Larisa Stow & Gathering Guru, Explained
(Sort Of)
This morning, while in conversation at a local diner, I was asked a curious question. What musical genre does Larisa Stow & Gathering Guru fit into? My mind bolted and my eyes stared off into blankness, looking for a music category that would correspond. I couldn’t do it; they just don’t belong in one specific arena.
It was like asking me to explain Einstein’s theory of relativity in ten words or less. Sure, I could probably do it, but the nuance and subtleties would be lost. That, coupled with my ignorance of the level of understanding of my audience, could easily spin me into the fabric of misunderstanding, blank stares, and banishment from future conversation.
I described Larisa as best I could under the circumstances, on the fly, and I got away with it. But then I started pondering. So I went to a coffee shop, accessed the Internet and did some research (I know, I know… typical engineer…). So, what genre or genres can best describe this eclectic group of musicians?
Well, technically, they play Kirtan (pronounced ker-TAN) music, which I can best describe as call-and-response in Sanskrit. The call-and-response style creates a dialogue between Larisa and the audience, interlacing both in a common experience. It is frequently used to link audience with musician and musicians with one another in Gregorian Chant, Classical, Jazz, Pop, Country, Gospel, African, and every other music style you can think of.
Larisa weaves this call-and-response as a common thread connecting Eastern and Western thoughts, spiritualities, and languages into the warp of a tapestry of human life. She uses mantras, prayers, and emotions in brilliant and contrasting colors as the woof, creating a dazzling sensualism. The audience adds its vocal, spiritual, and energetic texture—creating the final product: Open, warm, personal, human connections.
So, what genre categorizes Larisa Stow & Gathering Guru? Well, it’s music that blankets your being. It’s spiritual, jazz, yoga, blues, and rock and roll, with a sprinkling of everything else. Imagine that favorite, warm, cozy quilt your grandmother made for you when you were born. Add a few mended and unmended rips, a few tears, a few stains, and a whole lot of love.
If you get a chance to see this Gathering Guru, go. Wear loose clothing and sandals. Go with an open mind and an open heart. Leave your old blanket at home; Larisa Stow & Gathering Guru will help you weave a new one.
For more on Larisa Stow & Gathering Guru, see their website.
