Chandrika Tandon releases new album, ‘Ammu’s Treasures’

Chandrika Tandon’s new album ‘Ammu’s Treasures’ offering what Grammy-nominated singer calls “a hug for the world!” Is set to be released by Soul Chants Music and distributed by Platoon on Sep 7.

Produced by Tandon with a stellar group of musical friends, the album offering what would become a boundary-breaking omnibus of 35 songs and 21 chants, defying traditional norms was recorded in September 2021, in the serene beauty of western Massachusetts.

To be released in time for Grandparents’ Day on Sep 10 in the US and for Janmashtami worldwide, Ammu’s Treasures will be available from Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, YouTube, and at www.chandrikatandon.com, according to a press release.

READ: Chandrika Tandon to release fifth album, ‘Ammu’s Treasures’, in September (July 27, 2023)

All proceeds will go to the Krishnamurthy Tandon Foundation to support emotional and economic well-being.

Guest artists include Béla Fleck, Kenny Werner, Eugene Friesen, Jamey Haddad, Romero Lubambo, Cyro Baptista, Michael Ward-Bergeman, Howard Levy, Maeve Gilchrist, Rakesh Chaurasia, Martin Bejerano, Purbayan Chatterjee, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, and more.

Production took place largely in New York studios and was led by John Kiehl, Scott Cannizzaro, Teese Gohl, and Mirek Vana.

“Ammu” is a delicious term of endearment used in many parts of India, meaning happiness, sweetness, and purity. Ammu is what Tandon’s grandchildren call her.

READ: Chandrika Tandon: I sang before I could speak (December 1, 2019)

Ammu’s Treasures, which began as a simple gift from a grandmother to her grandchildren, has become an expression of intergenerational love and wisdom for children and adults everywhere, as the release put it.

The songs and chants of Chandrika’s childhood served as inspiration for Ammu’s Treasures. Chandrika sings them often to her young grandchildren, who always clamor for more.

Ammu’s Treasures is “a curation of my memories,” says Chandrika, “and this music will connect with the memories of everyone who listens. It becomes a real bonding experience for families.”

The music in Ammu’s Treasures ranges from traditional folk tunes like “Molly Malone” to French chansons, to popular songs of the ‘50s and ‘60s like “(How Much) Is That Doggy in the Window?” and “Que Sera, Sera.”

“These songs speak of faraway places, in different genres and languages, with varied arrangements, and are meant for quiet times, happy times, or any time, for any age,” explains Chandrika.

Additionally, “To the Light” is a 26-minute meditative journey, comprising 21 ancient Vedic chants set to Indian scales, aimed to soothe and relax.

“I chose to release all this music as one giant treasury for people of all ages, all over the world,” says Chandrika.

“Why? Because I believe that exposing even very young children to an extensive palette of music will leave a long-lasting impact – just like hearing Mozart in the womb. More is indeed More!”

Ammu’s Treasures, is at once a simple gift to her grandchildren, a monumental sharing and expression of intergenerational love, and a hug for the world, the release states.

It uses songs in multiple languages, Vedic chants, and visual animations to help all ages feel the love, light, laughter that is Chandrika’s mantra.

Tandon is a globally recognized business leader and Grammy-nominated artist. As The New York Times wrote, Chandrika traveled an “unlikely path to become an internationally recognized Indian singer.”

Tandon chairs the Board of the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, named after her generous gift. She is a Trustee of New York University, a Trustee of NYU Langone Health, and a Board member of the NYU Stern School of Business.

She is a Harold Acton Fellow at NYU and a Sterling Fellow at Yale, where she serves on the President’s Council on International Activities.

Tandon has received the Gallatin Medal, (one of NYU’s highest honors), the Walter Nichols Medal for leadership and integrity, and the Polytechnic Medal recognizing her contribution to science and engineering.

She received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and was inducted into the Horatio Alger Society of Distinguished Americans and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She has been profiled on television, radio, and in print, including on CNBC’s The Brave Ones series.

Track List:
Ammu’s Songs
Children of the Stars
I Will Bring You Flowers
À La Claire Fontaine
Kookaburra
Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Ash Grove
Surangani
Wish You Could Be Here
Lemon Tree
Polly Von
You Are Old Father William
Que Sera Sera
Will You Walk A Little Faster?
Bye Bye Blackbird
Woodpecker’s Song
Sway
Wynken, Blynken, and Nod
Scarborough Fair
Miller of the Dee
On A Cool Summer Morning
Molly Malone
Vive La Compagnie
(How Much) Is that Doggy In the Window?
Listen to the Pouring Rain
Santa Lucia
Now’s The Time For Planting Seeds
Oh Dear! What Can the Matter Be?
Where Have All the Flowers Gone
Donna Donna
Edelweiss
Beautiful Dreamer
Au Clair de la Lune
There’s a Hole In My Bucket
Hush Little Baby
Que Sont Devenues Les Fleurs (Bonus Track)

Ammu’s Chants
Om Om Om
Vakra Tunda Mahaa Kaaya
Gurur Bramha Gurur Vishnu
Poojyaya Raghavendraya
Tryambakam Yajaamahe
Om Namashivaya
Vanamali Gadhi Shrangee
Om Namo Narayanaya
Sri Rama Rama Ramethi
Hare Rama Hare Krishna
Sarva Mangala Mangalye
Yaadevi Sarva Bhootheshu
Asato Maa Sad Gamaya
Om Bhoor Bhuvasvaha
Bhadram Karnebih
Poornamadhah Poornamidham
Sarvesham Swasthir Bhavathu
Shamno Mitrah
Sahana Vavatu
Lokha Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu
Om Jai Jagadeesh Hare

Album Details: Ammu’s Treasures
Release Date: Sep. 7, 2023
For all ages
Label: Soul Chants Music
Distributor: Platoon
Run Time: 137 minutes