Ashé Records is proud to announce the release of A Better Way, an album of uncommon beauty and depth written by Portland-based singer/songwriter Anandi and arranged by keyboardist/programmer- and former Gino Vanelli bandleader- Greg Goebel.

Goebel’s arrangements surround Anandi’s clear and soulful voice in this collection of meaningful ballads, heartfelt anthems, passionate chants and contemplative soul. Anandi’s well-crafted songs contain a sense of wisdom and poetry rarely encountered in today's pop music and it is clear that she has been influenced by her life in yoga and meditation.

The title track, “A Better Way”, speaks to homelessness, poverty and the need to uplift those who suffer; on "Truth, Peace & Solitude" she rouses us to bring balance to our body, mind & soul; Mandela” praises a great leader and his vision. Other songs, such as “Don’t Go To Bed Angry”, “Surrender To Me” and “Pleasure With The Pain” speak to the complexity of love relationships.

With a name that means ‘bliss’ in Sanskrit one could easily infer that Anandi’s music would conjure up sounds and images of somnolent mellowness. On the contrary, Anandi’s songs have a strong sense of wakefulness, with poignant lyricism and melodic sophistication that invite multiple listens and sharing.

With a simultaneous career as a ‘real-deal’ jazz singer and a talented composer of beautiful songs with thoughtful lyrics this album should firmly establish Anandi as a major talent and an artist with much to offer.

Born in Los Angeles to a singer/songwriter and a jazz drummer Anandi was raised in Portland, Boulder, the Bay Area and New York ending up in Nova Scotia studying voice at St. Francis Xavier University.  After a stint working at Rounder Records in Boston and singing her original songs around Boston and New York City she moved back to Portland after bearing ‘live’ witness to the 9/11 attacks in downtown New York City.

After releasing three independent albums of original songs, she turned her attention to jazz, singing classic standards, inspired by the likes of Sarah Vaughn, Nancy Wilson, and Carmen McCrae.  She became a well-respected jazz singer in a jazz town, singing at venues like the legendary Jimmy Mack’s, the 1905, the Jack London Revue and the PDX Jazz Festival.  During this time, she released three jazz albums, all the while working as a music teacher and a yoga and meditation instructor while managing her boutique store, Karuna Contemplative Living.

Meanwhile, her original songs continued to attract interest.  One of her songs, “Enough Of You”, was used as background music on several YouTube videos, totally over 3 million hits.  Her song “Oregon” was considered for a tourism commercial.  Even as she developed her craft as a jazz artist her original songs continued to gain streams and fans, touching the hearts of many.

As Anandi says “Writing songs is a lot like raising a child.  The initial creation is spontaneous and wondrous.  The song is a part of you but then it goes out into the world and takes on a life of its own.  What then?  If each song is someone’s baby I only ask that each song be contemplated and cherished as an individual finding its way into the heart of the listener”.

Anandi first discovered producer Greg Goebel’s talents when she heard his song ‘Rainy City’ on Portland’s local jazz station and through his work as a producer and bandleader for the Portland-based superstar Gino Vanelli.  She soon became a fan and when Anandi and Greg found themselves running in the same Portland music circles it was inevitable that they would agree to collaborate, recording a three-song demo at Greg’s home studio just before Covid-19 sent the world into isolation.

Like so many other artists, the opportunity for introspection provided by the pandemic lockdown led to a surge of creativity and a reflection on Anandi’s life’s path. Newly inspired, she decided to resume her career as a singer/songwriter and to record a new album of original songs.  Committed to creating her next recording with Greg, what started as just a few tracks before the pandemic soon became a full album project.

Except for a guest appearance by tenor saxophonist Adrian Baxter on an upbeat version of Jim Pepper’s cult classic ‘Witchi-tai-to’ there are only two creators on “A Better Way” and the results are brilliant.

“Most of the songs you’ll hear on “A Better Way” live in the vast realm of the heart. How we act in relation to others.” reflects Anandi. “The countless misunderstandings & longings, the basic struggle of contacting love that can never be met until we can love ourselves. But, as in love, no song is possible without the letting go, which is why the opening track, “Truth, Peace & Solitude” is our guide. It says I will not be put in a box. It says relax and enjoy the journey. And that there is A Better Way.”

The album and video are currently available on all streaming and download outlets worldwide.