Jai Uttal's absorbing chant music gets a fresh burst of musical power thanks to Rara Avis and the Shaman's Dream ensemble. Dial M for Mantra is an album of re-interpretations of Jai Uttal's renowned kirtan singing. To start with, Avis and company re-imagined the beat structure for the songs on Dial M for Mantra, replacing tabla rhythms with electronic, ethno-techno beats. Next, the synth ambience was increased, with chillout elements and east-meets-west instrumentation suspended in deep atmosphere. Uttal's chanting is still a central focus, and is a surprisingly intrinsic fit for the electrified backdrop on Dial M for Mantra. The beats are in the mid-tempo range, and there's just enough of the original instrumentation present to maintain the Asian flavors of the original pieces. Dial M for Mantra is a great album for Uttal fans looking for something unique.-

• Dial M for Mantra is Jai Uttal's fresh burst of musical kirtan power.
• Jai Uttal is a true Kirtan master.