Beloved

"Pure, porcelain singing and a melding of different spiritual traditions are the hallmarks of the music of Ashana. With "Beloved," her second gorgeous release, she and producer Thomas Barquee present a tapestry of gentle instrumentation, soft chant and divine inspiration. The Sound of Ashana is most definitely transcendent music for healing, relaxation and lifting one's spirit." -- Music Design, featured release The eagerly anticipated follow-up to Ashana's highly acclaimed debut CD, "All Is Forgiven," "Beloved" is a love song to the heart. Tender, joyful, and breathtakingly beautiful, the music of "Beloved" is a healing balm for the soul that will lift your spirit and carry you on waves of love into the arms of the Divine. Featuring Ashana's stunning angelic vocals and the luminous sound of crystal singing bowls, the songs on "Beloved" reflect a deep sense of compassion and gentle lyricism. Heard on this album is one of the most hauntingly beautiful interpretations of the Lord's Prayer sung in the original Aramaic ever to be recorded and exquisite renditions of the Latin "Dona Nobis Pacem" and the Gaelic prayer, "Deep Peace". Co-written, produced and arranged by renowned world music artist, Thomas Barquee, "Beloved" blends sacred song, chant, mantra and crystal singing bowls into a musical prayer for the heart, inviting you to step into grace and be bathed in pure love. More than music -- throughout the world, people praise the healing benefits of Ashana's music: - For restful sleep and relief from anxiety and stress - As a complement to massage, bodywork and alternative healing - As an accompaniment to yoga, meditation and prayer practices - As part of hospice, grief counseling and 12-step recovery - As an adjunct to healing and restorative therapies About Ashana … "A Gift from Heaven." -- New Age Retailer Weaving together soaring, angelic vocals and the celestial sound of crystal singing bowls, Ashana’s music is an exquisitely crafted, luminous sonic tapestry that soothes and opens the heart, enfolding the listener in a transcendent experience of the Divine. This stunningly beautiful alchemy has been hailed by listeners all over the world as “breathtaking” and “a Gift from Heaven.” Ashana’s CD recordings, “All Is Forgiven,” “Jewels of Silence,” and the newly released “Beloved”, co-written and produced by renowned world music artist Thomas Barquee (Snatam Kaur, Seal), are filled with sensitive and profoundly healing renderings of sacred song, chant and mantra inspired by the world’s traditions. Her intuitive vocal improvisations and crystal bowl playing are featured in the documentary film, “The Sound You Feel: Vibrations of Healing,” and have received international acclaim for their sensitivity, depth and beauty. Classically trained, Ashana graduated with a degree in vocal studies from the Mannes College of Music in New York City, and for years performed as soloist and ensemble member in New York’s early music scene. Moving from ancient to contemporary, she immersed herself in theater, jazz, pop and children’s music as performer, recording artist, songwriter and teacher. For the last decade, she has been involved in a deeply personal exploration of sound healing and vocal toning, during which period she discovered and began playing quartz crystal singing bowls, instruments that are often used in contemplative practices to support healing, balance and well-being. “For me, singing is a life path, a spiritual journey that has led to the very core of my being,” says Ashana. “Music can transport us, lift us to the place where we gently let go and open completely to receive and remember the divine heart that lives within each one of us, that truly lives in all beings. I have seen, felt and been utterly transformed by the power of sound and music to heal; it is a gift to us from the Source of Love – it is total, pure Grace.” To hear longer clips from "Beloved" and to learn more about Ashana's music and the crystal singing bowls, visit Ashana's website, mySpace and Facebook Fan pages.