Lea Longo - Songs of a Siren (2014)

It used to be that musical categories were fairly well defined, and that most songs fit neatly into little boxes called genres. However, in recent times, it seems that the lines have become blurred and the boundaries breached, so that just about any style can be merged with any other style to create some of the most innovative blends imaginable. A perfect example of this is the latest release by Canadian singer/ songwriter Lea Longo, entitled Songs Of A Siren. Here she combines her love of jazz and pop standards with the spirituality of mantra and kirtan chanting to provide a completely different twist on the East meets West concept.

So what is the motivation, and what thread ties together these disparate musical elements? According to Lea: The title, Songs Of A Siren, is influenced by the Greek Mythology, The Sirens, where the female sirens seduce the sailors to shore. I was intrigued by this concept while my life was undergoing transformation, so I decided to produce a collection of love chants. Showcasing the beauty of the female energy and voice, it enchants the listener into a blissful state. The Sanskrit symbol (on the cover) represents LOVE. I hope listening to these songs will bring you divine love.”

The devotional aspect of this music is a deeply felt part of Lea’s life that flowered when she traveled to India in 2006 and “discovered music mantra chanting with true chanting masters.” After this awakening, she pursued certification as a Lea LongoKundalini Yoga instructor, which she is still active in as a teacher and practitioner. In addition, Lea has given numerous kirtan music performances at events such as The Toronto Yoga Conference, Open Mind Festival, Montreal Yoga and Chant Fest, Bhakti Fest, and more She has also produced albums like Zen Voyage and Peace Chants that feature sacred mantras. Interestingly, before this Lea had a highly successful career in a more traditional Hollywood setting, where her songs gained major television placements in shows like “Dawson’s Creek,” “Party Of Five,” Fox TV series “North Shore” and “Felicity,” as well as in the movie “Cheaper By The Dozen” starring Steve Martin.

Although the well-known classic song “Fever” was written in 1956 and has been covered by Peggy Lee, Elvis, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Bette Midler, and even Madonna, if you’ve never heard it with sitar and tabla, and interspersed with Sanskrit chants, get ready for a trip into uncharted territory. This is, in fact, the song that opens the album. Along with the sitar playing of Radford Crasto and Shawn Mativetsky on tabla drums, are Western instruments such as bass, drums, and some very tasty George Benson-style jazz guitar, all of which provide a grooving background for Lea’s vocals, which range from sensual to spiritual, as she alternates between the traditional lyrics and mantra chanting. Imagine Sade meets Deva Premal and you’ll get an idea of this very cool combination. I particularly enjoyed Lea’s jazzy scat singing in unison with the guitar towards the end.

Tracklist:

01. Fever
02. The Very Thought Of You
03. Love Is All You Need
04. Jaya Love
05. Here's To Life
06. Om Radha Krishnaya Namaha
07. Sail Away
08. To Heaven
09. Om Parama Prema
10. Love Is All You Need (Ben Leinbach Mix)