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INSIDE MUSICAL STARSTREAMS with Forest Welcome to our monthly column where we share some uniquely evocative recordings that will hopefully touch you in a "special way." With springtime breezes starting to warm things up a bit, here are three more albums to get the temperatures rising. Seek them out and hear for yourself. Each is receiving airplay on our internationally heard radio program, Musical Starstreams. Badawi - THE HERETIC
OF ETHER. Badawi is the project of gypsy New Yorker Reuel "Raz" Mesinai. As a member of the studio duo Sub Dub and a NYC club DJ, Raz brings considerable musical expertise and experience to Badawi (pronounced Bah-DOW-Wee). The Heretic of Ether has a distinctively Persian and Middle Eastern feel, though it is not a "Middle Eastern" album per se. The concept for the recording is loosely based on the travels of Gashka Gavor, a fictitious character from Badawi's childhood alter ego and as such he takes Raz back to such ancient instruments as the zarb (a classical drum used primarily in the Middle East), frame drums and the darabuka. Although largely improvisational in nature, we found two featured standout tracks for Musical Starstreams, the menacing, "Tired Soldiers" and Philip Glassian "Arrival." The Heretic of Ether, from Badawi: a decidedly unique listening experience. Paul Avgerinos
- SKY OF GRACE We've been interested in Connecticut-based Paul Avgerinos since his first World Room discs released over a decade ago. In the interim he's done work for the Hearts of Space label and now we find him hooking up with the folks at EarthSea. Sky of Grace is at its best when it conjures up its angelic, floaty sounds, as it does on the opening "Angel's Breath" and the drifting, cloudlike "Graceful." The violin and cello contributions are a divergence from the pulsating synth washes that attract us most, but if you crave a bit more energy in your music, then we can both be satisfied here. Sky of Grace is both sophisticated and sensuous. Enjoy. Ottmar Liebert
- INNAMORARE With guitar music as distinctive as his name, Santa Fe guitarist Ottmar Liebert is back with Innamorare, which is Italian and means "inflame with love" or "to be enchanted." Over the years, Ottmar has done it all, beginning with his humble self released debut album which went on to sell a couple of million copies for the Higher Octave label, to his ongoing relationship with the majors, ala Epic. To our ears, Innamorare seems like a conscious attempt to remine the success of his earlier works. All the essential Liebert elements are here, his much copied nouveau flamenco style, a few horns (more than usual, actually) and the spicy southwestern flavors. Check out the track "Spanish Steps" and you'll get a distinct feeling of deja vu. Subtitled Summer Flamenco, with Innamorare, Liebert continues an envious style that has spawned countless imitators and hits all the right chords to brighten up the coming summer months. A gentle Sangre de Christo breeze, a pitcher of Sangria, a Santa Fe sunset and Ottmar Liebert. Be enchanted. Please always remember that ultimately what constitutes "good" music involves the personal taste of each of us. If we direct you to an album that you didn't know existed and you end up enjoying it, then we both feel a sense of accomplishment. As always, your input is welcome. Feel free to e-mail us at our address below with your comments or questions.
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