SHIMSHAI
Santa Cruz, California, United States | SELF
Music
Press
"Shimshai's music emanates a divine presence and a quality of peace, a truly 'natural mystic' energy that flows into the hearts of his listeners. His musicality is superb, as is that of his bandmates, and his singing is sublime and transcendent."
-Jai Uttal
"An enchanted mixture of spirit and soul, danceable and tranceable."
-Lieb Ostrow
Founder and CEO
Earthbeat Records
"Toward The One is a stellar release from a bright talent, a world-beat pioneer."
-KUDOS
Sedona's Arts and
Entertainment Weekly
"When I hear this music I feel my soul rise up and start dancing".
-Sunshine Pressider
KMUD
Humboldt County CA
"Their voices blended beautifully, with a deep tone of compassion"
-Tim Damon
Good Times, Santa Cruz
Entertainment Weekly
"To experience the music of Shimshai is to be taken on a musical journey that celebrates the purest light of universal love. His beautiful voice and exquisite guitar playing evokes the spirit of Bob Marley, the subtlety of Jerry Garcia and a powerful musical prayer to unite all humanity and spark the fire of change. It is a gift to the world and a blessing for us all."
-Robyn Shanti,
Dharma Wheel
KBOO Portland
- Various Sources
SHIMSHAI
Reviewed by Eric Steiner
It's not often my 19-year old's musical tastes intersect with mine, but we definitely agree on at least one CD so far this year: Shimshai's I Sense Your Presence. Shimshai and the Natural Mystic Ensemble rock steady through seven long jams that rely not only on the traditional themes of honoring Jah and spirituality, but also look forward to a brighter tomorrow. I first heard I Sense Your Presence before 9/11, and Shimshai's brand of life-affirming music surely shows us in "Better Way" that there's got to be a better way. What separates this disc from other Rasta releases, though, is Shimshai's talent. In addition to composing and singing each song, he plays flute, clarinet, classical and electric guitar, alto sax and melodica, a unique wind-blown piano. Mix those ingredients up, along with the Natural Mystic Ensemble, and you've got the debut release from a bright talent. Shimshai was the driving force behind Spirit Earth, a regional reggae sensation in the Pacific Northwest, and I'm glad he's branched out with his own CD. Don't take my word for it, though: sample some of Shimshai's uplifting and inspiring music at his website, www.shimshai.com.
www.cosmik.com/aa-january02/reviews/review_shimshai.html - cosmik.com
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)
Photos
Bio
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.
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