Shri Durga

Amazon.com's Best of 1999
San Francisco's DJ Cheb i Sabbah bends and twists Hindustani ragas into the modern world of sequencing and sampling for an intriguing snapshot of ancient India seen through modern eyes--fascinating for both its incredible musical artistry and beautiful Hindu spiritualism. Plucking the sounds of drone, sitar, tabla, vocal, and other instrumentation from classic Indian recordings, DJ Cheb opens the modern universe of ambient and dance music through the gates of traditional masters, creating one of the most innovative albums of 1999. --Karen K. Hugg

Amazon.com
If there's one hallmark of the global DJ culture, at least outside of the Jamaican tradition, it's youth. European and North American DJ projects all smack of the artists growing into a scene that's resolutely alternative to any singular, pop-tune-oriented mainstream (commercial, even radio, successes notwithstanding). And DJ Cheb i Sabbah might mix tracks like he's got the youthful bug, but in truth he's been spinning tables since the mid-1960s, moving from Paris to the Living Theatre to, ultimately, San Francisco. This collection extends his art form into one of the most extensible musical forms around, Indian-Pakistani ragas and vocal workouts. Cheb i Sabbah makes swirls of found sounds and altered percussion warps amid the drones and cyclic patterns that infuse the seven episodes here. He's expert at contrasting a drop-time rhythm with flighty violin, using the drone to prismatically spread the ear's intake of sound. Then there are the vocals, which Cheb i Sabbah manages to work in almost polyphonically on the bases of contrast and juxtaposition without ever extracting them from their core role. In fact, despite the DJ moniker and approach, this is a collection that the fan of Sufi devotionals, ragas, and even Indian film music will find fascinating. --Andrew Bartlett

Tracks:

Shri Durga
Kese Kese
Mere Kabu
Maheshvara Yogi
Ganga Dev
Radhe Krishna, The Sahajiya Rasa Lila Mix: Divine Pastime Based On Raag Kirvani
Durga Puja

Amazon.com's Best of 1999

San Francisco's DJ Cheb i Sabbah bends and twists Hindustani ragas into the modern world of sequencing and sampling for an intriguing snapshot of ancient India seen through modern eyes--fascinating for both its incredible musical artistry and beautiful Hindu spiritualism. Plucking the sounds of drone, sitar, tabla, vocal, and other instrumentation from classic Indian recordings, DJ Cheb opens the modern universe of ambient and dance music through the gates of traditional masters, creating one of the most innovative albums of 1999. --Karen K. Hugg

Amazon.com

If there's one hallmark of the global DJ culture, at least outside of the Jamaican tradition, it's youth. European and North American DJ projects all smack of the artists growing into a scene that's resolutely alternative to any singular, pop-tune-oriented mainstream (commercial, even radio, successes notwithstanding). And DJ Cheb i Sabbah might mix tracks like he's got the youthful bug, but in truth he's been spinning tables since the mid-1960s, moving from Paris to the Living Theatre to, ultimately, San Francisco. This collection extends his art form into one of the most extensible musical forms around, Indian-Pakistani ragas and vocal workouts. Cheb i Sabbah makes swirls of found sounds and altered percussion warps amid the drones and cyclic patterns that infuse the seven episodes here. He's expert at contrasting a drop-time rhythm with flighty violin, using the drone to prismatically spread the ear's intake of sound. Then there are the vocals, which Cheb i Sabbah manages to work in almost polyphonically on the bases of contrast and juxtaposition without ever extracting them from their core role. In fact, despite the DJ moniker and approach, this is a collection that the fan of Sufi devotionals, ragas, and even Indian film music will find fascinating. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Om Nama Shiva YA.......2007-02-26

Like bathing in the Ganges during the full moon bath of the Kumbh Mela- Unbelievably powerful, uplifting, cleansing and holy. A life altering musical moment, that is not to be missed, overlooked or taken lightly- aadive in-

A grooving,meditative passage to India.......2006-09-15

Since I once had an album by Ravi Shankar,I rediscovered Indian classical music,albeit with a new spin,through DJ Cheb I Sabbah,Bally Sagoo,Shweta Jhaveri,and Ana Rita Simonka.Interesting,considering that Ana Rita Simonka is Brazilian and DJ Cheb I Sabbah is Algerian.

"Shri Durga" is a bit of an acquired taste,but its appeal grows with time.The shortest track is 6 minutes long,and the longest clocks in at 12 minutes;it takes more patience than the typical 3 minute pop song.The opening track "Shri Durga:Womb of the world" grows slowly;a steady rhythm is paired with reverential chanting."Kese Kese:Love Dreams" is the highlight,at once spiritual and sensual."Ganga Dev:River of Mercury"&"Radhe Krishna:Divine Pastime" are enchanting&hypnotic."Radhe Krishna" ends with samples of devotional chant to Krishna and his beloved Radha.If you're interested in another take on this same theme (complete with a chant to Krishna&Radha),listen to the song "Mais Filhos de Gandhi" on Ana Rita Simonka's "Bossa Nova Delhi."

DJ Cheb I Sabbah makes this album meditative;it's not exactly dancefloor fare.It's Hindu devotional music with an electronic twist.If you enjoy Indian fusion music and the Asian Underground,this album is essential!

Chance for meditative dance trance.......2005-10-04

Amazing melange of rhythm that penetrates, fills you up and carries you away in a cloud of sacred energy. Let us all meet in this place at the end of time.

"Everything is closer than you think.".......2003-03-14

Rhythm, earthy and deep.. vocals, soaring in wordless praise.. a musical approach that blends different traditions into a beautifully seamless whole. I'm a complete neophyte when it comes to the various musical traditions of Indian culture, so I'm sure I don't even understand the extent of what DJ Sabbah has done here. I just know that Shri Durga is as accessible as it is faithfully traditional, and as hypnotic as it is organic. As you've probably read by now, it's something of a blend of classical ragas, performed by a cast of Hindu and Muslim musicians, with an element of modern techno.. but very light on the techno. If you want a helping of raga and tala suitable for the club dance floor, try Maha Maya (Cheb's mix-oriented followup to this) or anything by Talvin Singh or Tabla Beat Science. This disc is for relaxing, for sleeping, for meditating or just quietly chilling out.

The element of electronica is not always even noticeable - "Kese Kese"'s slight touch of mixology could just as easily be mistaken for handclaps in the background. "Maheshvara Yogi" is ten minutes of hypnotic meditation, its vocal chants easily gliding through space with all the time in the world to spare, without any techno accompaniment at all. Then, right away, "Ganga Dev" and "Radhe Krishna" provide some of the most propulsive beats on the disc (though still not overriding the primal earthy rhythm that forms the basis of all the music in the first place). The entire offering is a marvelous buffet of reverent chants in the classic tradition, while the techno element is never more than a subtle seasoning. Cheb's mixing contribution isn't limited to the subdued beats either: he samples Muslim prayers, "mantric ambiances" from India, and various public chants and rituals to join with his own compositions.

Looking for an exotic/calming listening experience? You can't go wrong with either of DJ Cheb i Sabbah's 'regular' albums. Between this and Krishna Lila, I can't even pick a favorite. Want to get up and shake something? Then pick Maha Maya to start. They're all full of beauty well worth hearing, and as foreign as this whole style may sound, there's something immediate about it that makes it accessible to anyone with open ears. Everything is closer than you think.

Don't believe the hype...........2003-01-28

I have many "Ethno-Techno" albums and this is not one of the best ones. Maybe "D.J" stands for "Doesn't Jam", because the until the 5th track (and there are only 7) the DJ doesn't show up. The fusion of Indian and electronica is done much better on many more albums. If you have Joi, Midival Punditz, Tabla Beat Science, Badmarsh & Shri, Karsh Kale (try Redesign)or others, than don't count on this album delivering the same. Do your self a favor, pick up any one of those artists mentioned first before you buy this.

Average customer rating:

Great remix
Nothing like Shri Durga!
Remixing on the Ganges
This ain't your traditional dance album!
Very good

Maha Maya: Shri Durga Remixed
DJ Cheb I Sabbah
Manufacturer: Six Degrees
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Shri Durga
La Kahena
Krishna Lila
As Far As: A DJ Mix
La Ghriba: La Kahena Remixes

ASIN: B00004NRZI
Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

Samarpanam (The Dhuni Mix) - DJ Cheb I Sabbah
Shri Durga - State Of Bengal
Durga Puja - TJ Rehmi
Kese Kese (Where's The Sarangi Mix) - Transglobal Underground
Ganga Dev - Bedouin Ascent
Kese Kese (Beast Of Asia Mix) - Bally Sagoo
Shri Durga (The Organic Science Mix) - Fun Da Mental
Radhe Krishna (The Babu Chandidasa Mix) - DJ Cheb I Sabbah

Amazon.com

Following last year's Shri Druga (which made Amazon.com's Best of 1999 list), DJ Cheb i Sabbah returns with a series of remixed tracks from that CD. Two of the remixes are his own and the remainder are courtesy of a who's-who of the Talvin Singh-associated Asian Underground. The remixers are mainly club DJs and many of the mixes push the songs more in that direction. There are two takes of "Kese Kese": Transglobal Underground mostly deepens and buttresses the original groove and adds a heavier electronic drone behind the voice and tablas, while Bally Sagoo speeds up the tempo and adds techno-inflected bass and drum tracks. Fun-Da-Mental's mix of "Shri Durga" is more electronically deconstructed than State of Bengal's version, which relies on a warmer and more laid-back, '70s jazz-funk bass and wah-wah guitar feel. Bedouin Ascent's "Ganga Dev" is downtempo and smooth, allowing the melismatic, microtonal note-bending of the voices and stringed instrument to remain in the foreground. DJ Cheb's own two tracks seem the least tailored for the dance floor, retaining the rawer quality of the original Indian music. --Bob Bannister

Customer Reviews:

Great remix.......2007-02-24

Love the classical sounds mixed with modern beat. If you enjoy the traditional sounds of Hindi music but like a little more umph - this is the perfect CD. I lost my first copy and had to replace it.

Nothing like Shri Durga!.......2007-01-01

Let me guess: you're thinking of buying this record because you loved DJ Cheb I Sabbah's Shri Durga and want more. Don't do it! That is unless you really like bland dance music with a slightly jazzy feel. Basically every song on Shri Durga is superior to anything on this rather uninspired effort. Outside the context of comparison to Shri Durga, it's not that bad, as far as mellow, jazzy dance music goes, but if you're looking for more Shri Durga, you'll be better off looking elsewhere. Krishna Lila would be an excellent choice.

Remixing on the Ganges.......2006-09-14

This is the first remix album I ever got,not for the dancefloor but for creative variations on the original theme.Six Degrees Records is excellent in choosing specific world music artists-such as DJ Cheb I Sabbah,Bebel Gilberto,and Karsh Kale-then pairing them with talented remixers.

This album introduced me to the great Bally Sagoo,whose funky re-interpretation of "Kese Kese" is as wonderful as the original.Later,I got a sampler of his music,and was happily surprised when Putumayo World Music used his "Noorie" on their Asian Groove compilation.State of Bengal does a lounge-worthy take on "Shri Durga." Bedouin Ascent makes a version of "Ganga Dev" BETTER than the original.Transglobal Underground's take on "Kese Kese" is as rapturous as Bally Sagoo's;they show their talents.

"Maha Maya" is a great first-time venture into the Asian Underground scene.

This ain't your traditional dance album!.......2003-11-08

I recently decided to go through some of my old cds that I haven't listened toin ages. Dj Cheb i Sabbah's Maha Maya: Shri Durga Remixed" was one of those cds that I came upon. This was my first exposure to Indian music, let alone world music. I wasn't really familiar with music outside of western culture. So this was a new experience for me. Listening to "Maha Maya" Shri Durga Remixed" certainly takes the listener on a trip to India with its traditional Indian melodies. I envisioned myself in the Taj Mahal and watching a slew of belly dancers performing. The music took me awhile for the melodies to grow on me. It is certainly by no means your traditional dance remix album. I however dug Transglobal Underground's version of "Kese Kese" (Where's the Sarangi Mix" right from the get go. It has a nice beat. Dj Cheb i Sabbah did a good job at mixing and making sure that the music flowed well together. I am definitely curious to hear dj Cheb's other cds now that I have re-discovered this little gem of a cd.

Very good.......2002-08-27

I am a Tribal Belly dancer and have a blast with this CD. It is a fun little trip to the East, but on a party bus instead of a Camel.

Average customer rating:

long overdue

Maha Maya: Shri Durga Remixed
DJ Cheb I Sabbah
Manufacturer: Natio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004TK4F
Release Date: 2000-05-22

Tracks:

Samarpanam (The Dhuni Mix) - DJ Cheb I Sabbah
Shri Durga - State Of Bengal
Durga Puja - TJ Rehmi
Kese Kese (Where's The Sarangi Mix) - Transglobal Underground
Ganga Dev - Bedouin Ascent
Kese Kese (Beast Of Asia Mix) - Bally Sagoo
Shri Durga (The Organic Science Mix) - Fun Da Mental
Radhe Krishna (The Babu Chandidasa Mix) - DJ Cheb I Sabbah

Album Details

Remixes by Bally Sagoo, Transglobal Underground, Fun Da Mental, State of Bengal, Bedouin Ascent, Tj Rehmi and DJ Cheb I Sabbah Himself.

Customer Reviews:

long overdue.......2007-06-09

If you're looking for music to worm its way into your psyche, look no farther. Years later, this is still one I will listen to any time.

Average customer rating:

Uplifting devotional songs
More tradition sounding
More traditional than MahaMaya, but still enjoyable

Shri Durga
DJ Cheb I Sabbah
Manufacturer: Natio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000258LB
Release Date: 1999-10-12

Tracks:

Womb of the World [Based on Raag Durga][Mix] - DJ Cheb i Sabbah
Love Dreams [Based on Raag Mishra Darbari][Mix] - Shafqat Ali Khan, Mala Ganguly
Gazelle Memories [Based on Raag ...][Mix] - Sukhawat Ali Khan, , Scheherazade Stone
Waiting for Parvati [Based on Raag Jog][Mix]
River Mercury [Based on Raag Bhairavi][Mix] - Shafqat Ali Khan, Mala Ganguly
Diving Pastime [Based on Raag Kirvani][Mix] - Mala Ganguly, Sultan Khan, Ustad Sultan Khan
Yoga of Sound [Based on Raag Durga][Mix] - Mala Ganguly

Customer Reviews:

Uplifting devotional songs.......2005-06-18

These beautiful ragas each represent a particular lila or divine pastime. The instruments include the sitar, sarangi, sarod, tabla, bass drums, tanbura and bendir, whilst some of the vocalists are Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, Mala Ganguly, Ustad Sultan Khan, Shafqat Ali Khan and Scheherezade Stone.

The impressive selection of samples encompasses mantras, prayers, invocations and mantric ambiences from the Kumbh Mela festival. The seven tracks are respectively based on the following: Raag Durga, Raag Mishra Darbari, Raag Vishra Vardhini Raag Jog, Raag Bhairavi, Raag Kirvani and Raag Durga. Tracks 1, 3 and 4 are the longest, with plenty of structural development; number three, Gazelle Memories, has a beautiful segment of Arabic chanting.

Track 4, Waiting For Parvati, is mostly slow and mournful with a male vocal. The next one, River Of Mercury, starts out in a dreamy ambience with nature sounds before the uptempo rhythms kick in and also contains a stirring female vocal. With its solid beat and lovely male and female vocals, track 6 Divine Pastime has impressive samples and tempo variations. The final track, Yoga Of Sound, is slow and subdued with recitals and mantric chants.

There is also a dance mix of Shri Durga, but this album is strictly traditional music. It is deeply devotional and moving throughout. I recommend this uplifting album to all who are interested in World Music, especially the sounds of the Indian subcontinent.

More tradition sounding.......2002-01-27

I agree with the other reviewer, this sounds much more traditonal that techno. You want techno "on top" go to Talvin Singh. But I also use this CD in the morning, a great way to start the day. I really enjoy it! If you can only get one, get this and not the remix CD.

More traditional than MahaMaya, but still enjoyable.......2001-07-23

Those of you expecting a Transglobal Underground or Temple of Sound or Govinda feel to this disc might be somewhat dissapointed. It comes across as more of a traditional ragas collection with electronic / DJ elements added in. The CD is quite listenable, but don't expect a whole disc full of 'global techno'.

That being said, this CD is very enjoyable. The vocals on the various songs are quite different from each other (compare 'Mare Kabu' to 'Shri Durga' for example), and the mix of mostly male Hindu and Muslim vocalists works well. The disc leans to the atmospheric side, with many environmental sounds in the mix. Even the faster or harder songs (like the more techno-focused 'Ganga Dev' and 'Radhe Krishna') have a breezy lightness about them.

For me, this is a morning CD. It goes well with the bright early sun, hardwood floors, and a strong cup of tea.

Shri Durga Kavach - Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia
Average customer rating:
Shri Durga Kavach - Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia
various
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000RW8ME2

Product Description

1.Shri Durga Gayatri [1:54] 2.Durga Kavach [6:31] 3.Navdurga Stotra [7:33] 4.Devi Atharvashirsham [13:19] 5.Aarti - Jai Ambe Gauri [9:11] 6.Kshama Prarthana [3:31]

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