The Prayer Cycle

This is a great collection of songs with a consistent tone that allow you to get into a deep, relaxed state. Highly recommend it.

If you like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and I do you, might like this too!

This CD is one I put on when I want to hear beauty and relax. It is great at work when you are working intensely on something or have a deadline! My co-workers laugh because I slide my headphones on and say "I am going to my happy place."

The only "weak" track on Jonathan Elias' The Prayer Cycle is "Grace," featuring John Williams and James Taylor. And I put the word "weak" in quotation marks because where the other eight tracks are transcending, atmospheric and, of course, godly, "Grace" remains earthbound by it's folksy, Renaissance melody. (It's as if Williams and Taylor were channelling deceased English singer-songwriter/musician Nick Drake.) One could argue, however, that "Grace" is a refreshing break from the lush orchestra and passionate wailing throughout, in which case, at track number five, it is perfectly placed in the middle of the epic arrangements. In any case that is a minor quibble for an album that is near glorious and comes highly recommended.

...a very few meaningful words are added to enhance the sound and voice on this eloquent and moving gift of music. It has become my favorite disc to share as a gift of love with friends and colleagues.