For those not in the know, revered violin player and vocalist L. Shankar will release his latest album Chepleeri Dream this July 31st, 2020 via Cleopatra Records.

Featuring a host of groundbreaking artists such as guest performances by Korn's Jonathan Davis, Tony Levin, Scott Page of Supertramp & Pink Floyd, Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins, Norwood Fisher of Fishbone, and others, Chepleeri Dream is already destined to become one of the go-to albums of 2002!

Lakshminarayana Shankar, professionally known as L. Shankar, is widely considered a living legend, a pioneer, and a musical genius who has collaborated with giants such as Frank Zappa, Peter Gabriel, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna and many, many more.

His solo albums have always drawn not only enormous interest from fans and critics alike but also showcase the collaborative spirit that is integral to Shankar’s art.

Musicians, singers, visionaries, both known and obscure, have all come to pay tribute to this uniquely talented musician and perhaps even find new inspiration for themselves by performing on his recordings.

1. 'In My Heart'
2. 'Faith'
3. 'Spreading All Over'
4. 'Can’t Wait'
5. 'Chepleeri Dream'
6. 'Suppose'
7. 'Knowing You'
8. 'Ocean Waves'
9. 'New World'
10. 'Patience'
11. 'Emotions'

That tradition continues on Shankar’s new single, and opening track 'In My Heart.' The song’s meditative pace sets the perfect vibe for Shankar’s mantra-like melodic lyrics, whilst Jonathan Davis' vocals have never been so calming as they are here on this wondrous spiritual journey.

Next up is the invigorative arrangements found within 'Faith' (which itself comes with a lovely sax moment), Tony Levin's bass-led 'Spreading All Over' (which also includes some poignant violin playing), and then both the, at times, psychedelic rock of 'Can’t Wait' and the world music vibe of the title track itself.

We then get treated to some prog rock on both the vibrantly excellent, and stand out track for me, 'Suppose' and then 'Knowing You,' with the acoustic guitar, building-to-rock arrangement of the pliable 'Ocean Waves' up next.

This quite unique and wholly emotively spiritual album then rounds out with the Mike Oldfieldesque ambiance of 'New World,' more prog rock on 'Patience,' and comes to a righteous close on the trippy dreamscape mood of 'Emotions.'

“I was so inspired to work on this album and to have many great musicians involved with this project," Shankar says. "The songs reflect upon my experience living at Chepleeri Temple in Kerala when there was a major disaster, floods which destroyed Kerala and I had to over come all the obstacles to get this project finished."

"It was truly a challenge and I love challenges. It gives me strength." Chepleeri Dream is also available as a limited edition RED vinyl!

Official CD Purchase Link

Official RED vinyl Purchase Link

www.lshankar.com

www.cleorecs.com

L. Shankar @ Facebook