Customer Reviews

Bali

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This musical compilation is a true feast for the senses. From the breathtaking cover photograph to the accompanying exotic incense sticks, this CD has become my favorite for a weekly ritual, home spa night. The combination of candles aflame, incense in the air, a warm bath, and the most beautiful, tranquil music transports me instantly to a serene and peaceful destination.

I've put off reviewing this album for too long. I've owned it for nearly a year now, and I still listen to it in sheer awe.

So many albums promising a relaxing atmosphere end up falling through with blatant repitition, quirky sound effects, nature sounds that absolutely drown out the music, or an overall lack of substance. Jalan Jalan's "Bali" is absolutely not one that falls prey to such trivial discord.

"Jalan Jalan" means "to walk" in Indonesian, and I would travel with this music anytime. "Ocean Blue" and "Water Garden" in particular give me visions of walking on sunset beaches in Bali. "Sun-set" tends to give me the feeling of walking down the stairs from a temple, high in the mountains of Japan as waterfalls cascade down around me.

However, the stand out track of the whole album requires absolutely no movement at all. "Firefly Sanctuary" will probably remain among my all-time favorite songs for quite a long time with its gentle rhythms alternating between flute and gamelan, backed by a soft synthesized harmony. Take the eight minutes and set them aside to listen to this song in the quiet darkness. If you're like me, you can see the fireflies dancing among the trees as you swing in a hammock with your significant other at your side.

If I could give this album more than 5 stars, I would. If you need to relax, you need this album.

As a yoga teacher, I'm always on the lookout for appropriate, soothing music with a touch of the mysterious East. I purchased Bali to use in my classes. I personally love it and it is also a hit with my students, who often ask what is is, who it is by, etc. I enjoy the soothing quality and musicality of the CD so much I enjoy listening to it even when I'm not doing yoga. Since I'm generally a jazz fan, that's saying a lot.

This recording takes me where I want to be. Incredibly beautiful. I just put it on continuous play and listen for hours. If Bali is anything like the way this sounds, I want to go there forever. In the meantime, this CD makes me feel like I am walking along the beach, or making a dreamy meditative pilgrimage. Just enough subtle background vocals, and delicate touch on all the insturments. Nothing jarring on this musical journey.

wow! i bought this CD on amazon.com's recommendation... and it is wonderful! the soothing sounds, the esoteric ambience, the mellow flute...they combine to bring the listener into a floating wonderland!

thanks, amazon, for the recommendation! i'm telling all my friends about it.

This is one of those quietly dreamy albums you put on for study or meditation. I like to write to it, as well. The gamelan is used as an ornament here, but it is played with the slowly hypnotic arpeggios that are used in traditional Balinese and Javanese sacred music. It'll stick in your head and follow you around. The incense sticks were a nice touch. I'll definitely get the next one!

As a huge consumer of REAL ambient music (you know, minimalist, space music, new age, buddhist stuff--not the trip-hop crap that touts itself under that category) this is one of my most prized possessions. If you're a fan of transoceanic, 2002, Constance Demby, or any of the other ambient gurus, THIS is the CD to buy. (You gotta love the incense sticks that come packaged within the spine of the CD case--better buy it new to get these.)

this ,needless to say,is one of my favorite "relax"cds out of my collection of nearly 900 discs.it ranks right up there with shrin terrai,aphex twin's ambient cd,buckethead's "colma","electric tears",and death cube k albums,robert rich,and steve roach.if any of these rings a pleasent tone to you,get "bali" by all means!!!
ps:this music will help you save $-you'll never need sleeping pills again!

Way too many of these disks that claim they are soothing or relaxing seem to have been created only to ruin your mood. You'll be relaxing with your lover and feeling the warmth between your bodies - and BLAM - CLanK - BUMP. Just as things get nice - they take a jarring turn for the worse with silly noises or voices. Every other relaxing CD I have bought or sampled has had one of these disturbing moments. _____NOT "BALI"_____ This CD is the most impressive relaxing CD I have heard. No sudden jerky movements, no silly sounds of any kind. The only problem you will have with this CD is that everybody and anybody (even punks, electroheads, metalheads, and hip hoppers) will want to borrow it. A relax classic!

It is wonderful dreaming, imagining, loving, inspiring, creating music for me. As an artist, I look for sounds that help me create, and this music is profound for me.