Keeping with a Tibetan theme to match James Hilton's book, and also to inject some Shangri-la spirituality into your life, this CD combines classic monastic Tibetan chants with the textured keyboards of French musician Jean-Phillip Rykiel to provide some musical depth. Lama Gyurme spent several years in both Tibet and France studying music and was awarded the honorific "Oumza" (Master of Music) by his sect for his achievements. Possessing a rich baritone, he leads us through a series of Buddhist chants and prayers, starting with "Rain of Blessings", moving through the centuries old "Offerings Chant" and a number of other traditional chants from high in the hal­lowed halls of Tibet's monasteries. Peaceful, meditative and re­laxing, this is the perfect antidote to a stressful day. Lie back, light those candles, and contemplate. You don't have to be new age to enjoy this, and we all need a bit of tranquility in our lives. Lama Gyurme delivers, and maybe it's the laid back approach that induces such serenity into Buddhism that makes monks of 250 years old look about 49. This is Shangri-La in a CD.

CE