Music

Revered at European raves as a goddess, a force of nature and more, Roth is simply the only American woman creating authentic ambient-tribal music . . . and she's been doing it for more than 20 years. This seminal trance dance teacher, founder of New York City's Moving Center and author of the best-selling book, Maps to Ecstasy, has at last released the record we've all been waiting for: Zone Unknown. A consistently vigorous and highly energizing album of total movement music, it goes beyond her celebrated work with the Five Rhythms to a new dance dimension. Sweaty and seductive, tracks like "Jamu" and "Downtown" exhibit the urban sass of the lady herself, while "Buffalo Dream" captures her sense of fun. If you've seen the Endless Wave video, you know Roth can shake her booty with the best; now, she invites us to transcend earth-bound egos and trip the light fantastic. Accept the invitation and go, Go, GO!

Produced by Peter Kater, this is authentic world music in its purest form performed by some of the best soloists on the planet. From the contemplative musings of Japanese bamboo flute to the woody warmth and emotive phrasing of Native American flute, the players manage to embody both the soul and cultural characteristics of their chosen instrument so that we can appreciate the differences and celebrate the similarities between them. Hearing the sprightly sound of the South American quena, then the vivacious Celtic whistle, one is able to make the connection between the instruments and their circumstantial history. Essentially, no matter where you are, when the going gets tough, the tough step lively, usually accompanied by a sweetly-pitched tune. This cheerful sound inspires a universal response no matter what one's location or heritage, restoring heart and hope. Likewise, the more soothing strains of flutes from different continents may bespeak unique influences, but are equally peaceful and restive. While each solo is a gem on its own, such comparisons make this album a flute lover's dream-come-true.

Two ancient traditions of music and magic, ritual and inspiration meet for the first time as Eastern and Western harps coalesce with exceptionally liquid, electric guitar tones in a soothing sea of shimmering sound. Chen's newest and most intensely beautiful collection of instrumental textures showcases his dual virtuosity on Chinese harp and Fender Stratocaster in partnership with Celtic harpist Tina Tourin (Celestial Winds), Windham Hill harpist Lisa Franco, and chromatic hammer dulcimer maestro Michael Masley. The intricate interplay between nylon and steel strung harps floats effortlessly as dreamy string strains muse in mellifluous meditation. Occasional accents of ethnic hand drums enable us to peer over the edge of the sublime, giving us a glimpse of pure acoustic bliss! Continually tranquil yet not sleepy, these marvelous musical selections are arranged for massage use, relaxation and peaceful enjoyment. Every time the music plays, you'll hear something new and delightful!

Serene and natural "music" of the rainforest seamlessly flows through the subtle instrumental textures, sweet melodies and rhythmic celebrations of Tajalli and company on this wonderfully entrancing album. As soulful solo flute and wordless vocalizations by an enchanting deva spirit softly call, gentle rainfall purifies the listener while washing away stress. Emerging into a sun-kissed clearing, one savors the timeless cycle of life that has given birth to a dazzling variety of colorful blooms and mysterious animals. A peaceful patter of drums, sparkling chimes and light stroking of guitar strings introduces new revelations as the emerald green paradise embraces all. Highly suitable for massage, reverie and relaxation, this album captivates the consciousness completely as each of the ten sections dissolves into the next without break or silence for the entire 60-minute playing time. Note: part of the proceeds of this and other IN recordings are donated to rainforest preservation groups.

It is a rare thrill for me to be able to introduce a new composer whose debut CD compares favorably to the works of more mature keyboard artisans like David Arkenstone, Kevin Braheny and Richard Burmer. A child of the digital revolution, Giamo lets us peek into his "very safe and secret world" where crystalline sparkles flicker above luxurious swathes of satiny sound as warm, round-bodied piano phrases intermingle with sonorous strings and mellifluous recorder melodies. From the classical underpinnings of the optimistic title track to the positively angelic "Spiritus," the music softly flows with nary a break to interrupt the glorious reverie-inspiring journey. A soothing album of interesting music, each passage invites us onward to discover new joys and wonders drawn from the depths of imagination in concert with Giamo's uniquely magical musings.

One of the best introductions to Native American song, ever. A tribal member of the Standing Rock Lakota Nation, Bullhead preserves both his heritage and native tongue through the singing of these 14 sacred songs accompanied by traditional drumming. Those new to Native American music will appreciate that the comprehensive liner notes include a history and free translation of each song. The lyrics are printed in both Lakota and English so that those not of Lakota/Dakota lineage can raise their voice in prayer also. Bullhead learned many of these songs during sweat lodge ceremonies, so the overall tone of this album demands that listeners maintain reverence and a sincere heart. But with practice, a novice singer can begin to appreciate the subtle poetry of the Lakota language and become attuned to the rapid drumbeats so that the spoken words become alive and take flight.

A superb range of authentic natural sounds -- deep rolling thunder, flowing brooks and bright, melodious birdsong -- enhance this exceptional collection of Native American flute and drum music. Whether inspired by dense Eastern woodlands, sun-baked Southwestern plains or the stony beaches of the Pacific Northwest, there is a soulful, yearning quality to the music that crosses cultures and eons, elevating the heart. Huling intuitively captures the essence of each space by carefully selecting from among his large collection of flutes made from cane, cedar, walnut and redwood that single instrument which most honestly speaks with the voice of the land upon which he stands. His ability to tune into the very nature of a place guides the improvised performance, resulting in music that transcends mere entertainment to attain the heights of transcendent experience.

Encouraged by electronic music legend Wendy Carlos, Davidson has created the first, truly innovative Latin Mass in over two hundred years. Eschewing gothic pretensions, his riveting music is composed for startling arrangements of male and female ethereal voices singing traditional kyrie's, gloria's and domine's ad infinitum, translucent space music washes, grungy electric guitar flourishes, and intensely intimate hand drum rhythms. Sometimes the sound is so soft and cocooning that it positively nurtures before rising on a wave of intricate vocal duets to elevated new heights. "Laudamus te" is especially transcendent, as Afro-Cuban drumming sections provide spicy foundation for the Buddhist-influenced, repetitive chant harmonics of "We praise You. We bless You. We adore You. We glorify You." And this is only one stand-out track; aural adventurers will find deep soul satisfaction throughout this brilliant work.

If you're looking for a little night music, this refined, gentle and extremely inventive tapestry of music and nature sounds will hit the spot. Smooth, laid-back sonic textures ably support Tedder's contemplative flute and sax musings, but it is how he weaves natural percussion sounds by Florida pinewoods tree frogs, katydids and other amphibians with somber thundershower rhythms that is especially appealing. His whimsical interpretation of individual falling raindrops created by picking out single keyboard notes on "Serenade and Toad Tango in B Major" will bring a smile as midnight orchestral maneuvers are performed by the inhabitants of the Apalachicola National Forest and St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. This multi-section piece eventually evolves into a smooth jazz melody line that would make Kenny G. jealous, yet keeps true to its refreshing approach by concluding with rolling thunder accompanied by insect rhythm section. Fun, and good listening, too!

These twelve elegant, highly melodic piano pieces create a colorful musical journey through the natural year. Starting with a chorus of birds heralding the sun's rise on the first day of spring, "May Morning" uses light, rapid keyboard phrasing to evoke the joyous delight found in new green growth. Hushed and contemplative, still and stately, "October Farewell" pays homage to brown and yellow leaves floating on the surface of streams gone steely grey in anticipation of winter. By expressing the earth's subtle yet constant changes through tempos which warm and cool as the music plays, Sullivan's superb performances help us fall effortlessly into sync with the slowly evolving rhythms of land, sea and sky.

Submissions for review consideration may be sent to: PJ Birosik, MUSIK INTERNATIONAL CORP., 154 Betasso Road, Boulder, CO 80302-9606. Since 1977, Birosik has been a music industry consultant specializing in marketing, promotion, publicity and A&R/foreign licensing; she is a member of NARAS, NARM, NAIRD, CMC, IMA, and a past Board of Director of Los Angeles Women In Music who has been profiled in 11 international editions of Who's Who. Calls may be placed to her at (303) 444-9575 between 9:30am - 5pm MST regarding review criteria, consulting services for signed & unsigned musicians, and data list rentals.

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