Customer Reviews

Global Fusion

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

i only write reviews when i'm especially moved by something or i read comments that i just can't understand. like comparing this album to the asian underground sound. i listen to a lot of musical styles, a fair amount of which is "world" and "global fusion," and this album is a 5-star standout by any musical measuring stick.

the so-called asian underground (talvin singh, joi, badmarsh & shri, etc.) -- which i also enjoy -- still pales when compared to subramaniam's violin virtuosity, expert arrangements and talented contributors. there is no trace of dissonance or lack of cohesion here. there is no effort made to convince the listener that the artists are experts at playing and merging a diverse range of sounds; indeed, their expertise shines through most in the feeling of effortlessness the music evokes. simply put, this is the sound of talented artists creating original, expressive, blissful music that transcends national boundaries and musical labels. and that's music at its very best.

the asian underground is a style unto itself, and this album isn't in that category. if you want dope beats and big basslines wedged under your oriental instruments, you might want to try some of the aforementioned names or branch out to banco de gaia, dj cheb i sabbah and thievery corp's latest - all great examples of that range.

but if you're open to something a bit more satisfying and stirring, if you want an album that can transport you to imaginary places in the world other than the dancefloor, open your ears wide to this.

the fact that subramaniam's been making this music longer than most current fusion groups have been walking ought to tell you something, but why should you be told? listen to the music and feel it for yourself! enjoy!

I am not an expert by any means in fusion music. In fact, I have only recently taken an interest in this type of music. However, at a friend's request I listened to this CD. Three days later, I bought it. Being a novice in this field, I may not be able to pick up on all the technical aspects of the music, but I can say it is an absolute joy to listen to this CD. Not to take anything away from the last three tracks, but the first two tracks are more than enough to make this a great album. I would recommend it to anyone who just wants to listen to great music.

Global Fusion is truly that - not just East meets West but also East (India) meets Far East (Japan and China). L. Subramaniam and his collaborators prove themselves adept at mastering a diverse range of styles and blending them skillfully. The music ranges from energetic pieces that will have you nodding your head and tapping your toes to dreamy, lyrical pieces that unfold slowly and carry you away. Most of the pieces are quite long (10 minutes or more) so the short clips here do not do them justice. But if you're looking for a musical adventure and the reviews sound appealing, give it a try.

First of all i am not an authority to review a piece of the Maestro. Just a feedback of my listening experience....the opening track is amazing, and transports one to another world...there is a slow mellow down of the fusion, and then the fusion emerges again...a very good blend of music. However, i personally expected some more of "global fusion". For an L Subramaniam fan, this a good album to keep.

Charming, and totally disarming, Dr Subramaniam conquers the world with his work, and his Violin. A must-have. The tracks are exotic, but not for the sake of being so - they truly unify the World's diverse musicform, with their inherent limitations, which could also be their charm. For example, Jai Hanuman is a brisk, fast-paced chant of the Monkey Tribe from Bali, Indonesia. To listen to it is to get absorbed and transported to the deep jungles of Indonesia! And Blue Lotus could almost be termed 'exquisite' without it sounding like a tired cliche - one should listen to the track to believe the micro-tonal quality of the performances. The use of "foreign" instruments in a mainly India-themed collection actually intrigues the senses, and satisfies the most demanding of listeners. Purists may cringe, but who cares!

This is a pretty mellow outing, like much of the music in L Subramaniam's catalog. The music is soothing and melodic, but it never burns.

I listen to a lot of global fusion and enjoy the new sounds that are unleashed when musical traditions collide. Although there is a good bit of fusion here, it never ploughs new ground.

Blue Lotus is the one standout track. Harmony of Hearts, which could have been lifted from a Bollywood soundtrack, is the low point.

L. Subramanian plays the violin in a sitting position -- as it appears from the CD Jacket. Yet his music levitates you beyond your physical senses. Words cannot describe the sensation but the music will. A great ensemble of great masters from around the world, thus the title "Global Fusion". This CD is by far one of the best around. If you like music, you love this CD.

If have the HDCD version of this album and seriously the Jai Hanuman rocks. This is one another marvel not just for Carnatic/Indian music but for world music.

If Miles Davis would have lived long enough I am sure he would have elected to play alongside Dr Subramaniam.

Splendid and magnificent must have collection for every jazz and Indian music lover.

I first became of Dr. Subramaniam from his performance on "Shanti - Peace - Paz", the last song on Stanley Clarke's "1,2 to the Bass" CD. That is my favorite song on that CD and is the perfect blend of Jazz Fusion and Indian violin.

"Global Fusion" fuses Indian Violin with music from various parts of the world. Every piece is pure soul music. Just close eyes, open your ears, and enjoy.

This is our very favorite album by Subramanian. We carry it in the car on trips and love the glorious sound and feelings it provides. We know you are going to love it if you want that international feel.