serves the same purpose as all the other tracks.
“Raga Durga” continues with the inviting and dreamlike
soundscapes. It’s designed to help you relax into the music and find spiritual
renewal. The sounds you hear are the piano and flute demonstrating their
exceptional beauty and hypnotic effect. Thus, the ability to encourage or help
with meditation. Towards the end, a violin adds a small section.
“Shayan Reprise” brings the meaning of this project full circle,
serving as a reminder of what the word “Shayan” means. The cello returns to
lend its substantial essence to the piece, as the violin enters, sounding classical
and orchestral. It’s very colorful and emotional. This is an excellent way to
close out this recording, marked by such musical excellence and passion.
Shayan lives up to its title meaning in every way and then some. What you get is a comprehensive package featuring a multitude of instrumental excellence, spanning new age, world, and classical genres, and often all of these in one track. The length of the tracks is inconsequential if it is a consideration for a listener, given their ability to transition several times. There is so much to appreciate musically and symbolically.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder
September 19, 2025
Credits:
Charu Suri, piano/composer
Premik Russell Tubbs, flute
Anita Lerche, vocals
Jim Kimo West, guitar
Ravichandra Kulur, flute
Ron Korb, flute
Mary Dawood Catlin, vocals
Peter Sterling, Harp
Philip Vaiman, violin
Ramya Shankar, ukulele
Siyer, vocals
Raniero Palm, violin
Venezuela Strings Recording Ensemble