In April, 1997, a circle of mantra
chanters gathered at the Gates of Heaven synagogue in Madison,
Wisconsin. The Gates of Heaven is the fourth oldest remaining
synagogue in the United States. It is no longer used as such,
but rather as the setting for ‘Jaya’s celebratory events, from
weddings to spiritual workshops and concerts. The building has
heavenly acoustics and is perfect for Jaya’s evenings of songs
and chants. We hope this “live" album captures some of the magic
and energy from that April evening.
This album was a bold experiment. There was no rehearsal with
the audience and so this is not your perfect studio album. Like
a piece of native art, there is a unique quality captured on
this album, which transcends the studio experience and allows
you to experience many blissful and bright moments. You, the
listener, we hope. will find yourself joining in and singing
along, joyously.
