MEDIA REVIEWS
Ascension, Niguma Vol.2/MUSIC
by Sangeeta Kaur
Sangeeta Kaur Music LLC
Ascension: Niguma Vol 2: The Mantra Proj-
ect is the sequel to Sangeeta Kaur’s ground-
breaking debut CD Niguma. Ascension is an
innovative blend of kundalini mantra chants
and operatic vocals set against a neo-classical
score. It is also the soundtrack for the stage
production of Niguma: The Mantra Project.
This album is a unique expression of Sangee-
ta, who is a Kundalini Yoga teacher, composer,
and opera singer. In it, she tells the sacred story
of Lady Niguma, an influential 11th century
Yogini. Lady Niguma created one of the first
documented yoga series, as well as a school and
system of yoga predominantly for women.
For years Sangeeta felt inspired to share
Lady Niguma’s story. “Being a theater and
opera major, I asked myself how to share this
hidden gem that’s so transformative,” says
Sangeeta Kaur. The inspiration came to frui-
tion for Niguma: The Mantra Project.
Sangeeta and renowned producer/composer
Nicholas Neidhard collaborated through a
sound alchemy of sacred mantra, modern
opera, the vast sounds of the Hungarian
Orchestra and Choir, the Sufi mystical ecstatic
chant Qawwali, and influences from West
Africa and Armenia.
One of my favorites is “This Beautiful
World.” It has mystical sweeping sounds that
transport the listener on an expansive aural jour-
ney. Another standout is “Dream Tunnel” with
its elegant, emotional, high-drama string ar-
rangements and vocals that sound like gorgeous
sighs. “Lascia Ch’io Pianga” is a nod to classical
Italian opera, while “Samsara’s Tango” weaves
the Tango soundscapes with operatic vocals.
Overall, Ascension left me feeling that this
New Age music album will be appreciated on
a global scale.
Reviewed by Natalie Macam, a yoga teacher
who teaches locally at Malibu Beach Yoga:
tigerwaveyoga.com.
Heal/filmDirected by Kelly Noonan Gores
Produced by Adam SchomerThe genius of Heal is that it explores con-
scious healing and ways you can use your own
mind to heal your body.
Director and narrator Kelly Noonan Gores
posits a universal question, “Doesn’t it seem
like so many people you know are dealing with
illness?” She goes on, “We’ve forgotten how
intelligent the body is. I’ve experienced first-
hand how my thoughts, beliefs, and emotions
affect my health. I’m convinced we have more
power to heal than we’ve been lead to believe.”
Heal is full of anecdotes and insights that
echo these assertions. Noonan Gores inter-
views scientists, doctors, and teachers in the
field of mind-body medicine. Luminaries such
as Deepak Chopra, Bruce Lipton, Marianne
Williamson, Reverend Michael Beckwith,
Gregg Braden, and Anita Moorjani dispense
research and experiential knowledge.
In a study of radical remissions from cancer,
seventy-five actions were catalogued and nine
common practices identified. Only two were
physical treatments and the rest are mental, spiri-
tual, or emotional. “There is a way to access the
immune system with your mental and emotional
work,” says research study author Kelly Turner
PhD in the film. As discussed in Heal, a significant
percentage of our body is made up of invisible
forces of energy -- forming our spirit, mind, con-
sciousness, and thought. “Faith and prayer can’t
be explained,” expresses Michael Beckwith.
Heal explains the physiology of energy
medicine in a way that other films have not
summarized as well. The film offers better
advice than you might get from a doctor, for
sure, and probably even more clear and
compact advice than from your natural healer.
Heal opens in Los Angeles October 20.
healdocumentary.comReviewed by Karen Henry, Associate Editor for The
Bliss Network.Let It Shine/MUSICby Darren Marc
Aeroplane MusicDarren Marc is a self-described “mystic,
world traveler, and ambassador of change
dedicated to spreading positive vibes.”
He began writing and performing music
at a young age and as he progressed into his
20s, he fronted two pop bands who toured
the US and Asia. His original solo music has
landed placement on many TV shows and
even garnered Grammy consideration for
(“Whole Lot of Love”) a song on MTV’s
Real World.
During his time as a performer in LA, he
also evolved as a yoga teacher and Reiki
healer, which led to a strong calling to pur-
sue kirtan and sacred music.
Let It Shine is Darren’s latest album. This en-
tire work is full of well-crafted, inspirational pop
songs, with rich and tasteful acoustic guitar
interwoven throughout.“Home Sweet Om” is
a soothing, classic Americana-style track with
Darren’s pure and straightforward voice, joined
on the choruses by Lauren Beth Brown, whose
voice blends so perfectly with Darren.
“Love and Grace” is another standout
track that also features Brown and continues
along the gentle Americana vibe. It is fol-
lowed by “Waves of Divinity” which has the
pleasant surprise of a horn section and back-
up vocals by Jeri Silverman. My favorite track
is “Heaven is All I See.” Silverman joins in
for this pretty little ballad with jazz flour-
ishes and piano featured prominently in the
instrumentation.
Let It Shine could be especially suitable
for kids given the uncomplicated, positive
messages in the lyrics. It seems that Darren
is imparting a very sweet, simple, and loving
vibe with his music as an extension of his
personality.Reviewed by McKenna Rowe, a DJ, yoga teacher,
and founder of Chakra 5 Yoga, which provides mobile
yoga classes on location and by appointment to
students throughout Los Angeles. http://www.chakra5.la