The Hanumen bring you an unforgettable sound of world music, mystic poetry, and mantra chanting — a musical journey to the deepest parts of the soul.

A percussionist & mystic poet, a world-class kirtan leader & storyteller, a bassist with a huge heart and groove to match, and a multi-instrumentalist create a totally unique improvisational sound, playing a wide range of traditional World instruments with a sensibility that is instantly accessible to Western audiences.

The Hanumen create a soulful and ecstatic celebration combining Naada Yoga (the yoga of sacred sound and vibration) and Bhakti Yoga (the yoga of love and devotion in complete surrender), delivering a mesmerizing set of chanting, world rhythm, poignant stories, and mystic poetry.

Named after Hanuman, a brave monkey featured in South Asian legends, The Hanumen are: John de Kadt, Gaura Vani, Purusartha Dasa, Benjy Wertheimer, and Jahnavi Harrison.

This album was recorded live in Portland, Oregon. Four of us sat in the room and played these songs until they felt right. Most of what you hear is exactly how it went down. We also wanted to include friends from as far away as London who couldn’t physically be there, so we invited them in using “modern technological wizardry.” Many albums these days are made in a pretty sterile studio environment. Our process is old-school. It allowed us to capture the live energy that is so vital to the “Hanumen Experience.”

_________________________________

“The stunning debut release from The Hanumen blends chanting, poetry, world music, and storytelling into a magical brew of sacred love songs. The band creates an inspiring musical unity from diverse spiritual and musical traditions.

“Touching on themes of grief, love, and devotion, the songs on this self-titled album include a zydeco-style ‘Hare Krishna’ chant; a 10-minute hymn-like love song called ‘Come Dance With Me,’ inspired by a Sufi poem, and an epic rendition of the African American spiritual, ‘Wade in the Water.’ The latter weaves in poetry from Rumi, a chant to Krishna, and Benjy’s bluesy, baritone rendition of ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,’ while instruments, including the hang (a metal hand drum), violin, and clarinet, add rhythm and melody.

“Driven by Gaura Vani’s tender, tenor voice, every song the band performs pulls at the heartstrings. The Hanumen provides a mellow yet uplifting soundtrack for yoga and relaxation, and may even move some listeners to raise their own voices in melodic prayer.”
– November 2013 Yoga Journal, Shannon Sexton