Heart of the Universe

My husband played this for me for Valentines after 39 years of a difficult life and marriage. Needless to say the song "Just to know you" took away my breath just as our first kiss so many years ago! God blesses our lives in so many ways, I had longed for this all my life. Thank You

Listening to this album is pure Bliss of harmony! How anyone could call this one dimensional is beyond my comprehension. The soft piano and her clear voice blend into this wave of beauty and peace that washes onto you like a wave onto the sand. The lyrics are beautiful, soulful and bring thoughts and feelings of love to my heart and soul! Must have for my music collection!

and the vocals come across as whiney in iTunes sound quality

it is not surprising that two well-known musical luminaries such as devotional songstress Snatam Kaur and Grammy nominated pianist Peter Kater would come together to create a unique artistic offering like “Heart of the Universe.” In addition to Peter and Snatam, the album also features a host of A-list musicians such as Paul McCandless of the Paul Winter Consort on oboe, English horn, and penny whistles, Glen Velez on frame drum, percussionist Christian Teele, Larry Thompson on drums, bassist Bijoux Barbosa, and the Macedonia Radio Symphonic Orchestra. One thing that distinguishes this recording from many of Snatam’s other sacred chant albums is that the lyrics are mostly in English. As she explains: “It is essentially poems mostly in English from the Sikh tradition along with personal writings from Peter and I put to music. From the first track, “Song Of Your Heart,” the orchestration was full and lush. However, it certainly did not overshadow the crystal clarity and purity of Snatam’s heavenly vocals. There was also space in the midsection for Peter’s exquisite piano artistry to shine. A deep devotional feeling permeates the words and music of “Sanctuary” which is further enhanced by the tasteful playing of Paul McCandless. The sparse arrangement that begins the title track builds slowly and gathers momentum as it unfolds with Snatam’s multi-tracked vocals creating soaring harmonies. Interestingly, when asked if any particular tracks were especially significant to them, Peter and Sanatam both cited a song called “Carry Me.” Peter talked about: “sitting there for hours at a time just enjoying the space that was created in playing "Carry Me" and just bathing in the warmth of the simple but longingly sweet melody and words.” While Peter and Snatam may come from different musical backgrounds they are of one mind on the meaning and intention of the beautiful artistic collaboration they have brought forth. For both, it was about the desire within all of us, whether we are conscious of it or not, to connect with the Divine. “Heart of the Universe” is born of devotion and nurtured by the love of two gifted musical souls. What Peter Kater and Snatam Kaur have provided the world with is a deeply moving and spiritually uplifting listening experience. Perfect for our time.

"Heart of the Universe" is a richly inspiring musical collaboration between pianist/composer Peter Kater and sacred chantress Snatam Kaur. The eight songs on the album have original musical settings, but the lyrics are sometimes original and more often from Sikh sacred writings. One of the things I find especially interesting about this album is that it can be savored from more than one point of view. Obviously, the original intent was to convey deep spiritual devotion and a passionate faith, but it’s also very easy to listen to some of these gorgeous songs from a more human-to-human-love perspective, making this music that can be a very stirring musical experience for just about anyone. Kater, one of my favorite pianists, mostly stays behind Kaur’s soaring vocals, but there are several places where his piano really shines. He also produced this album and appears on keyboards along with piano. Kaur’s voice is a fascinating mix of gentle sweetness and passionate strength, and there are several pieces on this album that stop me in my tracks every time I listen to it. There is a purity to her singing that is truly remarkable. Backing musicians include Paul McCandless, Christian Teele, Glen Velez, Larry Thompson, Bijoux Barbosa, and the Macedonia Radio Symphonic Orchestra. "Heart of the Universe" begins with “Song of Your Heart.” Possibly written for a child, the lyrics are simple but so heartfelt and filled with love that I really can’t imagine anyone not being moved by the tenderness of this song. The words to “Sanctuary” come from the writings of Guru Arjan, an ardent prayer offering a life of service to God. The title song conveys a message of hope and love that “pours forth from the heart of the Universe” - a favorite. I also really like “Soft Like Wax,” with Gurmukhi words from the writings of Guru Nanak and English words by Yogi Bhajan. The big, anthemic closing passage is incredible! “Just To Know You” is a stunning song of love and devotion that comes from deep within - the emotion conveyed is almost overwhelming. “Carry Me” is my favorite song on this album. A plea for peace and guidance over the waters of a world “so full of greed,” both the melody and words are an amazing expression of faith as well as vulnerability. The hauntingly beautiful “Again and Again” is more orchestrated with sweeping strings as well as piano and woodwinds - breath-taking! “Satigur Prasad” closes the album with a stirring chant backed with drums, piano, English horn, and pennywhistle. I don’t review many vocal recordings anymore, but this one is something very special! Very highly recommended!

God bless you .

The sacredness of lyrics, the magnificence of melodies makes this My highest compliments. The best I've Bought.

Magical arrangements of piano and strings give a new and refreshing bed for Snatam's etheric voice to float on top of. A new way of hearing her lovely melodies.

This album is a great move for Snatam - tying up with a piano player of Peter Kater's caliber creates a musical chemistry that is a game changer. Mark my words - these songs will be in movies before you know it. They are incredible!

This album by Snatam & Peter Kater is like an epic voyage across the universe. It often feels like you are flying low over the ocean on wings of song - the piano and orchestra strings create these soundscapes that make you float as hear the sweetest words you've ever imagined gently carry you. It's a magical experience, this album. Don't miss it!