Ecstatic Groove: Sacred World Chant Infusions (Salima’s Whirled Peas, 2009) is a musical “sister project” to Jennifer Salima Holt’s book, Sacred Gateway of Grief and Loss: Freeing the Imprisoned Soul. The book and CD were inspired by Jennifer’s volunteer work in women’s prisons leading grief and loss groups. While running these groups, the women joined her in singing sacred songs from many spiritual lineages; this musical project is dedicated to them. (Ten percent of all net profits are being tithed to creative activities for women who are incarcerated.) The CD showcases haunting mystical chants from Sufi, Gregorian (Catholic), Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Native American, Hawaiian and African spiritual lineages. By infusing the sacred chants with techno and hip hop elements, new relevance is given to the devotional world music arena. With each song, Jennifer’s soulful, mysterious voice and ethereal harmonic toning deepen listeners’ sense of inner peace.

This is great stuff!