Krishna Lila

Amazon.com
Unlike many who enter the treacherous realm of dance that combines club rhythms with world music aesthetics, DJ Cheb I Sabbah forgets about "synergy" and trusts the source material and his own musical voice to provide the dance floor impetus. Long stretches of Krishna Lila are lifted straight from the sitar-driven classical-folk Indian traditions of Ravi Shankar, Ashwin Batish, and the Middle Eastern tabla rhythms of master percussionists like Zakir Hussain. Even more so than 1999's Shri Durga, Sabbah lends only very subtle production touches to his ragas and drones, spending Lila's running time in a confident glaze. The approach succeeds by recognizing the inherent beats already present and implied in the rich texture of Hindustani musical culture. Durga had its more mix-oriented follow-up in Maha Maya, so perhaps Sabbah will release a similar companion piece for this record. Until then, he leaves a pack of confused DJs in his wake, while he tries to liberate the tin from some of dance music's more robotically compliant ears. --Matthew Cooke

Tracks:

Narajanma Bandage
Violin Solo
Maname Diname
Anjali
Raja Vedalu
Lagi Lagam
Tum Bin Shyam
Rupa Tujhe Deva
Govinda

Amazon.com

Unlike many who enter the treacherous realm of dance that combines club rhythms with world music aesthetics, DJ Cheb I Sabbah forgets about "synergy" and trusts the source material and his own musical voice to provide the dance floor impetus. Long stretches of Krishna Lila are lifted straight from the sitar-driven classical-folk Indian traditions of Ravi Shankar, Ashwin Batish, and the Middle Eastern tabla rhythms of master percussionists like Zakir Hussain. Even more so than 1999's Shri Durga, Sabbah lends only very subtle production touches to his ragas and drones, spending Lila's running time in a confident glaze. The approach succeeds by recognizing the inherent beats already present and implied in the rich texture of Hindustani musical culture. Durga had its more mix-oriented follow-up in Maha Maya, so perhaps Sabbah will release a similar companion piece for this record. Until then, he leaves a pack of confused DJs in his wake, while he tries to liberate the tin from some of dance music's more robotically compliant ears. --Matthew Cooke

Customer Reviews:

Amazing meld of Indian&Western beats.......2007-01-25

DJ Cheb I Sabbah goes for an earthier sound in "Krishna Lila" than he did with "Shri Durga" &its remix sequel "Maha Maya." He also focuses on regional differences, exploring Northern&Southern India. DJ Cheb I Sabbah brings in the talents of percussionist Karsh Kale as well as bassist Bill Laswell. Laswell's mesmerizing bassline is the rhythmic undercurrent of "Rupa Tujhe Deva." "Lagi Lagan" & "Govinda" are deeply rhythmic and trancelike. The highlights from Southern India are the stunning opening "Narajanma Bandage" , "Anjali" and "Raja Vedalu." The electronica aspects are downplayed while the exotic Karnatic&Northern Indian music are made accessible.

This music would be perfect for sweaty&athletic bikram yoga. While it's not a "typical New Age album",it is a great example of East-West fusion.

A gentler ride than its predecessor.......2005-08-20

Those listeners familiar with Shri Durga will find this a welcome complement to the earlier disc. The beats are quieter, and work beautifully with the complex drumming, and the voices meld wonderfully with the sitars and violins. Trance-like and entrancing music for quieter times.

thoughtful listening.......2005-03-28

This is a complex piece of music, with a large range of sonic atmospheres, not all of them "pure pleasure", but all of them thoughtful in terms of where they take you. It can be a challenge to get to the core of what is truly being expressed in this ancient music. Strange sounds and feelings are contained therin, and I am still sitting with it and discovering where it goes. I give it 4 stars only because it doesn't just grab you and shake your soul--it seems to ask your intellect to get involved as well, leading to a more thoughtful listening experience. Although he has put a very slight western spin on some cuts,which I like, I think the average western ear may be challenged by this. Still, I like it lots, and if you are into worldbeat, this can open new doors for you.

spirit lifting.......2004-05-05

This is a great cd, almost every song had me swaying in my seat at my computer. The tunes have a slightly meditative effect, but are still lively and funky even. Highly recommended, Krishna Lila will transport you to a far-off land of exotic colourful streets and purple sunsets.

good enough.......2004-04-15

is such a pretty CD, it takes you to a relaxation level, you start to listening the music and instantly all the bad feelings go away.... Cheb I Sabbah know how to mix indian music with modern music and at the same time it doesn't lose his indian roots

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