Joss Jaffe
Who could have guessed that my favorite reggae release this year would come from the very much enlivened kirtan genre? Dub Mantra Sangha, by Bay Area musician, producer, and intercultural collaborator Joss Jaffe, raises the bar to a new nexus for cultural fusion. This is a global crossroads of 15 intercontinental singers who came together to weave mantras in five languages in tandem with the stellar reggae rhythms. The tracks are adorned with the cream of women artists from the kirtan community, among them Donna De Lory, Zuzanne Sterling, Jaya Lakshmi, Karnamrita Dasi, and WAH! Jai Uttal also contributes, along with Shimshai, Dave Stringer, and more.
However, it’s not the names or the numbers, but the innovative perspective on dub, moving through deep and meditative tracks to highenergy beats similar to African high life with sounds of kora (African harp), world percussion, and stirring horn arrangements. Each song creates a bed for a different mantra to develop and infuse the music with uplifting and healing energy.
Joss has taught in the Netherlands, Italy, Japan, and the United States. He has developed a unique style of teaching that encourages students to experience the joy of their own voice in a safe and supportive environment.
JossJaffe.com
—LLOYD BARDE (LLOYDBARDE.COM)