MP3 Jennifer Salima Holt - Ecstatic Groove: Sacred World Chant Infusions

Lush soundscape infusions of Middle Eastern and Western sacred chants produced by Grammy-nominated Ben Leinbach; "a gorgeous illumination of the human spiritâ¦immaculately realized" (Martin Keller, music critic/author).

9 MP3 Songs in this album (64:01) !
Related styles: ROCK: Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, WORLD: Middle East Contemporary

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Details:
Jennifer Salima Holt is a sacred song practitioner, songwriter, violinist and percussionist. Ecstatic Groove showcases haunting mystical chants from Sufi, Gregorian (Catholic), Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Native American, Hawaiian and African spiritual lineages. By infusing the sacred chants with techno and hip hop elements, new relevance is given to the devotional world music arena. In each song, Jenniferâs soulful, mysterious voice and ethereal harmonic toning deepen the connection to Source.

Martin Keller, music reviewer and author of Music Legends (D Media, 2007), comments, âWho would have thought the long strange trip that the leader of a smart "all-girl" punk-folk band from Minneapolis in the '80s (Tetes Noires) embarked upon would include this immaculately realized mélange of select, sacred world music that reflects the spiritual songs and transcendent power of Muslim, Native American, Western, Eastern and other traditions? Jennifer Salima Holt, now a practicing âNew Thought Muslim,â uses her grace-filled and mellifluent voice, plus simple but captivating contemporary arrangements, to create a collection of beautiful songs that lovingly expose the deep inner light of each faith journey. As a companion piece to her book, Sacred Gateway of Grief and Loss: Freeing the Imprisoned Soul (Indigo Publishing, 2009) and a testament to her work with women in prison around the world (many for actions against strict and outmoded religious codes), Ecstatic Groove: Sacred World Chant Infusions, with Grammy-nominated Ben Leinbach co-producing, is a gorgeous illumination of the human spirit. But as a stand-alone album of global spiritual songs and chants, the disc will be a constant reminder of the joys and beauty that universal spirituality and innovative music making can bring to seekers and non-seekers alike.â

âLaila Trance-Dance Radio Remix,â the single released to radio stations, features a âhouse danceâ remix of one of the songs, with the addition of a grooving rhythm section. It climaxes with a dazzling call to prayer by Jennifer Salima, who comments, âIn Muslim dogma, women are not given permission to call the prayer, but my permission comes straight from Source.â Martin Keller comments on the song: âTalk about rockin' the casbah! âLaila Trance-Danceâ starts with a traditional sacred Muslim chant and beautifully builds into a modern mix sure to entrance both supplicants on the floor of the mosque to profane revelers out on the dance floor. Call it a sublime sonic transcendence that's as spiritually rewarding as it is smart and chic.â

Ecstatic Grooveâs "sister project" is Jennifer Salimaâs new book, Sacred Gateway of Grief and Loss: Freeing the Imprisoned Soul (Indigo Heart Publishing, 2009). The book and CD were inspired by her volunteer work in women's prisons leading grief and loss groups. While running these groups, the women joined her in singing sacred songs from many spiritual lineages; this musical project is dedicated to them. (Ten percent of all net profits are being tithed to creative activities for women who are incarcerated.)

Jennifer is also a professional vocal consultant and sound healer, specializing in personal transformation and healing through the voice and throat chakra. She was the founder and leader of feminist folk-punk band Tetes Noires in the 1980's, which released three musical recordings including Clayfoot Gods (Rounder Records, 1987), produced by the Violent Femmes. The band received critical acclaim from such sources as The New York Times, Village Voice, Spin Magazine and Londonâs New Music Express.

Jennifer Salima has a doctorate in Educational Psychology and has a private practice as a therapist. She also trains therapists and counselors around the world on her methods for relieving trauma, grief and loss, called the Sacred Gateway Program.