52 abernethy dr.52 abernethy dr. trenton ... - siriom singh · summer solstice sadhana, espanola...
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SiriOm Singh SiriOm Singh SiriOm Singh SiriOm Singh devotional musiciandevotional musiciandevotional musiciandevotional musician
One SpiritOne SpiritOne SpiritOne Spirit
52 Abernethy Dr.52 Abernethy Dr.52 Abernethy Dr.52 Abernethy Dr.
Trenton, NJ 08616Trenton, NJ 08616Trenton, NJ 08616Trenton, NJ 08616
609 989 1594609 989 1594609 989 1594609 989 1594
www.siriomsingh.comwww.siriomsingh.comwww.siriomsingh.comwww.siriomsingh.com
[email protected]@[email protected]@siriomsingh.com
At ransabai―all night live kirtan,
summer solstice sadhana, Espanola
NM, 2010
GENERALGENERALGENERALGENERAL
SiriOm Singh is a spiritual teacher and Kundalini Yoga
instructor, singer/ songwriter and percussionist, teaching and
performing in The USA and internationally.
SiriOm’s devotional world music combines mantras from many
traditions with church hymns, spirituals, sacred texts and his
own lyrics with music that is inspired by Jazz, Gospel, Reggae
and Folk. It reflects his deep respect for all spiritual and religious
practices, and honors them all as different paths to celebrate
peace, the glory of God, and the human spirit.
BIOBIOBIOBIO
SiriOm Singh was born in New York, and raised in Philadelphia.
He grew up in a musical family, and from early childhood
listened to a large variety of music, from classical to soul and
from church hymns to folk. His earliest musical favorites
included Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin and Mahalia Jackson.
At age 10 he joined Germantown’s St. Luke Episcopal church
choir. He describes this period in his life as the foundation for
his musical ability. The choir practice provided him with a
sound musical foundation and honed his voice. It also ingrained
in his mind the connection between music and spirituality, and
the use of music as a spiritual practice.
Jazz was part of SiriOm’s musical growing up experience as
well. Growing up in the African American community of
Philadelphia, SiriOm heard jazz played at home, at social events
at church and private gatherings. His brother, Jazz trumpet
player Fred Adams, has been playing with Sun Ra Arkestra since
1981 “ Sun Ra’s personal style and the unique sound of this
At PSALM salon in Philadelphia, PA 2009
At the Coalition for Peace Action
conference, Princeton, NJ 2008
ensemble has been a great inspiration to me”, says SiriOm. He
was also greatly influenced by the spiritual content and social
commentary in the music of John Coltrane and Duke Ellington.
When SiriOm left Philadelphia to attend Saint Augustine College
in Raleigh North Carolina it was only natural for him to
participate in Saint Augustine’s College choir, singing gospel,
soul and R&B. SiriOm describes this experience as playing in a
vocal orchestra. The formal training provided the opportunity to
develop his extraordinary vocal range, from base baritone to
first tenor, and to grow his vocal skills. At this time he also
developed his love for negro spirituals and gospel.
At this period of his life SiriOm began devoting more of his
attention to his other passion – track and field. Becoming a
world class athlete for Saint Augustine college and the US
military team diverted his attention away from music, as well as
from his spiritual background. He went on to become a teacher
and health professional, living in Texas and Florida, and in 1994
moved to New Jersey.
In 1996, a serendipitous event opened the door to his return to
music - he won the door prize at a health fair - a hand drum.
“This was my first drum, and it chose me” says SiriOm “since
then, every drum I own is a drum that chose me”. Drumming
brought back memories of playing percussions with his father as
a child. Though never formally trained as a percussionist,
SiriOm quickly developed mastery in the use of percussion
instruments.
In 1997 SiriOm discovered kundalini yoga. The combination of
physical activity with music – kundalini yoga combines move-
ment, breath, meditation and sound – and with spiritual
meaning, spoke to his heart. As he immersed himself in the yogic
life style he found himself returning to his spiritual roots, and
the longing for musical self expression. He took on the spiritual
name given to him by Yogi Bhajan, the spiritual leader of Sikh
With Fred Johnson at a benefit for
refugee children , Suxzanne Dallal
Center for Performing Arts,
Tel Aviv Israel, 2008
Dharma, and realized that his contribution to the world is in the
form of music that provides the listener with an experience of
happiness and love. SiriOm started with chanting mantras as
part of his yoga practice, but this quickly evolved into
composing his own music, drawing on the various musical
influences in his background. Visiting Sikh temples opened up
the world of classical Indian music. To further the development
of his voice and style he studied with Russill Paul at the Yogic
Myserty School and with voice professor Paramjeet Singh.
Yogic thinking sees all living things as one. In his travels in the
US and in the middle -east, where he has been teaching yoga
and performing in collaboration with interfaith peace
organizations since 2001, SiriOm became intensely aware of the
reality of this concept. “The similarity among people is much
greater than the differences. All people are looking for the same
things in their life: peace, happiness, connection with each other
and with the divine” says SiriOm. Out of this understanding
SiriOm started combining mantras from many traditions and
sacred texts in his music, as a reflection of his deep respect to all
spiritual and religious practices. This realization also moved him
to start writing original lyrics that reflect his commitment to
peace and social justice. An excellent example is his song Om
Shanti (from Travel The Light, 2006) which combines the Hindu
mantra Om Shanti – supreme peace – with the Negro spiritual
Down By The River Side. to the connection between one and the
Another example is Sa Se So Hung (from Guru Dev, 2009)
With Snatam Kaur, GuruGanesha Singh, Deva Premal, Miten and Manish
Vias at Ecstatic Chant, Omega institute, NY 2009
At the Philadelphia Cathedral, 2009
With Eliyahu MacLean of the Jerusalem
Peacemakers at the Jerusalem Hug,
Jerusalem, Israel, 2007
Accompanied by GuruSangat Singh at
Baba Siri Chand ashram in Millis, MA
2007
which combines original lyrics speaking world with the Sikh
mantra sa se so hung, which means we are all one. In his
peace-work SiriOm collaborated with organizations such as the
Jerusalem Peacemakers and the All Nations Café in Israel and
Palestine, with the Coalition for Peace Action and the Fellowship
in Prayer in NJ.
SiriOm found a home for his music in the Sikh dharma and the
kundalini yoga community, which is well known for its variety
of excellent devotional musical talent. He played with
GuruGanesha Singh, Snatam Kaur, Sat Kirin Kaur, Mata Madir
Singh, Livtar Singh, GuruDas Singh and GuruDas Kaur at the
yearly Solstice Sadhana celebrations and other events. In 2005
he formed his own band, Anahat, which included Theo Thwing,
Autin Wright and Gene Tunney. Together they performed in
various locations, from yoga centers and churches to coffee
houses and bars. “Devotional music is not just for spiritual
settings” says SiriOm, “it is our responsibility to bring it out to
the world and share. As a musician, this is my service and
contribution to humanity.”
SiriOm collaborated with musicians out of the Sikh community
as well – singer/ songwriter and kirtan artist Robin Renée, tabla
player and vocalist Dan Johnson, the Darla Rich Jazz quintet,
Philadelphia jazz musician Fred Adams, Sound Sculpterer Fred
Johnson, Israeli sax player Arik Levi, multi– instrumentalist Gili
Liber and master percussionist Jonathan Bar- Rashi. He per-
formed in many locations in the USA, in Israel and in Palestine.
SiriOm has also extended his musical talent to theater. He
performed with the NYC Overground Physical Theatre Company
in their dance theatre show Urban Tao, and regularly performs
with the TE’A Project in their show Under the Veil.
At World Café Live, Philadelphia, PA,
2008
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT SIRIOM’S MUSICWHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT SIRIOM’S MUSICWHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT SIRIOM’S MUSICWHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT SIRIOM’S MUSIC
SiriOm’s music is absolutely filled with joy… His dedication to
his spiritual growth can also be felt deeply in the incredible
lyrics that he shares with us. Snatam Kaur, Snatam Kaur, Snatam Kaur, Snatam Kaur, devotional musician
SiriOm had a magnificent, rich voice, that penetrates the heart.
His strong stage presence creates a truly participatory chant
experience. GuruGanesha SinghGuruGanesha SinghGuruGanesha SinghGuruGanesha Singh, devotional musician
SiriOm Singh(‘s) … music is a beautifully unique mélange that is
informed by many influences, and does credit to them all. Suffice
it to say, all hearts present were opened wide by the richly sono-
rous voice of SiriOm… with an insistent back beat and capable
guitar accompaniment. Jamey ReillyJamey ReillyJamey ReillyJamey Reilly, The Philadelphia Society
for Art, Literature & Music
The music is soft, gentle and gorgeously rendered. The voices
and music weave throughout each other, so the effect is that we
feel blended in divine love. SiriOm Singh has a beautiful voice ...
When I listen to his CDs, I sing right along. Gary Goldberg Gary Goldberg Gary Goldberg Gary Goldberg Radio
Host and Producer “In the Spirit” WRPI-91.5fm, Troy NY
My friends and I enjoy SiriOm’s music… It definitely spreads
light… and it feels light and uplifting. We like to dance with it!
Very inspirational and motivational music! Polina Sannino, Polina Sannino, Polina Sannino, Polina Sannino,
Universum Musica
Om Shanti (is) a wonderful blend of the Hindu mantra and By
The Riverside. They work perfectly together… and the effect is
very natural and unforced. The song is working as a meditative
prayer…(SiriOm has)a wonderful vocal sound and the delivery
is very assured – great pitch Taxi, independent A&R magazineTaxi, independent A&R magazineTaxi, independent A&R magazineTaxi, independent A&R magazine
SiriOm … is without doubt a fantastic singer Manish Vyas,Manish Vyas,Manish Vyas,Manish Vyas,
devotional musician
With the women choir of the Jewish―
Arab culture center, Jaffa, Israel, 2008
Deeply beautiful, awesome, outstanding, rich, soulful, heartfelt,
inspiring, original, authentic, full of character, great! Akal Sahai Akal Sahai Akal Sahai Akal Sahai
SinghSinghSinghSingh president, Spirit Voyage Live Events
I was listening to your CD 'Travel the Light' … and was filled
with love and joy. Thanks for creating this gem. Krishan KhalsaKrishan KhalsaKrishan KhalsaKrishan Khalsa,
music producer, Open Mind Creations
Your musical message of love and inspiration has touched us all,
and we know that the music and consciousness that you share
enriched the entire planet Rev. Dr Carol LawsonRev. Dr Carol LawsonRev. Dr Carol LawsonRev. Dr Carol Lawson, Center For
Conscious Living Moorestown, NJ
I enjoyed your set so very much that it's one of those
unforgettable music experiences. Harold Jacobs,Harold Jacobs,Harold Jacobs,Harold Jacobs, organizer,
Zichrona Folk Festival, Israel
We were moved by the great heart coming through in SiriOm's
chanting. Devotion and energy come together on this magical
CD (Guru Dev). Ned LeavittNed LeavittNed LeavittNed Leavitt, devotional musician
SiriOm … took us on a trip to the magical chants of India, and
then on an inward trip to the wonderful rhythms of our body.
Dhyan OrDhyan OrDhyan OrDhyan Or, All Nations Café, Jerusalem, Israel
SiriOm Singh's songs dissipate into pure love in my mind. A
soulful, soothing voice ever reminding me of who I truly am.
Ryan LeslieRyan LeslieRyan LeslieRyan Leslie, Newtown, PA
We love your beautiful spirit and how it shines through your
music. Lynn Margileth, Lynn Margileth, Lynn Margileth, Lynn Margileth, NYC
The music penetrated me and uplifted me. It is inspirational in a
way which is deeper than many others I have encountered....
You rock! David StoneDavid StoneDavid StoneDavid Stone, Princeton, NJ
Upon playing … (Om Mani Padme Hum) I was totally elevated
to a place of exultation. E.N.G PaygE.N.G PaygE.N.G PaygE.N.G Payg–––– Williams Williams Williams Williams Lancashire,
England
Accompanied by Yonatan Bar- Rashi,
Raga music club, Pardes Chana, Israel,
2010
At Sulam Yaakov Folk Festival, Israel,
2008
At a gathering of interfaith peace
activists, Jerusalem, Israel, 2007
SELECT PERFORMANCE HSTORYSELECT PERFORMANCE HSTORYSELECT PERFORMANCE HSTORYSELECT PERFORMANCE HSTORY
Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Lennox MA
Philadelphia Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA
Integral Yoga Institute of New York, NYC, NY
Cream of Phila, World Café Live, Philadelphia, PA
PSALM Salon, Philadelphia, PA
The Record Collector, Bordentown, NJ
Café Improv, Paul Robeson Art Center, Princeton, NJ
Integral Yoga Institute of Princeton, Princeton, NJ
Princeton Center for Yoga and Health, Princeton, NJ
Baba Siri Chand Yoga Center, Millis, MA
Center for Conscious Living, Moorsetown, NJ
Coalition for Peace Action conference, Princeton NJ
Da Vinci Art Alliance, Philadelphia, PA
Ellarslie, the Trenton City Museum Music Series, Trenton, NJ
St. Paul Episcopal church, Levitown, PA
The Meditation Institute, Yardley, PA
Four Wings Yoga Center, Pennington, NJ
Winter Solstice Sadhana, Lake Wales, FL
Summer Solstice Sadhana, Espanola, NM
Suzanne Dallal Center for Performing Arts, Tel Aviv, Israel
Raga music club, Pardes Hana, Israel
Jacob’s Ladder Folk Festival, Kibbutz Geinossar, Israel
Featured musician at Zichrona Folk Festival, Zichron Yaakov,
Israel,
All Nations Café, Ein Haniya, Palestine
Light Of Jerusalem festival, Jerusalem, Israel 2004
Festival Beresheet, Sea of Galillee, Israel
Festival Sagol, several locations, Israel
PRESSPRESSPRESSPRESS
Essence Of Life online magazine, June 2007
Travel the Light with SiriOm Singh
By Nicola ManassehBy Nicola ManassehBy Nicola ManassehBy Nicola Manasseh
One of the first things that spiritual teacher and Kundalini Yoga instructor, SiriOm Singh, asked
us to do in a workshop, was to clap for ourselves. With a wry smile, he said that our clap for
ourselves was ‘tentative.' Then, the thirty of us, clapped for each other. Such a simple act pro-
duced feelings of joy, happiness and unity.
SiriOm explained that the essence of the workshop, called Yoga of Drumming, was to enhance SiriOm explained that the essence of the workshop, called Yoga of Drumming, was to enhance SiriOm explained that the essence of the workshop, called Yoga of Drumming, was to enhance SiriOm explained that the essence of the workshop, called Yoga of Drumming, was to enhance
communication with ourselves and each other and to open to the creative process. communication with ourselves and each other and to open to the creative process. communication with ourselves and each other and to open to the creative process. communication with ourselves and each other and to open to the creative process.
Though his methods were many - clapping, repeating mantras, drumming on our bodies, sing-
ing to his drumming, breathing - each time our aim was to balance the right and left sides of
our brains and find our individual and group rhythmns.
By tapping into the sound current of our hearts he assured us that we could create a holy sound of love, beauty and peace. Ong
Namo Guru Dev Namo was the first mantra that we repeated together. We were opening our heart chakras to "uplift ourselves
beyond the human experience."
For many, the experience of the workshop, was joyful but also embarrassing. There we were clapping on our thighs and knees to
remove toxins and stored pain from the body. There we were making strange childish faces as we pronounced simple sounds like
"aah."
Once we got past the embarrassment we found feelings of being grounded, alive, authentic, uninhibited. In facing each other, Once we got past the embarrassment we found feelings of being grounded, alive, authentic, uninhibited. In facing each other, Once we got past the embarrassment we found feelings of being grounded, alive, authentic, uninhibited. In facing each other, Once we got past the embarrassment we found feelings of being grounded, alive, authentic, uninhibited. In facing each other, in in in in
pairs, we reached a place of intimacy where masks could drop and many people in the workshop felt a natural urge to tell eachpairs, we reached a place of intimacy where masks could drop and many people in the workshop felt a natural urge to tell eachpairs, we reached a place of intimacy where masks could drop and many people in the workshop felt a natural urge to tell eachpairs, we reached a place of intimacy where masks could drop and many people in the workshop felt a natural urge to tell each
other "I love you." other "I love you." other "I love you." other "I love you."
Teaching yoga since 1999 in the USA and internationally, SiriOm, seems to be on a mission to help people know their true
selves. "So often in life we are given mirrors - in the beginning they come as our parents, telling us how we should be. But our
parents are just a springboard, as adults we need to evolve into our own selves, " says SiriOm.
Though SiriOm knows it takes courage to be who we really are, sound is what he believes can help us to know ourselves. "We all
have our own vibration. Our task is to learn how to listen to that vibration." Even a simple hum, which vibrates vital structures in
Photo by Zeev Nitzan Ginsburgh
Once we connect to our authentic self, which SiriOm says, lives just below the navel,
we automatically connect to our curious, playful, uninhibited 'child within.'
Discovering the child within his adult body, was the key spiritual defining moment
for SiriOm, "to surrender myself...to let love come in and love go out."
And it was like children that we clapped, sang and revealed how we were feeling in
the workshop. At one point, drowned in the sound of thirty people chanting, I really
let go - 'aahing' and 'eehing' with all my vocal power.
And how did I feel? Totally connected to the moment, without a mindfull of thoughts
and intimately connected to my partner in the group and the group itself.
Feeling the support of others is important to SiriOm's work and it is exemplified in Feeling the support of others is important to SiriOm's work and it is exemplified in Feeling the support of others is important to SiriOm's work and it is exemplified in Feeling the support of others is important to SiriOm's work and it is exemplified in
the kirtan evenings that he leads. the kirtan evenings that he leads. the kirtan evenings that he leads. the kirtan evenings that he leads.
Kirtan, traditionally used in India, is the art of devotional chanting. The leader
chants a phrase and the audience repeats it. It is a meditation with music and the
mantras used elevate, even transform the singers. At our workshop we chanted Sat
Nam (which means Truth is in Your Name) to increase self esteem and we sang
these words from Yogi Bhajan:
Travel the light
Spread the light
Be the light
Live light.
Any mantra, chant or prayer is a way to communicate with God, the Beloved, so says SiriOm. His favourite mantra is Wahe Guru
Wahe Jio which means 'Great beyond description are the blessings of his name.'
After the workshop, I asked SiriOm if he could have one wish what would it be and this is what he said; "For there to be peace on
earth in every crook and cranny - in every rock, tree, flower, man, woman, child and beast. That each one of us may be beings of
light, hugging heart to heart."
For more information about SiriOm's workshops and devotional events, visit http://www.bhaktihouse.org/ or email him or his wife,
Ayala Shimelman, at [email protected]
Travel The LightTravel The LightTravel The LightTravel The Light is SiriOm's inspiring new CD of heartfelt mantras which I recommend.
Essence Of Life online magazine, June 2007 http://www.eolife.org/article.php?aid=c7b17482dcf13a9a6b5701746357b131
Photo By Zeev Nitzan Ginsburgh
Song list: Song list: Song list: Song list:
Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo
Glory Hallelujah
Om Shanti
Travel The Light
Om Mani Padme Hum
Wahe Guru Wahe Jio
I am the light of my soul
We got work to do
Song list:Song list:Song list:Song list:
The Heart Song
Ek ong Kar
Aad Gurai Nameh
Sa Se So Hung
Say God
Guru Dev
Great Beyond Description
Ra Ma Da Sa
Anahat Groove
DISOGRAPHYDISOGRAPHYDISOGRAPHYDISOGRAPHY
Travel The Light 2006Travel The Light 2006Travel The Light 2006Travel The Light 2006
Guru Dev 2009Guru Dev 2009Guru Dev 2009Guru Dev 2009