Photo at Avatar Studios by Nina Rao

Dear Friends, I hope this finds you well.

It's been a challenging period for the world. I hope you are all thriving despite the challenges and taking time to nurture yourselves. It's a delicate balance- doing good in the world and for others, while taking care of ourselves. Sometimes we get to do both. I'm very happy to have the opportunity to play music in some environments specifically for the nurturance of the soul. I find that I'm most fulfilled in this capacity and that I'm nurtured in being there too!

I was blessed recently to be a part of the 15th album of Krishna Das, who melds western sensibilities with Kirtan, the Indian singing of mantras.  My role in the album began abruptly as I arrived at the studio and KD said "come in and try this"- a song I'd never heard before. As cameras and tape rolled, we recorded the duet which opens the album. 'Trust in the Heart' is now available on his site, on iTunes, etc.

We'll be playing live in NYC on November 11 and doing a workshop on chanting on November 12. Tickets for both events are here.

I'm also excited to announce that my brother Jeremy and I are completing an album of our own. Mantra Brothers is our name. The album is a collection we co-wrote, setting Sanskrit mantras over a background of African percussion, cello, and Jeremy's gorgeous saxophone playing. Stay posted for further updates on the upcoming release.

Stay well and please share with me your thoughts on self-nurturance. Do you find opportunities to nurture and be nurtured at once? I'd like to know.

Sending Love,

Noah

Dear Friends and Family,

I hope that life is treating you well and that you're finding time and space to enjoy, despite the current challenges we face. Its not easy out there! But with some effort we can carve out a place inside that's peaceful. I'm very grateful to be involved in some musical projects that support me in that department, and that promise the same for listeners. 

This year I've been performing live and recording cello with Krishna Das, a great standard bearer of the Chant world. KD has a powerful voice and presence that has helped thousands of people discover their inner spaciousness and joy. This week a video was released about my role in the album, which is due out this Fall. 

Also in the Chant world, I've begun producing the new album by artist Nina Rao. Nina is the real deal- a singer with beautiful sound who also brings a powerful connection to her songs. Nina will be leading the Ocean of Chant Retreat at Kriplau June 23-25, and I encourage anyone looking for a place to rest their weary head to come along- I'll be playing cello there too and enjoying the beautiful Berkshires.

I'm looking forward to the launch next weekend of the new album by beautiful Natalie Merchant, on which I play.

In the short term, Fabian Almazan's Rhizome, the Jazz octet of which I've been a part for almost 10 years, celebrated the release of its 3rd studio album with a show at Brooklyn's National Sawdust last Wednesday. Fabian, who is also the pianist for Terence Blanchard Group, is dedicated to creating social change through his complex and beautiful compositions. 

Take care of yourselves and each other. That's about all for now. I'm looking forward to seeing you at an event or to hearing from you via email. Your support is deeply appreciated. 

Noah