Maarifa Street: Magic Realism, Vol. 2

Jon Hassell (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 17, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Nyen
• ASIN: B0007N4J84
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #165,608 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jon Hassell - Cultural Treasure, September 15, 2005

By 

C. Douglas Craft "Artist and Scientist" (Lakewood, CO United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Maarifa Street: Magic Realism, Vol. 2 (Audio CD)

I have been a fan of Jon Hassell since the 70s and think he is one of the most creative musical voices our country has produced. He plays trumpet - but in a trance-inducing style that combines elements of Indian classical music, third-world percussion, electronic signal processing, and looping - to create a totally unique style. This music is for anyone who loves creative and unique music that is well crafted and contemplative. However, if you prefer pop or vocal music, this album is probably not your cup of tea.

I love this album and have listened to it many times - so it has "legs" and bears repeated listening - like all of Hassell's catalog. It has similarities to his previous work with Bluescreen, "Dressing for Pleasure" and his earlier trance and magic realism albums. I think it ranks with Hassell's best work and represents an interesting approach that augments and morphs live performances into new compositions. If you are looking for a creative music that touches the soul, you should definitely give Jon Hassell a listen.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Looking Back..., October 10, 2005

By 

P. King (Montclair, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Maarifa Street: Magic Realism, Vol. 2 (Audio CD)

What a way to mix the new and newer-not a retrospective, but it could certainly serve as such. Perhaps also a way to introduce Jon Hassell to the unititiated. As can be said of all his work, Maarifa Street: Magic Realism, Vol. 2 is highly recommended.
After 30 years and just a handful of recordings, this man is a giant of modern music and still a secret at the same time. Unless one hears a soundtrack or some theme music, his sound never reaches the ears of the greater public. One wonders why he has spawned no other composers or bands who are directly influenced by his work. Perhaps it is time...

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not his best but unique sound, August 28, 2005

By 

Marco Bortoletto (Italy) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maarifa Street: Magic Realism, Vol. 2 (Audio CD)

In his long career Hassell has created a very personal sound, not only with his trumpet but with all his ensembles that he bring in the direction he likes. Maybe this is not one of his best CD but in few seconds you can easily recognize his music that is different from any other musician. While other similar artists like Eno are making musical flops (listen to Another Day...) Hassell continues his artistic journey with no compromises and we are grateful to him.