Music

Ever wonder where the next generation of Yanni's and Enya's will come from? This column salutes the creative efforts of independent music companies, many of them artist owned. Some records include feature best-selling musicians who are already among your favorites, while others may become exciting new discoveries you'll want to share with friends. If you can't find these albums in your favorite store, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to me at the address below for contact information; enjoy!

The newest independent music label comes from award-winning composer and musical alchemist Peter Kater, whose solo work and acclaimed collaborations with flutist R. Carlos Nakai span 22 albums in 14 years. EarthSea will present extraordinary contemporary and indigenous music from around the world while serving the integrity and well-being of the musician, our global community, and the earth. A portion of proceeds goes to non-profit environmental groups. On this debut release, you can listen to the land, feel the spirit and share the challenge of the titular 300 mile quest through the wilds of British Columbia, designed to push the limits of the human endurance in harmony with nature its most majestic. Vividly captured through a stirring, hauntingly beautiful and kaleidoscopic score which includes ethereal vocals by Chris White, R. Carlos Nakai's Native American flute, violin, saxophone, guitar and world percussion by Flesh & Bone, the music -- composed and arranged by Kater -- is unforgettable. Peter says, "The idea is not to completely fill up the space with your own emotion, but to try to enhance some of the deeper feelings behind the visual image. On Eco-Challenge, I focus on the inner momentum that is pushing the participants beyond their physical limits...the mental, emotional and spiritual inspiration they discover within themselves as the event progresses."

From one of the most well established indies comes this exceptionally exciting collection of searingly emotive guitar strings paired with the most sensual rhythms, performed by stellar musicians from around the globe. Traditional Spanish flamenco, started 200 years ago by Andalusian gypsies, was the sound of passion. The magic of the music is now so universal that it has been embraced and evolved by Chilean Oscar Lopez, Govi of Germany, the Tex-Mex duo Lara & Reyes and the other virtuosic guitarists included here who've made flamenco the crossroads of the world.

Whittaker may be Los Angeles-based, but his musical travelogue includes stop-overs in Scotland, France, Africa and Latin America on this charming Contemporary World/Jazz offering. Not content to merely include Swahili chants and thick jungle rhythms on "Quench the Thirsting," Whittaker is donating part of the proceeds of this smoothly sophisticated album to an organization dedicated to building wells in the drought-ravaged country of Malawi. Water in the desert, indeed, not just in humanitarian terms, but musically as well, for while the artist is only 25 years of age, his seductive sax-led "Rendezvous in Paris" would be welcome on any Smooth Jazz radio station. Amazingly well-rounded and mature, this is one young artist destined to go far, fast!

Rarely do liner notes entrance as much as the accompanying music, but this album should be celebrated for Gurvitz' refreshingly intimate, honest and emotion-laden scribbling about each of the eleven instrumentals that comprise this excellent outing as well as his phenomenal guitar performances. Sentimental in the very best sense of the word, these heart-opening six-string melodies - highlighted by piano, strings and percussion - are immensely appealing, giving rise to romantic reverie and idyllic mental images. Let the music flow around you and feel your spirit rise!

Their best yet; romantic dreams come true as German keyboard-percussion duo Dancing Fantasy turn their attention towards the softer side of sound. Less experimental and overtly electronic as their previous seven indie albums, this release showcases guest artist YORCK on flute and sax, Bill Joseph Flynn on guitars, and a humpback cetacean whose mellifluous song is seamlessly woven throughout "Whales of Love" to astonishingly good effect. Gently percolating samba rhythms, soulful steel-string sighs, and ethereal textures help make "Deep Inside Your Heart" a candlelight dinner delight.

This awesome Australian duo takes its inspiration not from the expected aboriginal sources, but from the tantalizing, hypnotic and trance-like rhythms of the Middle East. Exotic stringed instruments are struck, plucked and bowed as androgynous, ethereal choirs breathe heavily in the background. Bansuri flute, e-bow guitar, Tibetan singing bowl, tabla and hammered dulcimer are intricately threaded through rich tapestries of mystical sound, sparking sand-swept imagery ornamented with shimmering cadences that entice the listener deeper, ever deeper.

This album is an excellent introduction to the New Age/Ambient releases of Crystal Heart Records, whose support of independent artists means that some of their work will be made available in the U.S. for the first time. From the nouvelle classical styling of Oregon's Phillip Walker to the deep space musings of Belgian electronic ensemble Major Minor, each track presents a different perspective on how synthesized music can be used to convey the longings of the heart and soul. Floridian Chuck Pedersen's "Beyond Andromeda" succinctly captures both the anticipation and anxiety of an oft-desired close encounter nearing realization. His slowly evolving synth textures underscore the drama of the dynamic piano melody that propels the listener ever forward to a date with destiny.

Infusing Jazz with Klezmer, funk and experimental accents, this groove-laden Oregon ensemble's music is like a hot java injection to the brainstem. The steamin' brass arrangements on tracks "Ignition," "I Don't Know" and "Stand at the Middle" chatter, screech and sing as Storrs leads a solid rhythm section through its paces. Talking drum and vocal bits add eloquence just when you think the arrangements are becoming just a tad too intellectually overcharged. This is challenging music for those begging for a boost.

Out of Virginia comes a truly tasty Smooth Jazz trio whose deliciously spicy melodies and scintillating rhythms will make you marvel on "Roots Revisited" and "Paris in Spring." The surprise here is that multi-instrumentalist and label-owner Keith Wallace also intersperses sweetly meditative ballads, like the softly nostalgic "Making Memories," into the mix, making this, in effect, two records in one. Equally adept on keyboards in duet with violinist Cecil Hooker, Wallace is not afraid to turn up the heat on guitar and bass when drummer Jeff McManus joins in the fray. Program tracks 1, 3, and 6 for active listening; tracks 2, 4, 5 and 7 for more introspective pursuits.

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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