From the recording Tantric Heart
This dreamy magical recording was inspired by Shastro's visits to the ancient tantric temples of Northern India. While all of Shastro's recordings portray hints of romance, 'Tantric Heart' is particularly sensual. Soft, rhythmic guitar melodies form the core of 'Embrace' the first cut on this two-track recording. 'Embrace' evokes the warm, gentle breezes and soft rains of Shastro's Hawaiian homeland, but at the same time reaches beyond the pacific into the Mediterranean, India and more. It is difficult to resist melting and merging with the soothing, flowing grooves of this 20-minute piece. The second cut, 'The Diamond and the Lotus', is more reminiscent of India's Kujaraho Temples. Classical Indian instruments such as santoor, dilruba, sarod, and tabla lend a deep, ancient tone to Shastro's composition, which includes traditional Indian musical forms and the soft chanting of the Sanskrit mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum'. Together, Tantric Heart's two long cuts carry you away on an ocean of serenity. - NAPRA ReVIEW