Sacred Chants of Ancient India is problematic and requires some explanation: these are indeed ancient Indian mantras and chants dating back some 2200 years some of them and have been passed down generation to generation into modern times. The presentation of these sacred offerings, however, is strictly contemporary. In other words, these are not Indian masters or perhaps even Hindu adepts. These are singers using mostly contemporary instruments, offering new readings of these timeless prayers. Yes, they are done with reverence and respect; of that there can be no question. The appeal here, though, is directed at a new age audience. Keyboards and other sonic atmospherics (including synthetic drum machines) are employed here. This seems to be more about relaxation and providing a sonically situational place for calm and meditation to take place than it does a way of presenting these prayers and devotional mantras in a modern context for their own sake or to educate people about Hinduism. ~ Thom Jurek