Eastern Odyssey

Various Artists (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 16, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Narada
• ASIN: B0000C3I8Q
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #306,388 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

2. Nada Brahma (Sound Is Divine) [Indipop Edit]

3. Form 3

4. Refuge

5. Evanescent

6. Roots and Wings [Original Madras Mix]

7. Mamavatu

8. Amba

9. A Walk By the Lake

Disc: 2

1. Raqs

2. Dadash

3. Incantation

4. In the Garden of Souls

5. Through the Shadows, Pt. 2

6. Seven Heaven

7. Maya [Fidel Mix]

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A double CD set with some gems, but uneven in quality, October 9, 2003

By 

Joanna Daneman (Middletown, DE USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Eastern Odyssey (Audio CD)

There is some lovely stuff here by Sheila Chandra (Monsoon Wedding) such as Rags from her "Nada Brahma" album, and the very wonderful "Roots and Wings" from the same album. But the rest of the CD is not always up to this quality, including the opening cut "Shanti, Shanti, Shanti" (Chandra) which is rather dull.

Still, I enjoyed a lot of the album, filled with songs by Axiom of Choice, Susheela Raman, Greg Ellis and Vas. I think this could have been a single CD album and been a bit better, but if you love Chandra and Axiom of Choice, you will probably enjoy this--and if you don't have "Roots and Wings" already, this is a nice way to have it along with Rags. The reason it's a double CD is to showcase more artists in the sampler, but I find it didn't quite work for me; I have to pick and choose what I want to hear on this album.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Modern Eastern/ Indian Compositions with Hints of the Past, November 11, 2003

By 

Erika Borsos "pepper flower" (Gulf Coast of FL, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Eastern Odyssey (Audio CD)

This 2 CD set by Narada captures the essence of modern Eastern and Indian music by singers, composers, and musicians who have mastered their art based on traditions of the past. I have seen Sheila Chandra's CDs in music stores but never heard her sing - until now. The selections on this CD demonstrate how she explores new avenues in chanting and vocalizing while hinting at ancient rhythms. My favorite vocalist on this CD is Azam Ali, whose beautiful voice creates spine-tingling sensations. Her voice is awe-inspiring. In "A Garden of Souls", she and Greg Ellis, (who form Vas") create reverent and at times haunting music through her voice and traditional instruments.

Another favorite group on this CD is "Axiom of Choice" who produce Persian style music, with percussion and stringed instruments. Omar Faruk Tekbelik fuses Middle Eastern, Egyptian and Turkish music on diverse instruments from these regions. I was unfamiliar with the Dhol Foundation and Jesse Cook but have learned to appreciate the intense beat, unusual rhythm and energetic spirit created by these musicians. In some ways they are worlds apart... the Dhol Foundation has a strong Indian spirit while Jesse Cook adds rumba and flamenco flavors to a Middle Eastern accented style. They both explore musical boundaries with pleasant and delightful results.

The voice of Susheela Raman was the biggest surprise on this CD. She has a bold, sensuous and passionate voice, yet, at the same time, she sounds sensitive and nostalgic. My favorite track of hers, is "Maya". I recommend this CD with the caveat, do not expect meditative, introspective music. Most of it is intense, highly spirited and energetic. This CD is a dynamic, exciting adventure in listening pleasure. Erika Borsos (erikab93)