Soul in Wonder

Product Description ------------------- On his first solo release since 2003's sensational SONGS FOR THE INNER LOVER, Miten expresses his view of the spiritual state of the world through 10 mystical acoustic songs including covers of the blues classic "You Gotta Move" and Van Morrison's "Inarticulate Speach of the Heart". Featuring the silken voice of Deva Premal and lyrics in English, these tracks are a bride between ancient Sanskirt mantra and the artistry of contemporary songwriting. .com ---- Miten is an English musician who has been the not-so-silent partner of German chant diva, Deva Premal, since the early 1990s. You always get the sense that he's the music engine behind Premal's s. But Miten has released his own albums as well. In fact, under his birth name of Andy Desmond, he even recorded rock albums in the 1970s, including one produced by Dave Davies of The Kinks. On Soul in Wonder, Miten pairs mysticism with sentimentality in soft-pop meditations. Take away some come-hither, ear-caressing bansuri flute by Manose on spiritual ballads like "Through the Eyes of an Angel," "Humaniversal," and "Awakening," and they could've been sung by '70s soft-rocker Kenny Loggins. Elsewhere, he indulges his '60s roots, covering the blues tune, "You Gotta Move." It's done in a true blues style, but seems like it dropped in from another session across the river. Despite his efforts to bring diversity, the most effective tracks are the elaborate chant arrangements featuring Deva Premal. With her silken voice leading the way, Miten brings a reggae lilt to "Jokah Samasta," while "Calma e Tranguilade" features a chime-dappled flute alap from Manose. But for every "Twameva," an introspective chant over a long-ambient drift of deep echo flute and guitar sustains, there's an "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" piece of heartfelt treacle like "Fly High." --John Diliberto

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