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Best of Both Worlds:
Kirtan Cafe Vol 1 (CD)
2003 release

Ragani's award-winning kirtan (yoga chant) CD, Best of Both Worlds: Kirtan Cafe Volume 1, features world instruments in rhythm and sound. Based upon the traditional call-response style of kirtan taught to her by her guru, Swami Rama, this album will transform any space into sacred ground. Great for road trips and transformation activities, as well as for rejuvenative and restorative yoga routines.

This album's featured artist is the multi-talented fretless bass artist, Michael Kashou (recorded with Garbage on their platinum debut CD), who anchors the yoga chants with his phenomenal bass playing and adds delightful textures to songs with the rhythms of his riqq and Arabic tabla. Ragani has recorded a large chorus of local Milwaukeeans from the Kirtan with Ragani event for this album, whose songs are to include such favorites as "Ganapati", "Sita Ram", "Om Mata", and "Shiva Hara".  Best of Both Worlds is being released as a tribute to her teacher, Swami Rama of the Himalayas, whose memory continues to live in the hearts of us all. A portion of proceeds from CD sales will help to support the charitable hospital (northern India) and nonprofit organizations established by Swami Rama.

Media Reviews:
(see Press Kit for available pdf/downloads of reviews)

"the soundtrack for your spiritual life"
-Linda Johnsen, M.S., author and
Contributing Editor, Yoga International

"a warm and inviting embrace"
-YogaChicago

"meditative enlightenment "
-Shepherd Express

"A rock solid yoga chant album"
-White Swan Music

"shrouded in the mystery one may expect
from a Himalayan yogi's devotee"
-LAYoga Magazine

"distinctive for the rich, velvet voice of Ragani"
-Aquarius Metaphysical Newspaper

"Beautiful... it is of such high quality, so rich,
and obviously created with love"
-Richard Kenyon, former Religion Writer and Book Editor
for The Milwaukee Journal, former Editorial Board, Yoga International

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Fan Reviews:
Read more CDBaby.com reviews >>
Read more Amazon reviews>>

***** Exquisitely Beautiful
Linda Johnsen: This is one of the best New Age/Kirtan CDs of recent years. The final track, "Rama Rama" is one of the most achingly beautiful songs I've ever heard. It's as if you're listening to Sita, the legendary heroine of the epic Ramayana, actually calling for her husband Rama, who's half a world away. Ragani is one of the most inspired artists in the new genre of Western kirtan music. I play this CD often. [Amazon review]

***** Amazingly beautiful. Nice change of pace from other kirtan
Lisa T.: I thought no other kirtan style music could even compare to Krishna Das (whom I love dearly), but Ragani's voice is so beautiful. This CD is enchanting so much so that I cannot seem to tire of listening. [Amazon review]

***** I have listened to this CD 3 or 4 times a day since I got it!
SMJennings: I love this CD and can't wait to share it with my friends. I read about Kirtan in Ode magazine and did a search on the web to find out more. Ragani, best of both worlds, is not only beautiful music, it takes me to another realm where I can be a better happier person. Thank you!!! [CD Baby review]

***** This music touched my heart
Christiane Lechner: Since I have this CD I listen to it while I am driving to work and home again. I can still hear the music while cooking, doing the hauswork. Short, I love this CD. Thank you for sending it to Austria. [CD Baby review]

***** Excellent!!!! Can't wait for the next one!!!
Elizabeth Lane: I checked this out on the recommendation of a friend and had to have it!! Excellent for a work environment when just plain mantra gets on co-workers nerves. The music and chants provide a lovely and soothing background for a stressful work environment, although I've caught myself dancing at the file cabinet. Absolutely Beautiful!!! [CD Baby review]

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Musicians on Best of Both Worlds:

Musicians: Ragani, Michael Kashou, Girish Gambhira, Holly Haebig, Tim Maher, Terry Vittone, Patric Marks, The Reverend Chez Bliff (Fred Bliffert), Dale Buegel, Atul Prachand, Douglas Brush. Backup Singers: Mary Ann Morrissey, Patty Holman, Holly Haebig, Rebecca Orsage Gray, The Reverend Chez Bliff (Fred Bliffert), David John Odland, Tim Maher, Dale Buegel, Theresa Catlin, Dave Blessum, Jahmes Anthony Finlayson, Caren Jeskey, Brandon O. Lewis, Mark H. McHale, Liz McIntyre, Nancy D. Medlin, Sue Medlin, Herlinda Schock, Nancy A. Siker, Jodi Smerl.

Tasty tidbits on kirtan musicians from Best of Both Worlds:

Michael Kashou played and recorded with the band Garbage (he's on their platinum CD), Paul Cebar, Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes), Swamp Thing, and John Kruth. Featured musician on Best of Both Worlds CD.

Girish Gambhira has played and recorded with artists such as Rasa, Krishna Das, Michael Brook, Dave Stringer, Wah, Robert Gass, and Steve Gordon.

Terry Vittone fronted Bitter Pleasures which toured extensively with Mink DeVille and The Producers, and he played as a sideman for John Seiger, Semi Twang, and Paul Cebar.

Fred Bliffert played extensively in the mid 60's with his band,
Freddy & The Freeloaders.