(from left) David Balakrishnan: violin, Ramana Erickson: tablas, Shubha Erickson: backup vox, Veena Erickson: backup vox, kaimani, Prajna Vieira: lead vox, harmonium, keys, Ben Leinbach: cajon, bass, Donald Fontowitz: guitars, oud
Mukti (Sanskrit: "liberation") is an ensemble of accomplished musicians whose spicy blend of tabla rhythms, flamenco guitar, harmonium, piano, and r&b-flavored vocals are breathing new life into the world of kirtan.
Their debut CD, Light of the Sun, is a lush and vibrant collection of original songs in Sanskrit and English, enlivened by the group's years of collective spiritual practice and deep devotion.
Electrifying in concert, Mukti draws from a substantial (and growing) catalogue of original material, regularly taking the stage with distinguished guest musicians and singers from diverse musical and spiritual backgrounds. Here, the songs take a spontaneous journey through driving, rhythmic highs into soulful, sublime spaces that lead effortlessly into meditation.
"A journey of devotion & inspiration infused with incredible songwriting, masterful musicianship, a myriad of world music flavors, ace production & intertwining vocals that soar into the heavens, yet overflow with earthly delights and words that come straight from the heart. Prajna Vieira has a beautiful voice that is rich, soulfully sweet, and prone to taking off into divine spaces."
-Common Ground Magazine