Customer Reviews

Eastern Odyssey

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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.

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)