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This is
easily the coolest Rumi recording I've heard. The relaxed atmosphere
and unusual production is very refreshing and unexpected with a poet
that is generally treated like a saint. Well, even if he was a saint,
I think he'd like it better this way. Kudos to Shahram, Michael and
Olivier. Shahram
Shiva's Rumi: Lovedrunk ignores the fact that more than seven centuries,
and half a world separate contemporary Americans from the mystical,
magical poetry of Jallaladin Rumi. In Lovedrunk, Shiva proves
that Rumi's ideas and images can still resonate with us today. The words
of Rumi have never sounded more appealing. Set to intricate musical
rhythms simplified through the trance-techno sounds of today. The well
orchestrated yet concise music and words sensually rendered by Shahram
Shiva weave a soundscape that resonates through the body as if it were
a tuning fork. Deeply enriching. Hypnotic,
culturally expansive, 'Lovedrunk' brings the deep power of the poetry
of Rumi into the light of today. The musical voice of Shahram Shiva
winding through ancient instrumentation and the pulsing grooves of Olivier
Glissant all make for an infectious tapestry of sound. Lovedrunk
is a stereo love-match of body and spirit, as the artists render Rumi
to voice and music. In his book Rending the Veil, Shahram Shiva describes
Rumi¹s use of the word "drunk" as "being enraptured
by a divinely induced state of ecstasy." While you listen, you
may choose to dance, to meditate, or even to wash dishes -- and all
at once, if you like. It is the listener¹s choice to focus in on
the music, or the voice, or the creative collaboration of both. I can
imagine listening to LoveDrunk in the subway. The smile, the look on
the listener's face I imagine might prompt the rider across to wonder
'what is s/he listening to'? LoveDrunk does us the favor of connecting
us to Rumi in the context of the contemporary. Shahram
Shiva will restore the exultation of spirit in your Being. This passion
will heal you... ...In Lovedrunk Shiva has dipped briefly but deeply into the vast ocean of words that Rumi left us and set them to music composed by Olivier Glissant. The music and words complement each other so completely that you begin to wonder how you ever heard Rumi’s poetry without it. It is a lushly sensual, passionate, devoted, and contemplative trek through the mystic heart from beginning to end. In several
tracks Shiva marries spoken Persian with English and the two languages
entwine like, well, like lovers. It is an erotic interplay of cultures
and concepts much as the music itself, which is a blend of Middle-Eastern
tonalities and phrasings over western beats. The combination is a seduction
of the intellect and the senses, rendered by a Lover, embraced by the
Beloved. In Rumi’s own words, the two are one in such a way that
there is no telling which originated where. The
CD is so well-paced and crafted that it’s challenging to pick out
one track as a “favorite...” I have
been an avid reader of Rumi for years--his poetry has changed my life.
I once thought that Coleman Barks did the only good translations, until
I heard you at a Rumi Festival at UNC, Chapel Hill, 4/5 years ago. Two
of your poems knocked me out--it was not only your translations but
your inflection and cadence in your readings which do not come across
in print. They were "You Worry Too Much" & "Lover
Me." I read "You Worry Too Much" at least weekly which
gives me great faith! I've been waiting years for your CD. Thank you! I thought
I'd listen to Lovedrunk while performing my chores this morning...I
found however, that it demanded my undivided attention; it is not something
to listen to in the background. Bravo! It is a masterpiece! I found
myself lost in the music, the poetry, and your voice. Lovedrunk is sensual
and ecstatic...a flurry of breathless kisses for my soul. Thank You...I
can't wait for it to be released. I plan on giving it as a gift to my
favorite people. 'Lovedrunk'
is very impressive. It should come with a warning: do not play while
driving. It is so hypnotic that I had to pull over, stop the player
and wait until I got home before listening to the rest of the CD. Bravo! The kind
of thing I can listen to over an over again and continue to be interested
and find new meaning. There are many parts in which Shahram puts into
words, thoughts and ideas I've had but never knew a way to verbalize.
It was further interesting because it allows the listener to visualize
something going on or happening; few other artists/poets/singers are
able to capture their listener visually the way Lovedrunk does...very
thought provoking. I was
playing the Lovedrunk CD one day, when my boyfriend, who is a State
Trooper walked in and heard it. He not only loved it, he started to
move with it. I was so surprised to find out that he likes your CD as
much as I do. Since then we have played it for our friends and other
Troopers and reaction has been totally positive all the way around.
Thanks for the wonderful CD. It's hard
to find adequate words to describe how this CD affects me! I wouldn't
have wanted to wait any longer than I had to for this amazing work....
it oozes the kind of passion for God that touches me inside. What a
wonderful thing you created! Thank you, thank you, thank you... Your CD
is absolutely extraordinary in its brilliance. The music strikes a chord
deep within my soul, where it seems almost ageless and ethereal. Your
interpretations and recitations of Rumi's poetry are brilliant, and
when coupled with your melodic arrangements, create a masterpiece! Thank
you for this beautiful CD; I enjoy listening to it every day! We LOVE
it!!! The music and your voice are amazing. We would love to see you
perform. We had an amazingly powerful and close evening just sitting
holding hands, and listening to you. Thank you! I listened
to your music last night and did have a good sleep. Your music brought
me into a state I have never experienced before. For the first time
I lost control of myself in music. It was...like..I was floating in
the stream of love and contentment. Great music, really! I have
just received my CD at work, and cannot get anything done because my
eyes are rolling up in my head from the sheer beauty of what you have
produced. I love
the CD....hearing you recite Rumi, I feel myself submerged in a sea
of ecstatic devotion where I want to drown... Thank You for having the
courage to bring this level of intensity and passion to the world... Congratulations
on the release of your oh-so-beautiful CD!! It continues to infuse my
days with a connection to the divine and your voice brings me to a soulful,
timeless place amidst the mundane minutes of my days. Wishing you huge
success with the release and here's hoping for many more to come.....I'd
still love to hear more in the Persian...your sultry voice is intoxicating
and mesmerizing... Shahram
Shiva is the Persian Barry White... Oh that voice... Can I
give this CD 17 stars???!!! It is unbelievable, has truly changed my
life. Shahram Shiva's voice fits perfect with the poetry he writes!
The music makes it even better, this cd is not to be missed!!!!! My
favorite has to be the track "I've Got You Now", great track.
Do yourself a favor and BUY THIS CD!!!! It has gone to the top of my
cd collection and will easily move very fast to the top of yours. All
I can say is 5 words, WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!! mesmerizing... i FINALLY
heard your lovedrunk CD and it is just too beautiful for words. the
production and arrangements on your recording are impeccable. this is
by far the most sophisticated and elegant rendition of Rumi i have ever
heard. you have avoided the "new age" cliche and brought real
texture and grace to this timeless material. the way your voice curls
thru the melodies is warm and welcoming. and of course the persian excerpts
are a wonderful element, offering an authenticity and a surprisingly
familiar rhythm to these verses. thank you and congratulations! Hearing
your voice, ignited a flame to which one can only surrender, lasting
for hours. Your album
Lovedrunk has given me such joy and woken up parts of me that have been
closed for a very long time. I have
spent the last 24 hours listening to your CD. I will not say much about
how my heart is melting, but I will say this: Thank you, thank you,
thank you. The way in which you translate and utter these words of love
is true, oh so true. One can only hope you will release more of these
jewels set to music. Thank you, dear Soul for pursuing your dream and
sharing it with all. From the
core of my heart I would like to extend my appreciation and love for
this beautiful soulful work. It is an amazing intoxicant. Really enjoyed
listening to it. Every single word is so profound that it needs to be
listened again and again. Thanks for such a beautiful, brilliant work. Just a
note to once again thank you for infusing your CD with a Spirit that
flows out through my CD player and washes over and into me so that even
as I'm driving way too fast...racing through my day and my life...wearing
my sue-the-realtor persona...trying to be and do all I think I need
to be and do...even then.....your voice ,so seductive and sensual, draws
me in... into that divine DESIRE/ LOVE zone. All of the pretense falls
away and I once again feel connected,tuned in. The CD
arrived from CDBaby and I put it on straight away. Finally was able
to hear the songs not demonstrated here on MySpace. They are, of course,
all of the same fine quality as those here. Rumi's verses are such a
diamond mine which you so eloquently deliver in English along with the
accompanying music. I listened to the entire album straight through
twice in row, but it will take a long time to really absorb it. The
verses of Rumi retain their magically spell through the ages. You hear
one verse that twirls so perfectly balanced as it dances on the razor's
edge and cuts to the chase piercing through to your heart. You recover
and think: "Aha — this Rumi must have peaked. What more could
he say that could touch my heart so again?" And then amazingly
another verse comes and then another. Again and again the great Sufi
peels away veil after veil revealing the secret of secrets — Love.
It puts you in a different place. Your higher self is listening. Absorbing
it. There is Truth to it. You certainly cannot read while listening
to Rumi's verses. Like so many seem to say in there reviews on CD Baby
it helps focus on the inner. Thanx for an extraordinary album. The world
needs to hear this! Today
I had the pleasure of listening to your works, and I enjoyed it so veeeeeery
much. It takes a lot for me to get impressed by the Persian artists
outside of Iran and I give that to you. What you are doing is absolutely
beautiful. I was born and raised in Iran. I know the poems. I know molana
Rumi and almost every night I take a look at my "divane Hafez".
I used to play daf when I was back in Iran. Keep up the good work up.
I'll try to get your CD ASAP. Good luck with you and looking forward
for your performance in LOS ANGELES.
Sp e c
t a c u l a r.....CD!!!! |
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