Bodhi - Peace Is Now (2014)

Over the course of the album’s 12 tracks, the melody and chant of “peace is now” becomes a choral mantra that is channeled through a wide variety of musical styles such as folk, jazz, rock, reggae, gospel, and more. The album includes the artistic talents of 35 musicians from various genres with one message: affirming a world of peace. Under Bodhi’s skillful direction many voices and instruments unite to sing and perform as one, maintaining their distinctiveness while resonating together in harmony. Although he is best known for his exquisite flute work, Bodhi is equally at home on guitar, keyboards, and vocals, which add to the magic of this heartening recording.

The opening track, “Peace Is Now – Invocation” floats on a lush orchestrated ambient soundscape, providing a background for voices in many languages speaking the words, “peace is now.” An interesting shift, and one that begins to hint at the scope of this project happens when the music goes from Folk Rock on song 3 to Jazz on song 4. The jazzy ambience was soulful and sweet accented by the velvety sax tones of Joyus Lippincott and bluesy piano of Jef Labes. Vocalist Sam Rogers added an unexpected twist morphing from singing the “Peace Is Now” lyrics to cool scat vocals.

And speaking of morphing, the mood transits from indigo-tinged swing to the sunny sounds of the Islands as the steel pans of Jeff Narell add a tropical vibe to an ensemble that includes drummer Celso Alberti. It was fascinating how each lead vocalist on the various songs, put their own spin on the mantra bringing in authentic bits and pieces of diverse cultural references while keeping with the overall theme of the lyrics.

“Peace Is Now” is not only an enjoyable and uplifting listening experience, but is a powerful tool for bringing one into a peaceful state that can be shared with others. Kudos to Bodhi and all the many people involved in the creation of this wonderfully inspiring project.

Tracklist:

01. Peace Is Now (Invocation)
02. Peace Is Now (Folk)
03. Peace Is Now (Folk Rock)
04. Peace Is Now (Jazz)
05. Peace Is Now (Island)
06. Peace Is Now (Reggae)
07. Peace Is Now (Global)
08. Peace Is Now (Americana)
09. Peace Is Now (Rock)
10. Peace Is Now (Gospel)
11. Peace Is Now (Sacred)
12. Peace Is Now (World)