Customer Reviews

Cafe De Luna

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

 

 

Sequoia Records is shaping out to be one of the finer labels for music that's sure to entrance and relax you. They put together some of the best compilations and 'Cafe De Luna 1' (there's also a volume 2 now available) is an excellent collection of downtempo world-grooves that are just as good, if not better, than anything I've yet to hear from the Buddah-Bar Lounge or the Cafe Del Mar series, which is saying a lot. There's a wide range of musical styles here that are sure to please just about any ambient-chillout seeker but my one and only gripe is, as lovely as all the melodies are, they tend to sound repetitious at times and I enjoy music that is ever-changing and unpredictable so for that I drop a star. However, the album as a whole is very consistent and I don't find myself skipping tracks like a do with other, similar collections. When I listen to this specific genre I prefer to become immersed in a sea of tranquility, if you will, and I want that uninterrupted. 'Cafe De Luna' does that for me and the rhythms blend and interweave practically unnoticed so that is a definite plus.

I have a huge collection of chill-out compilations, but this one which is put together by David & Steve Gordon, who also created the wonderful Buddha-Lounge series, is absolutely exceptional. The CD starts out right in the cool downtempo-world groove and stays there throughout, without any inferior tracks to interrupt the mood. You can play this entire CD and rest assured that the atmosphere will stay right where you want it. There are many great exotic world-trance tracks from European artists which stand out from the crowd of the chill-out compilations I have heard. This is world downtempo the way it is meant to be - good to the last track.

This is the third and latest release from Sequoia records chill-out focussed sub-label, Sequoia Groove, which recently released Buddha Lounge 2, the follow up to the 2002 precursor of the same name, compiled by World Beat music purveryor Steve Gordon. This new downtempo release is a departure from the Buddha-Lounge series offering a distinctively European flair from well known artists from Sequoia Gooves' other releases as well as several new artists I had never heard before. My favorite tracks are from Eroc & Urs Fuchs entitled Aqua Acclivis as well as David & Steve Gordon's inspiring Guardian Spirit (Club Mix) and Opera to Relax's Soul Spaces the last track on the disc. Steve Gordon has done an exceptional job in fusing the downtempo chillout electonica vibe with a distinctive spirtual flavor that blends the best of the Chillout and World Beat genres into a teriffic ecclectic mix. Your ears will savor the great relaxing international flavors. Really unique & exceptional !

When I first played the CD I wasn't sure that I liked all of it. As I continued to play it at work, in the car etc. it seemed to calm my inner
spirit. For a reason I couldn't explain I found myself playing it alot, this music speaks to me on a deep level. I find myself returning to the CD again and again when I am in need of serenity. I have alot of new age/jazz selections. I highly recommend this one, but give it a chance, don't judge it by the first listen. My coworkers request it often.

The richness of these indeginous world sounds over the smooth electronica are really amazing. I love ethnic fusion music and have to say this is top notch. A real delight. Keep em coming!! PS, check out Café de Luna, Vol. 2: Mediterranean Chill as well, it's just as tasty.

I would love to review this item but I have not received it yet. Perhaps you could email me when I am due to get it, or if this is an electronic message it may not get seen by a human!!