Deja-Blues

Steven Halpern | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 12, 2000)
• Original Release Date: September 12, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Inner Peace Music
• ASIN: B00004WKBU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #185,028 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #43 in Music > Indie Music > Miscellaneous > Self-Help

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Déjà-Blues is Steve Halpern's reinterpretation of one of his own recordings, 1978's Hear to Eternity. Altered slightly (via additional instrumentation, including Halpern recording bass tracks for the first time in two decades), the new version amplifies what Halpern calls the "world fusion" vibe of the original and delivers a satisfying, globally accented soundtrack for meditation and moments of trance dance. Though at times the bass parts lapse into predictability, the glowing "In the Hall of Records" can summon thoughts of Patrick O'Hearn, and the soulful, wordless vocalizing of guest Melissa Phillippe, a modern-day addition, gives the title track a sensual, Pink Floyd-like aura. Flutes and percussion, along with Phillippe's voice, are the chief modifications to the original recording, and the ethereal bamboo flute passages from Schawkie Roth that float across the stilled waters of "Blues by the Ganges" can quiet the soul. Halpern, a one-man New Age music factory, sometimes presents his faithful with some thinly developed musical notions. Not this time. While not a classic, this remake offers an attractive option to those who prefer hints of rhythm in their meditation music. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Yoga and Massage music I've heard., November 21, 2003

By 

Raheim Baltazar (West Hills, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Deja-Blues (Audio CD)

This was played a couple of times in a class and I fell in good love with it. I love the flute and the eastern tone of drums that revolves throughout the whole CD. Not only that, but the consistency of the song that varies from one track to another keeps the listener at pace. I'm not a fan of CD's where someone vocals and sings a song with words, even if it is nice, peaceful and cool. This is all instrumental, with NO words, perhaps only the "humming", but even then it goes great with it. Perfect music to help you relax or when reading.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Really excellent ensemble music, October 30, 2000

By 

Guardian of the Zen Sea "Indigo" (Looking after the sun and surf) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Deja-Blues (Audio CD)

Often Steve Halpern creates lovely solo music for relaxation and healing. Seeveral of his more recent releases included collaborations with individual musicians, and were equally successful, healing sounds. This CD includes an ensemble of incredible musical talent to complement that of Mr. Halpern. The musicians include: Schwake Roth, bamboo flute; Melissa Phillipe vocals; Mark Bell, dumbek and zarb (drums); Marc Van Wageningen, electric bass; Ian Dongle, udu and shaker; Victor Spiegal, dumbek and cymbals; Paul Horn, solo flute; and Richard Horowitz, ney. Right off the bat you get the idea that the music is very full and rich with extra percussion and interesting additions on woodwinds and vocals. The sum is definitely greater than the individual players on this CD. The added musical contributions bring a satisfying quality to the overall fullness of the pieces which really enhances the mood and the music. I enjoy Halpern's other music, especially as a one-on-one experience. This CD goes beyond that introspective, singular feeling, creating music that begs to be experienced by everyone--all at once. I hope that this is trend for some of Halpern's future releases! This is one of the best ever CDs from Inner Peace Music.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New Age electronica skillfully weaves Eastern moods, October 8, 2000

By 

Brett Cooper "Catholic teacher, writer, dad, ... (Wheaton, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Deja-Blues (Audio CD)

I've sampled about 75% of the tracks on this CD at a listening station at Tower Records. This album reminds me of Sacred Spirits by Yeha-Noha, which took authentic and plaintive American Indian vocals and set them to a mellow ebb and flow of new age electronic strings and synths atop soothing percussion. On Deja-Blues the theme is Egyptian (?). I don't know exactly how to describe it. Like the CD says, it makes you think of pyramids and deserts, but perhaps at night or deep inside the pyramid, not out in the scorching sunlight. The electronica elements are more varied and textured than Sacred Spirits, yet without being obtrusive or distracting from the hypnotic quality of the tunes. This is intelligent music which fans of strict electronica may think too new-agey. It's definitey not music for dancing. It's for dreaming.