Can you say “Ohm” threes times please? The word, or should I say the sound “Ohm” is the universal sound of God and you must chant it three times to strengthen your connection to the Universe. All sound echoes into space forever, and Sedona’s own Amitabha does this splendidly.

I first encountered Amitabha while dining at a restaurant in Jerome–as you recall tables moved and red shoes started “kicking.” I also accepted an invitation last summer to see Amitabha perform at The Olde Sedona Bar and Grill where the band brought the house down, baby! So I had to go see if my buddies are still bringing in the universal funk that I so love to get down with–and are they ever! I also wanted to see if body surfing could be supported in the intimate, industrial setting of the Oak Creek Brewery and it can–if I was 20 pounds lighter.

I asked Robert (Wing) Ryan and his better half, Laurie, to describe the sound and philosophy of Amitabha and this is what they had to say:

“Sedona’s Own… AMITABHA! A powerhouse band of well known local favorites representing a variety of cultures, backgrounds and influences speaking the global language of music. Group includes Leah Lemat-spoken word/sm percussion/keyboard, Ayande Andre-percussion, Keith Kavisic-vocals/guitar/didg, Robert (Wing) Ryan-drums, Terry Bryant-vocals/guitar/percussion, Joshua James-lead guitar and sitting in on bass the incomparable Linzi Kat. This unique ensemble performing mostly original music has placed it’s focus on developing it’s own signature sound, bringing together spiritually conscious messages with a world beat blend of tribal rhythm, reggae, alternative, spoken word, trance-dance and free style improvisation. The band has a full sound of upbeat rhythms, lyrics and percussion that moves the mind and the body. The music is high vibrational, vocals are beautiful and soulful, sharing the groups message of universal love and oneness Amitabha, pronounced AH MEE TAH BAH, is the name of the Buddha of Infinite Light-The Vehicle of Transformation. Courtesy of: Robert Ryan-Wing and N. Laurie.

Whoo….they said it much better than I can, but I still have to put in my two cents. For me, Amitabha gets into your body and soul. Amitabha is like the “Cirque De Soul” of music. Not only are they awesome to hear, but the visuals of everything Amitabha is a sight to see. It’s like a melting pot of musicians coming together as one. The audience is connected to them, and through them connected to the ONENESS of God.

SedonaEye.com contributing writer, Hollywood Jim, and fan

Okay, way spiritual right? Yes, but to the average music lover such as myself, Amitabha gets my body moving into that crowd of people getting down to the funk that this East coast kid knows very well. Yes, the message of Amitabha is there, but so are the beats.

IMG_0453 Amitabha band oak creek brewery movie  Amitabha’s following is as diverse as the band members themselves. I saw old hippies still grooving to the Age of Aquarius, business types, grandma and grandpa, publishers of newspapers, and of course, myself. I’ve seen Amitabha perform several times now and no show is ever the same, but one thing does remain constant and that’s the message of love your neighbor, connect to the Universe, and get your skinny butt out there and DANCE!

Wing on drums is off the chain! Keith on lead vocals is awesome, but wait until you hear that didg! Leah is a sweetheart and messenger from the Gods themselves with Terry on vocals/guitar/precussion a master. Ayande was born for those skins and Joshua James on lead guitar is in the zone. Linzi Kat on bass was perfect, and together they make Amitabha the world sensation they are becoming.

Check out Robert Ryan-Wing N Laurie on Facebook for upcoming events or as always visit me, Jim Hollywood, on Facebook. I can always get you what you need…son! Check out the SedonaEye.com Calendar of Events on this web site. Let me know of your next event at HollywoodJim@SedonaEye.com.