LOTUS DREAM: New Age Notes Radio Review

by Dyan Garris

In mindfulness practices, the lotus symbolizes the ability to rise above distractions and obstacles to achieve inner peace. It also represents self-awareness and balance, purity, rebirth, awakening, resilience, and spiritual enlightenment. In nature, the lotus flower springs up from beneath murky waters to bloom and blossom above the surface, beautiful and unchanged by being submerged in the depths of the mud. Therefore, one can easily see why in Buddhism and Hinduism, the lotus symbolizes the transcendence of spirit over worldly matters.

“Lotus Dream,” Shambhu’s 10^th album/EP release, is “music for slowing down, breathing deeply, and reconnecting with peace, presence, and possibility. It’s music that dreams with you.”

And truly it is, as Shambhu’s music is not simply something you listen to. It’s an invitation and entrée into a tranquil realm of healing.  His compositions lift you effortlessly into a place where melody, breathing space, and spirit intertwine, creating experiences that are more like gentle journeys than just mere songs.

Here on “Lotus Dream,” Shambhu has taken a bit of a risk by diverging a little from his usual framework of pure acoustic guitar and dipping his toes into the soothing waters of a more electric and ambient space with some of the tracks. But any risk taken with authenticity and raw talent is destined to succeed. And if we didn’t take risks, we certainly wouldn’t ever grow as musicians or have opportunity to elevate the spirit of others through music.

Here we find the multi-talented Shambhu not only on acoustic and electric guitars, Nashville guitar, slide guitar, and bass, but also on piano and synthesizer. Joining Shambhu on one co-written track, “Resilience,” is Leo Steinriede performing on electric guitar and Nashville guitar.

The album opens with the delightful “Shall We.” It’s a gentle, melodic, acoustic invitation in true Shambhu signature style to simply relax and dream. Following is the equally lovely and acoustic “Awakened Dreams,” which is a quiet beckoning to “wake up” to all that comes next. . .

Now, here’s where this album gets super interesting. “Ananya” is a Sanskrit name essentially meaning “unique” or “without equal.” Deep, rhythmic piano sets the base for this intriguing song (who even knew Shambhu could play the piano?) Layers of guitar and superbly played bass make this truly captivating and reveal yet another facet of Shambhu’s artistry: This is music that not only soothes but also inspires and energizes.

“Resilience,” his co-written song with Leo Steinriede, has an intimacy that feels almost conversational. Notes don’t just follow one another. They linger, shimmer, and dissolve, as if reminding us of the impermanence of each moment as well as our innate ability to overcome any obstacles.

A favorite on this album is the ultra-dreamy “Majestic Mountain.” With its timeless elegance, there’s something decidedly special about this piece. Piano, strings, synth, soft ethereal voices, all layer together so beautifully. There is a flowing and meditative quality to the phrasing, as though every note is played with supreme mindfulness. This is just gorgeous.

Gently flowing piano gives the title track a sincerity that makes the song feel personal, like an offering of love. The melody doesn’t demand attention, giving this a sense of calm expression and emotional clarity that lingers deliciously on in the mind, body, and spirit.

“Blue Mantra” has a “bluesy” understated feel that gives the listener a decided respite from the over-stimulation of daily life. “Prana Tides” contains a lovely interplay between spaciousness and richness. Here, we have plenty of room to just breathe and actually feel our life force returning unfettered and completely unbothered. This is perfect for meditation, yoga, or massage.

This “must have” album closes out with the fluid and melodic, “Visions,” which effectively bridges the gap between both inner and outer worlds. Here we feel a lightness of spirit and delicate movement as the music coaxes us toward a horizon of endless possibilities, as well as creating a tranquil, serene opening for the listener to encounter themselves more deeply than ever before.

The album is introspective yet expansive, grounding and yet liberating. It’s as if we are invited to simply BE that lotus flower emerging from the depths into the light, finding ourselves more attuned to beauty and being able to fully experience all the love that life has to offer.

Get it here: https://www.shambhumusic.com/