Ravenna's second album, Dharmasong, is available from either www.RavennaM.com or www.CDBaby.com/cd/RavennaMichalsen. The musical instruments politely await their turn of song, rather than all bursting forth together and overcrowding each tune. This allows for the prominence of Ravenna's clear and versatile vocals without the distraction so often caused by excessive instrumentalization.
The meditative and contemplative lyrics cover various understandings and famed personages from within the world of Buddhism. Whereas most of the lyrics are from Ravenna herself, some are taken from Milarepa, an 11th century, cave dwelling, Tibetan of note - and possibly the best-known historical Buddhist to write in verse.
Ravenna spent several years working towards becoming a professional classic-cellist, prior to turning to the study of vocals & lyrics due to arising health problems. Ravenna's first album, Bloom, contains her first collection of dharma crossed with music. In this second album, Ravenna continues her inspiring mixture of the world of Buddhism with that of music. You do not need to be a Buddhist to enjoy this album, because the music is professionally crafted and the vocals flexible, offering a relaxing listening pleasure whatever your persuasion.
KI KI SO SO: Rippling and floating vocals ride over this pace-changing song, whispered chanting and thunder providing the musical accompaniment.
THE CONTEMPLATION SONG: The vocals play in Irish-folk style in a variable paced track. Meditative boom-drum style percussion accompanies these words of Milarepa that are brought to life by Ravenna. This is personally my favorite track from the album.
MARPA: A strong drum focus underlies the slower vocal undulations in what sounds akin to a new-age march.
GURU RINPOCHE: This track will stick in your head with its meditative crawl of strong vocals over muffled drum. It sounds like background temple music, a flavored prayer.
OM TARE: Starting with festive-style tinkling bells, this is a celebratory, wavering chant.
A-DRON: A cross between a new-age opera and a medieval chant, with bursts of drum-backed pacy zing.
YESHE, YESHE: A piano intros this tune, which sounds akin to a film score for a movie pertaining to nature or love. It drifts pleasantly like the breeze created whilst swinging amidst summer warmth.
THE DEPARTING ASPIRATION PRAYER: The final track features guitar with climbing vocals in a folky tune.
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