Customer Reviews

Chateau Benares

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"Chateau Benares" is, by far, Sanjay's most cohesive and exploritory work yet and evokes past themes; themes which you'll recognize from previous compositions. But, as evident in "Mirror," these themes are much more finely developed and fully explored. Yup, that's DJ Logic on "Logical Journey," so don't expect any lightweight electronica here- or anywhere Sanjay slips easily into ambient. Mishra has always incorporated electronic elements into his work, and Logic's involvement mixing jazz (such as his remix of Red Norvo's "Night and Day") fits well into Mishra's inclusive, cross-cutting composition. "Since Then" is a fine example of the moving and spacey (yet emotional) writing in Sanjay's work while the classical guitar composition "Oriental" (which demonstrates methods Sanjay describes in his recent instructional book) is finely executed. Electronica artists should take a clue from "Loop4" and "Loop4 Alternate" as a way to get a truely organic feel - Sanjay incorporates traditional Indian music styles in the composition of his pieces- not just adding a sitar as a flourish while maintaining western 4/4 timing.

"A Different Morning" is a sonic fest- there's alot going on in here. "Raindrum" is, perhaps, closest to Sanjay's prior work but his sly use of electronics makes this entire album (with its clear, spaceous production) much closer to an ECM release. "Bells of Heaven Ring" starts at Roxy Music's "Avalon" and launches into dreaminess from there. But "The Gateless Gate" is one of the most interesting songs on the album. The groove Sanjay's band arrives at is... sweet, like the Grateful Dead could be at times. All of the impressions and memories "Chateau Benares" evoke are threads Sanjay weaves as he and his band expound into territories that seemlessly blend styles divided by geography, culture, and time.

National Public Radio has an interview with Sanjay Mishra that's worth checking out (Weekend Edition 11/19/06 by Andrea Seabrook). More importantly, this album is worth buying. It's Excellent.

I first heard this artist on a plane flying from Europe to the US and loved the piece they had on the audio program. So I ordered this CD and love it so much, I ordered another CD by this artist. It is the perfect background music while eating, relaxing etc. Very unusual style and beautifully done.

Sanjay Mishra makes wonderful music. I think he has topped himself with Camden Benares. Absolutely amazing! Highly recommended. Sure to please.

Excellent Music - one of the few CDs, I do not skip tracks. Starts out with almost a prayer like tune and evolves into a wonderful experience.

Music is beautiful and hypnotic. Listen or turn it on as ambient sound. Very impressed with his work.

Disappointing use of synthetic instruments and over dubs when Mishra's skill as a guitarist would have been perfect.