Rajen Sukhadia’s debut album Songs of Devotion streaming now
Songs of Devotion, Rajen Sukhadia’s debut album, presents 11 beautiful north Indian chants, bhajans, kirtans, and songs. To be released on all streaming platforms track by track by Cosmic Chants, the bouquet of tracks feature a wide range of instruments, including tabla, harmonium, santoor, sitar, sarangi, and violin performed by some of the finest Indian classical artists living today. Co-Produced by his son Robin Sukhadia (aka Tablapusher) and Phil DeCardo and engineered by Clinton Patterson, the album will be released over time in 2022 after over 2 years of production.
Robin says, “My father’s incredible and courageous immigrant journey to the United States from India has inspired me since my birth. Music and creativity was always a through-line, helping him and my family overcome so many challenges. He was always ambitious to tell a story through music - the stars aligned for me to help put that story out there with him through this album featuring his sublime voice.”
“My earliest musical memories were in his lap as a child, being soothed by his singing. We have experienced so much loss both personally and in the wider world these past 2 years, and we wanted to create something beautiful, timeless, and inspiring together.”
The first single from the full album, Gaye Ganapati features the emotional accompaniment of santoor by acclaimed artist Kamaljeet Ahluwalia and sarangi by Pandit Pankaj Mishra. The song was inspired by Rajen’s request for the guidance of Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles in Hinduism, after his daughter Rina was injured and left paralyzed after a serious car accident—an extremely relevant experience that mirrors the need for guidance as humanity transitions out of a global pandemic. Rina’s beautiful calligraphy graces the cover of the album.
Rajen says, “My dear daughter miraculously survived a horrific car accident in 2019. So many obstacles preventing her healing simply disappeared, angels emerged where I thought there were none, and I found the strength to go on. I wanted to celebrate the energy of renewal in this song.”
Phil DeCardo, co-producer of the album and a longtime devotee of Yogananda, says, “Rajen’s voice is gold. When I first heard him sing a beautiful chant celebrating the divine and accompanied by his son on tabla, I was transported to a place of meditative peace. My goal was to produce an album featuring him and his son that would empower many people.”
Rajen Sukhadia has been studying classical North Indian music since the age of 11 starting with his first Guru, Sri Raghubhai Pahadwala. He went on to study Hindustani vocals with the late Srimati Kumudani Rathore in Greensboro, North Carolina and is currently studying tabla accompaniment with Sri Gaurang Doshi in Winston Salem, NC. Rajen is a devoted music teacher himself, and currently teaches vocal and tabla accompaniment in the Greensboro/High Point/Winston Salem area through the Sangeet Anand Musical Arts School. His classical training informs his deep love of devotional and Bollywood film music.
Tracks & Translations
1. Gaiye Ganpati Jagvandan (Ganesh Stuti) featuring Pankaj Mishra and Kamaljeet Ahluwalia
2. Sri Ramachandra Kripalu Bhajamana featuring Kamaljeet Ahluwalia
3. Ram Naam Ke Heere Moti featuring Kamaljeet Ahluwalia and Indradeep Ghosh
4. Do Phool Chadhane Aaya Hoon featuring Pankaj Mishra
5. Jagme Sundar Hain Do Naam featuring Indradeep Ghosh
6. Aisi Lagi Lagan featuring Indradeep Ghosh
7. Ud Jayega Hans Akela featuring Sheela Bringi and Kamaljeet Ahluwalia
8. Tan Ke Tambure Mein featuring Pankaj Mishra
9. Sat Srushti Tandav Rachayita featuring Sheela Bringi
10. Jinke Man Me Base Shri Ramji featuring Rajib Karmakar and Sheela Bringi
11. Jai Jai Ram featuring Rajib Karmakar and Sheela Bringi
Vocals and Harmonium - Rajen Sukhadia
Tabla - Robin Sukhadia
Sarangi - Pankaj Mishra
Bansuri - Sheela Bringi
Violin - Indradeep Ghosh
Santoor - Kamaljeet Ahluwalia
Manjira - Clinton Patterson
Executive Producers: Robin Sukhadia and Phil DeCardo
Engineering and Mixing: Clinton Patterson
Graphic Design: Rhea Iyer
Calligraphy: Rina Sukhadia
