Biography
Whether singing the ancient Sanskrit mantras of India, the traditional folklore songs of South America, or performing his original works of divine inspiration, Shimshai’s music invokes a sentiment of ancestral devotion and a dedication to higher consciousness. A self-proclaimed seeker of truth, described by many as possessing the voice of an angel, Shimshai is gifted with the innate ability to deliver his message flawlessly in several languages; most profoundly the universal language of Love and Oneness.
Surrounded by music from birth and formally trained on piano in his native state of Washington, today Shimshai performs effortlessly on guitar, sitar, flute, and a variety of woodwinds. He plays many of the instruments on his self-composed and self-produced albums, “I sense your Presence,” “Toward the One,” and “Live on Maui,” all which have been highly revered by the worldwide spiritual community. Jaya Bhagavan, co-created with fellow artist Tina Malia, has also been met with tremendous success, being signed to the independent record label Spirit Voyage in 2005. He continues to offer his talents to various studio projects, including his current collaboration with a renowned Peruvian shaman and several undertakings with indigenous communities throughout Latin America. His most recent release, Alianza, draws from languages and traditions ranging from India to Latin America.
Whether playing at large festivals, yoga studios, or spiritual retreats, Shimshai´s live performances throughout the Hawaiian Islands, Europe, and The Americas have helped to create a devoted and ever-growing global fan base. His unique blend of reggae, jazz, kirtan, and folk, infused with a worldbeat influence, provides a diverse palette of musical expression and attracts a wide range of listeners. Performing solo or with his group, The Natural MystiquEnsemble, which features percussion, guitar accompaniment, and harmony vocals, Shimshai’s energy always provides a sacred, intimate, heart-opening space for all who are present. Along the way, Shimshai has had the honor of opening for and sharing the stage with such luminaries as Michael Franti, David Grisman, Mickey Hart, Jai Uttal, Ram Dass, Bhagavan Das, Dezarie & members of midnite, jah levi, Hamsa Lila, Sasha Butterfly, and many other gifted musicians and visionaries.
To experience the essence of this young mystic is to be taken down
a musical journey that ultimately leads us back to the very core of our own inner existence. Shimshai, translated as ¨My Sun¨ in Hebrew is indeed una estrella brillante whose heartfelt expression, natural grace, and impeccable intention shall continue to inspire and manifest positive vibrations for generations to come.
Instrumentation
Shimshai- guitar, vocals, woodwinds, etc
Julien Fritz- percussion
Eliyahu Sills- Flutes & Bass
Featuring:
MJ GreenMountain- percussion, vocals
Jason Ranjit Parmar- Percussion
Tina Malia- Vocals
Discography
I Sense Your Presence (2001)
Live on Maui (2003)
Toward the One (2004)
Jaya Bhagavan (2004)
Toward the One Reissue (2006)
Deliverance (2006)
Alianza (2008)
Links
| http://www.shimshai.com |