Spring started with an Equinox kirtan at Love Hive in Portland, and it’s been full of the spirit of creativity ever since. Right now I’m writing from California, where I’m winding my way south with guitar, harmonium, kirtan and lullabies. I’m loving all of the opportunities to share the love with the Bhakti tribe and co-create with other talented Bhakti an Shakti Fest artists. So far I’ve had the pleasure of playing with Joss Jaffe, an amazing songwriter, producer, tabla player and singer. More to come, starting tomorrow in Santa Barbara and moving to Ojai (with Jacob Duran), Santa Monica (with Kia Miller),  San Diego and other locations, culminating at Shakti Fest in just a few weeks.

New music is sprouting this spring, too. I’ve been able to make it back to the studio and my ongoing collaboration with Ben Leinbach. We mastered an exciting new track, which I’ll be playing at the rest of the spring event, and beyond.

On the D.L: I’ve been listening to the tribe as I travel, and one request is loud and clear: We want something quiet and soft with a lullaby feeling.

Saha Dev of Mt. Shasta had this vision almost three years ago, when I met him at Pranafest, where I had my first performances at big yoga festival.  One morning I was playing for Sarah Ivanhoe’s yoga class. He just told me he was transported by the simple, sparse and intimate quality of my voice with just a harmonium. I took him up on his offer to record this concept in his studio. We’ve been able to fit in a couple of basic recording sessions since then.

More details will be revealed. Stay tuned for a low-key, minimalist Shavasana sound. My voice. Your ears. One harmonium. The goal is to make it finished and available by Bhaktifest, this September in the desert.  Just in time for the Fall, the turning inward, the quiet time.

But for now, let the spring Shakti rumpus begin!

Be well,

Jo