Summer Music Celebration in Venice, CA August 18
Los Angeles, CA – August 15, 2024 – Jim “Kimo” West, well known for his twelve-album catalog of slack key guitar that has won him a Grammy and two nominations, as well as his work as “Weird Al” Yankovic’s guitar player, and top 10 artist on Billboard’s New Age chart Joss Jaffe release their new album, Santhi on all platforms tomorrow. Following the success of their 2022 release, Aum Akua, which artfully blended Hawaiian and Indian sounds, Santhi, takes their unique global fusion to new heights.
Inspired by the spirituality and natural splendor of the famed Indonesian island of Bali, Santhi‘s Sanskrit title means “peaceful in spiritual and physical happiness,” which comes from the Sanskrit word Shanti, a widely known word for peace. The island of Bali is renowned for its art, spirituality, and stunning natural beauty. A unique history of Sanskrit and Hindu elements influences many aspects of Balinese culture.
The album expands on Aum Akua‘s instrumentation with the addition of mesmerizing tuned percussion like Handpan, Tuned Tabla Tarang, and Balinese gamelan-influenced melodic percussion. This transports listeners on an auditory journey through the meditative shades of ragas, Slendro, and Pelog scales, and Kimo’s emotive slack key guitar.
Songs reflect the interplay of dark and light in titles like “Shadow Play,” “Sun Rain,” and “Rainbow Body.” The entire palette of instruments, from bansuri flutes to fretless bass, creates a rich tapestry of tone and texture. Recorded by West and mastered by the legendary John Golden, Santhi promises an immersive global fusion experience that captivates and engages the listener.
Joss and Kimo’s collaborations have garnered critical and fan acclaim in the world music, jazz, and new-age genres. With its innovative east-meets-west stylings, Santhi will enthrall existing fans and introduce new listeners to its unique appeal.
The release day focus track from Santhi, “Afterglow,” the album opener, draws listeners into the set with its warm inviting vibes, evoking an ocean breeze flowing over one in savasana. It’s perfect for relaxation, concentration, study, rest, sleep, yoga, and meditation. The song would work perfectly in a yoga playlist or relaxing at the beach.
West & Jaffe will perform with special guests, Grammy winners Opium Moon, and Masood Ali Khan, at the Summer Music Celebration, an epic spiritual jam at 7:30 pm this Sunday August 18, 2024, at The Lab at 12024 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066. Tickets are available here.