In this music-filled re-release, Raghu Markus is joined by spiritual musician Jai Uttal to chat about opening our hearts through the magnitude of melodies.
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In this episode, Raghu and Jai Uttal discuss:
- The formation of melodic structures and how music is as boundless as an ocean
- Letting go of the idea that we must master an instrument in order to create music
- Getting into the flow of devotional music and honoring God through our presence rather than perfection
- The friendship between Jai Uttal and Ram Dass and Jai’s journey to India
- The Baul’s of Bengal and mystical, spontaneous verse
- Jai’s single, Holy Mad Men, inspired by Bengali-style music
- More Bengali-influenced music by The Band
- The dotara, an Indian folk instrument Jai frequently uses
- Musical creation as the legacy of satsang and a path to continued connection
Check out Ali Akbar Khan to hear some classical Indian Ragas and the sarod instrument that Raghu and Jai discuss.
About Jai Uttal:
Jai Uttal is a Grammy-nominated sacred music composer, recording artist, multi-instrumentalist, and ecstatic vocalist. Having traveled extensively in India, he met many great saints and singers and Bhakti Yoga became his personal path. Jai has been leading, teaching, and performing kirtan around the world for nearly 50 years. He creates a safe environment for people to open their hearts and voices.
“Music is way more vast than any one human person can understand.” –Jai Uttal