REVIEWS

“Curandero is Miguel Espinoza on flamenco guitar and Ty Burhoe on tabla. Their latest, Aras, adds the sprightly jazz banjo of Bela Fleck, and urbane bass stylings of Kai Eckhardt. You have a recipe that sounds awkward on paper, but mixes into a heavenly gumbo in the studio. The high-pitched, popping sounds of the Indian drums bounces brilliantly off of the strings as they dance in the soundscape. Listen to the way the tabla picks up the part where hand clapping or heel clicking would normally accent the flamenco or banjo picking, and how the guitar and bass runs against the tabla possess some of the same sonic qualities as the sitar would generate. Aras roots out inventive jazz inflections where these distinctive world sounds cross paths.”

“This high-energy musical collaboration between Miguel Espinoza on flamenco guitar and Ty Burhoe on diverse percussion is difficult to pin down. Think Oregon-gone-Gypsy to get a rough idea of these melodic, passionate, intricate original compositions. The tunes range from ‘Man of the Shadows,’ an 11-minute musical bombardment, to a 35-second song thought called ‘Once upon a Time.’ Add Kai Eckhardt’s magic bass and Bela Fleck’s mysterious banjo, and the result is hauntingly beautiful music.”

“The initiated already know how Miguel Espinoza and Ty Burhoe’s invigorating flamenco guitar and tabla creations serve the innovative, energetic, complex musical genius that is Curandero. Add to this the voices of Ars Nova, Bela Fleck’s banjo, and Kai Eckhardt’s five-string fretless bass, and you’ll not want to miss a note. ‘Embrujada’ -which contains the idea of casting a spell – seems to take you right to the spot where realities converge. You think it can’t get any better, and then, it does. Mesmerizing all the way through.”

“When Miguel Espinoza and Ty Burhoe released Curandero, their first CD, a world of fans embraced the astonishing results of Flamenco guitar and North Indian tabla drums. Their second project goes further into this world of musical experimentation. Espinoza is a gifted guitarist who takes the fiery appeal of Flamenco to new heights. Burhoe, a seasoned tabla drummer, weaves rhythmic patterns around each note of the guitar. And just when you thought that Aras couldn’t get any better, banjo-god Bela Fleck joins in. The bass guitar of Kai Eckhardt rounds out this virtuoso jam session that combines Salsa, Funk, North Indian and Spanish Flamenco styles to create an exciting new sound. Aras is acoustically melodic and rhythmically potent.”

“A few years back, virtuoso flamenco guitarist Miguel Espinoza teamed up with multi-percussionist and classical tabla player Ty Burhoe to create on of the most interesting cross-cultural musical combinations in recent history memory – Curandero. With the release of their second CD, they’ve added to the already unorthodox mix: banjo wiz Bela Fleck; the chorale of the Ars Nova Singers; and the jazz bass of Kai Eckhardt. The result is easily one of the best and most ambitious acoustic instrumental releases of the year. In addition to Espinoza’s beautiful, haunting flamenco melodies and Burhoe’s exotic rhythmic interpretations, Fleck and Eckhardt add jazz improv flourishes that provide a potent counterpoint, as well as matching Espinoza lick for lick with fiery riffs. The title cut starts the disc off with a more traditional flamenco form, but by the time the third cut, ‘Segue’ comes around, the flamenco has given over to a sort of acoustic fusion. Then comes ‘Man of Shadows’, a complex piece that incorporates the Ars Nova Singers sounds (reminiscent of Gregorian chants), some quiet guitar movements and an unbelievable solo done on bass and banjo in unison.Aras is one of those rare projects that manages to capture virtuoso performances from several very different backgrounds that weaves them together into a highly listenable, yet musically challenging work.”

“In the world of music critics one of the most over-used terms is “fusion”. Even I have been guilty of using it to describe what was only a combination or at most a mixture of musical elements, rather than a true fusion where the styles are seamlessly unified into a new form.The group Curandero is a true example of fusion. In this case a combining of the Flamenco guitar rhythms of Spain and the classical drum of Northern India, the Tabla. This is the second collaboration for guitarist Miguel Espinoza and percussionist Ty Burhoe.The self-titled first album focused on the classical musical modes of Spain. On the Sophomore effort, Aras, Miguel and Ty take their mesmerizing style to new heights with the addition of jazz banjoist Bela Fleck and Kai Eckhardt on five-string and fretless bass as well as the Ars Nova singers, an a cappellla group specializing in renaissance music.While this group of musicians might seem rather disparate, they have achieved the goal of any group: the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Together Curandero explores the world of ethnic music, taking the listener on an exploration of salsa, funk, jazz, the Northern Indian form known as rela, and of course, Flamenco. One track, ‘Suenos Inquietos’, is described by Miguel thusly: “…interweaving of the dark tones of Flamenco and jazz in a sweet bed of Brazilian rhythm.”Curandero manages to use both Eastern and Western influences while leaving the integrity of both intact. Described by some critics as one of the best world music albums of the year, Aras is an important inclusion in any serious music collector’s aggregation.”

“This is an enchanting set that traverses and cross-pollinates everything from salsa-flecked funk ‘n’ soul (‘Flirtatious’), lush North India neoclassical (‘Enshalla’), and what be off-handedly termed “flamencograss” (‘Embrujada’), which finds Espinoza and Fleck dueling their melodic fingers off. With an even mix of up-tempo and mellow sounds, this set is at once lively, invigorating, meditative, and hypnotic. It’s also fairly uncompromising, too; three of the songs top the nine-minute mark, giving you ample time to soak in or scrutinize the tunes’ complex arrangements.”

"This CD is breathtaking. Ty Burhoe is known primarily as being the master tabla player behind Krishna Das, but he is also an accomplished arranger and composer in his own right. This CD is a collection of Burhoe – arranged compositions performed with many of the great masters he has been blessed to have worked with over the years. The album pays tribute to the deep impact meditation and yoga has had on Burhoe's life. The first track is a stunning variation of Om Namah Sivaya, 'Shri', sung exquisitely by Manorama and accompanied by pianist Bill Douglas. The piece is soft, light and gentle and it leads beautifully into two invocations sung by Krishna Das appropriately titled, 'Invocation', and 'Longing'. These tracks are accompanied nicely by Sabir Khan on the sarangi and Steve Oda on the sarode. The devotion in these pieces has so much integrity and it immediately puts my very loud and annoying mind at ease. There are eight pieces on this CD and each one is a reflection of Burhoe’s devotion to his teachers. The arrangements on all these compositions are simple and organic with very little production trickery. Burhoe allows the energy of each instrument to vibrate freely and he conducts the Sanskrit words to breathe effortlessly, without any distracting musicianship or ego. Oddly enough, there is very little percussion on this album, but that just makes it more interesting. Burhoe allows his rhythmic sense to manifest through others and it all works. Any yoga enthusiast will enjoy every moment of this very relaxing and symmetrical CD. It is absolutely perfect for any kind of spiritual activity and highly recommended to everyone."

"This CD is a unique and moving collection of devotional Indian chants and instrumental segments produced, engineered and arranged by Ty Burhoe and released by Sounds True. Performing artists include Ty Burhoe, Krishna Das, Manorama, John Friend and Amy Ippoliti. Invocation has that delicate and achingly mystical instrumentation that utilizes the ancient sounds of sarangi and sarode, tambura and tabla, drones and harmonium, as well as modern instruments, including piano, violin, double bass and cello. The sounds are subtle enough to be used by therapists in healing sessions or teachers in yoga classes, yet the CD is so richly exciting in its arrangements and vocal presentations that it will be enjoyed in the living room or on a head set all by itself. An original work of high quality and haunting spiritual beauty, this recording sets itself apart from much of its genre as a labor of love and an offering of devotion."

"Ty Burhoe's Invocation is one sweet listen. Moving between prayer and instrumental, this recording captures a feeling of deep devotion. Featuring yoga luminaries Krishna Das and John Friend (the founder of anusara yoga), this mantra opens all anusara yoga classes. Its melody was crafted by Krishna Das, with John Friend, one summer night in Utah as a way for students to remember the prayer, as well as a means to stay connected to the prayer's essence. This mantra is also used in opening prayers within the siddha yoga and Sivananda yoga traditions. Introducing yogini Amy Ippoliti and Sanskrit scholar Manorama, Invocation is a free-flowing, hour-long exploration of the maha mantra that begins Om Namah Sivaya Gurave. Using acoustic instruments, including sarangi, sarode, piano, drones and Western strings, the recording is mellow without stepping into "new-age" territory. The melodies and vocals are delightful and production qualities high, this is great music to practice yoga, meditation or bodywork to.
The Siva mantras embody Divine Consciousness itself, and this mantra is quite powerful and quite lovely:
Om namah sivaya gurave
Sat-chid-ananda murtaye
Nishprapanchaya shantaya
Niralambaya tejase
Invocation reflects the beauty and knowledge that we all have within us. Whether exploring the theme through the prayer itself, or through the intermittent instrumental tracks, listening to this music raises us up. Goodness can be replaced by guru, and there you have it—the inner teacher that resides within, always available.
Ty's music is wise and studied, yet wild like the wind. He has been a student of the great tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain since 1990. I first encountered Ty in the 90's playing tabla with Curandero, a Flamenco trio on tour from Colorado to the Heartland Café, which is, literally, one of Chicago’s oldest roots venues. I loved what I heard. In perusing his discography, I found that Ty has accompanied so many luminaries, from Krishna Das to Bela Fleck, moving through many different musical styles. He’s also featured on the Academy Award-winning documentary "Born Into Brothels" soundtrack. It's wonderful to see Ty emerge with his own set—a fantastic well-conceived exploration of the goodness and the light within."

"This entire recording, conceived by Ty Burhoe and his wife Amy Ippoliti, is based on the Sanskrit invocation: Om Namah Shivaya Gurave / Saccidananda Murtaye / Nishprapancaya Shantaya / Niralambaya Tejase. This is an ancient maha-mantra to Shiva, the Transformer aspect of the Vedic Trinity. The translation is: “I bow to the goodness within myself, known as Lord Shiva, who is the true teacher. This essence inside takes the form of truth, consciousness, and bliss. Always present and full of peace, this essence inside is completely free, and sparkles with a divine luster." The mantra is chanted in turn by soloists Manorama, Krishna Das and Amy Ippoliti, and by three voices, Manorama, Janaki Kagel and Cat McCarthy. The various interpretations accompanied by sarangi, sarode and cello intensify the mood as the mantra begins to resound within you. Finally Ty Burhoe's superb tabla and piano by Bill Douglas take up this majestic chant with John Friend's recitation and his yoga class chanting in chorus. Deeply engrossing."

"When you're new to meditation, Sanskrit mantras sound as accessible as doing an inverted Lotus handstand your first time on the mat. But Invocation is actually as attainable as Child's pose. Featuring beautiful vocals and classical instruments, the tracks range from orchestral to quiet and contemplative. The music stirs up the same feeling you might get seeing Pink Floyd in concert: Wow."

"In 1998, Anusara Yoga founder John Friend sat down in a secluded mountain retreat with popular kirtan leader Krishna Das. Together, they wrote the melody to accompany the devotional chant used as an invocation at the start of most Anusara classes, beginning with Om Namah Shivaya Gurave (I bow to the goodness within myself, known as Lord Shiva, who is the true teacher). The Sanskrit chant encapsulates a foundational message of Anusara Yoga: to seek goodness internally and out in the world. It also emphasizes connection and community, which permeate Friend's philosophy. Invocation is an effort by Krishna Das, Friend, and Tala Records founder Ty Burhoe to pass their inspirational message on to those outside the growing Anusara community. Eight tracks—all variations on the invocation—make up the album, a collection that features a diverse set of vocalists, including Sanskrit scholar Manorama and senior Anusara teacher Amy Ippoliti. There are also traditional Indian instruments like the harmonioum and tabla as well as violin, cello, and double bass, played by a varied group of musicians. The result is a wonderful experiment in sound and improvisation, as each track provides a unique interpretation of the Anusara invocation. The album appropriately concluded with 'Kula' (Sanskrit for "intentional community"), in which Friend leads a group of students through the invocation as it is sung in class. Whether you’re an Anusara veteran or have yet to try your first class, the power and vitality of the chant will make you feel you belong."

"Eight tracks delicately arranged around the om namah shivaya gurave chant, seep in deep through the tissues like a healing balm to open us up to the goodness within. Popular amongst Shiva devotees, this short and adorable chant serves to invoke the Shiva consciousness within and without. Ty Burhoe’s musical compositions do justice to the beauty of the chant, not once overpowering but rather supporting it as do sunshine, rain and earth promote the blooming of a flower. Ty Burhoe is recognised as a tabla player. A student of Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ty has enthralled fans with his electric percussion as an accompanist to Krishna Das. But here, on Invocation, the tabla presence is subtle, with the piano, sarode, cello and sarangi more evident. We're treated to renderings of the invocation by Krishna Das, Manorama, Amy Ippoliti, and Anusara yoga founder John Friend and choir. Great background music for yoga and the healing arts."

"The CD is fantastic, I loved it and keep playing it all the time. Each time I hear it it gets better. Thank you once again for the FABULOUS music. I just wish more people could become aware of such great music."

"I've been listening to jazz fusion for years, but this album really is something extraordinary. I knew Kai Eckhardt and Steve Smith were super musicians, but Bill Douglas blew me away with his virtuoso technique and melodic compositions. Highlights for me are the funky-classicals 'Autumn' and 'Courante'. I will be listening to this CD many times. Thank you."

"This music has many subtleties that unfold the more you listen to the CD. The artists' techniques, skills and attention to detail blend to form widely varied moods and imagery on several levels of consciousness. The result: great morning music; great evening music; and even greater driving music!!!"

"Sky has been my constant companion in my car's CD player since it was released. What a completely unique and wonderfully creative blend of genres, styles, and sounds."

"This is a hard to categorize album with World music, Jazz and even classical arrangements. It's amazing how this ensemble fits together. One of my personal top CDs for the year 2005. Good music produces pictures in the head of the listener. This CD takes you on a journey to the land of milk and honey."