Baird Hersey & Prana's Page

Prana is a Sanskrit word meaning: breath, vital energy, life force. It is also an overtone singing choir comprised of professional singers. PRANA, was formed by Baird Hersey in 2000 to breathe life into the music from his "Waking the Cobra" CD.

From 2005 to 2008 Prana performed regularly with Krishna Das. The evenings began with the group performing. Then KD joined them to sing several of his chants over Baird's a cappella arrangements for the voices of Prana. (SEE VIDEOS) This collaboration was the starting point for their new CD "Gathering In The Light", which features Krishna Das singing seven of his most beloved chants supported by Prana.

Baird and PRANA have performed at a Benefit for The Dalai Lama Foundation, and Omega Institute's "Ecstatic Chant Retreat". They have opened for Philip Glass and performed as a part of the "Gatherings", "Tibet House", Menla", "One Voice", "Woodstock Cycle" concerts series, "The CSO Tsunami Relief Benefit" and many local benefits as well Yoga studios an colleges across the country.

Prana has had the honor of giving a personal performance for Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and four pieces from "Waking the Cobra" were used as part of "Live! Light on Life" a performance for BKS Iyengar at City Center in New York City.

In 2005 Prana's "The Eternal Embrace" was featured in its entirety for the whole hour of "Hearts of Space", which airs on more than 230 NPR stations.

As individuals, the members of PRANA have recorded and performed with James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, The Talking Heads, Dr. John, Todd Rundgren, John Sebastian, Krishna Das, Steve Smith (Journey), Doane Perry (Jethro Tull), Graham Parker, Aine Minogue, Maria Muldaur, Barrie Maguire (the Wall flowers), Wah!, David Hykes, Every Mother's Son, Livingston Taylor, The Fugs, Orleans, Peter Yarrow, Tiny Tim, Rick Danko, Leon Russell, and Jorma Kaukonen.

Emails about Baird Hersey & Prana's performances and new CD releases? Go to: PRANA'S EMAIL LIST

We are also on FACEBOOK. Come say hello.

To buy CDs & Downloads:

"Gathering In The Light"
iTunes
Amazon
Prana's Website
Krishna Das' Website

"The Eternal Embrace"
iTunes
Amazon
Prana's Website

"Waking The Cobra"
iTunes
Amazon




The singers of PRANA are; Peter Buettner, Amy Fradon, Kirsti Gholson, Julie Last, Bruce Milner, Julian Lines, Leslie Ritter, Joe Veillette. They are all recognized performers in their own right who join together in PRANA to sing this remarkable music.

Baird Hersey is a National Endowment for the Arts Composition Fellow. His diverse career has encompassed; commissions from Harvard University, New Mexico Council for the Arts, The Brooklyn Bridge Centennial Sound and Light Spectacular, The HVP Symphony Orchestra, and performances throughout the US and Europe in such different setting as the Berlin Jazz Festival and MTV. Hersey has recorded 10 albums under his own name for Arista, Buddha, and Bent Records. He has also composed extensively for television.

Baird has recorded or performed with Krishna Das, Wah!, Aine Minogue, Steve Smith (Journey), Doane Perry (Jethro Tull), Graham Parker, and David Nichtern. He has been a student of yoga and overtone singing since 1988. He has studied with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore India and with The Gyuto Monks.