Aykanna - Livelight (2010)

“Aykanna is the result of the love and efforts behind the musical journeys of Sukhdev and Akahdahmah Jackson.
This is a Kundalini album that is full of devotion and nectar that would also appeal to Yoga enthusiasts of any discipline. Pauline Sukhdev’s attractive inflections are soft, sensual and nicely harmonized. The guitars, flutes and percussion are tucked in low under her voice which keeps the focus on the vibration of the mantras.

Akahdahmah and Pauline Sukhdev, the duo who make up AYKANNA, met a little over a decade ago. Akahdahmah is a percussionist with West African influences, while Pauline Sukhdev plays acoustic guitar and has a soul background. United by their love for music and the sound current of Kundalini Yoga, they seek to open people's hearts and bring healing to all people through yoga music. Their album Livelight does just that. Made with yoga and meditation in mind, Livelight takes yoga music in a new, soulful direction.

“Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo” is a beautiful and peaceful introduction to Livelight. This mantra is traditionally done at the beginning of Kundalini Yoga classes and practices to tune in to the divine teacher within and to prepare one's self for class. On Livelight, it's a soothing way to prepare for the many excellent tracks to follow.

“Beautiful Am I” brings the energy up quickly and completely. I can easily imagine the joyous dance party that would start during this track in a live setting. This wonderful English mantra is a fantastic reminder of our inner radiance, and a valuable part of anyone's daily practice. Put it on while you're cooking, driving, brushing your teeth and celebrate life!

“Aad Gurey Nameh” showcases the softer side of Pauline Sukhdev's voice. The eleven minutes of this track fly by, and definitely leave you wanting more. Musically, it's a gentle and peaceful version of the mantra, and would be lovely to use for meditation. And with a slight increase of energy towards the end, you'll finish refreshed and ready to face the day.

It's said that the mantra “Sat Narayan Wahe Guru Hari Narayan Sat Nam”relates to the element of water, and can create inner peace and help a person to experience Infinity. AYKANNA took that to heart when they crafted this track. Listening to “Sat Narayan” is like listening to the waves in the ocean, and seeing the seemingly infinite stretch of water in front of you. This is a powerful track, and sure to change your energy and mood.

“Beautiful Day” is a nice English interlude in the midst of so many powerful mantras. It's a wonderful testament to the joy of life, and the power of gratitude in the present moment. “Beautiful Day” is a smooth and jazzy song, and easily enjoyed with a cup of tea or some yoga.

AYKANNA really helped me to understand the English mantra “I Am What I Am.” Sung sweetly, yet with a lot of power, this mantra reminds us that we are all beautiful creations of the Divine, and we are all perfect. There is no need to grasp, to try to change our bodies to fit an ideal, or any of the other things our egos try to convince us to do. We are who we are, and it's definitely all right.

“Ra Ma Da Sa” is another eleven minute track and like “Aad Gurey Nameh” earlier on the album, it's a sweet and relaxing track. “Ra Ma Da Sa” is a powerful mantra that connects us with the energy of the universe, and is used for healing. Using it for meditation is a great way to heal youself or to send healing energy to others.

“Sol Arising,” “Morning Raga,” and “Rising Oneness” are fantastic instrumental pieces, and feel like small intermissions to allow the listener to catch their breath and collect themselves after all of the powerful work being done throughout Livelight. Paired together, “Morning Raga” and “Rising Oneness” create a nice space for savasana, if you're using the album for asana practice. You can also use them as a backdrop for meditation, as they create a beautiful atmosphere.

“Longtime Sunshine” is how Kundalini Yoga classes close, and how many albums from the same tradition end. Often sung sweetly and gently, it's a beautiful blessing. Here, AYKANNA gives us one last shot of energy to take out into the world with us, charging us to let our inner light be our guide. It's a wonderful close to a wonderful album.

Tracklist:

01. Longtime Sunshine 03:05
02. Beautiful Am I 11:03
03. Aad Gurey Nameh 11:57
04. Sat Narayan 04:39
05. Beautiful Day 03:50
06. I Am What I Am 04:22
07. Sol Arising 05:19
08. Ra Ma Da Sa 11:40
09. Rising Oneness 03:15
10. Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo 03:39
11. Morning Ragga 03:09