Asian Fusion

1. Prelude

2. Bookenka (The Adventurer)

3. Trader

4. Mezgoof

5. Empress

6. Ja Nam

7. Sunda Straits

8. Morning Sung

9. Sumbatico

10. Dusk Song of the Fisherman

11. Ladakh

12. Garuda

Asian Fusion,Ancient Future,Narada,Adult Alternative,Asian,Ethnic Fusion,Int'l & World Music,Jazz Music,New Age / Meditation

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Average customer rating: Very Relaxing Love flute music Absolutely Beautiful Wonderful CD Exhilirating peacefulness

Quiet Mind: The Musical Journey of a Tibetan Nomad Nawang Khechog Manufacturer: Gemini Sun Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Tibet | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music | Ambient | Celtic | Environmental | General | International | Jazz | Meditation Music | Piano | World Dance General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Music as Medicine Rhythms of Peace Karuna Universal Love Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion ASIN: B00000379S Release Date: 1997-07-08

Tracks:

1. Year Of Tibet
2. Nomads Of The Tibetan High Plateau
3. The Flight Of A Shepherd Boy
4. Freedom In Exile
5. A Sad Return To My Birthplace
6. Giving And Forgiving
7. The Power Of Morality And Patience
8. With Mindfulness And Wisdom
9. Creating An Enlightened Society

Album Description

Born of Tibetan nomads, Nawang Khechog discovered in childhood a deep affinity with the bamboo flute. In 1959, he fled to India and spent 11 years as a Buddhist monk before bringing his music to the West. Despite worldwide praise for his work, Nawang resolved in 1991 to return to mountain seclusion - until the Dalai Lama himself encouraged him to continue to share the power of his music with others. Quiet Mind reflects the far-reaching travels of this remarkable musician. It is his most personal transmission, a continuous prayer that imparts serenity to everyone it touches. With didgeridoo, Incan pan pipes, and ocarina.

Customer Reviews:

Very Relaxing.......2006-03-14

A very peaceful and relaxing CD. Just listen to the samples for yourself.

Love flute music.......2006-02-01

I got this because I love the sound of flute music and the peace within it gives me. I use the cd to calm myself and to daydream or meditate.

Absolutely Beautiful.......2004-09-22

How you could NOT like this CD is beyond me. The feelings it invokes are indescribable. It touches your soul the instant you hear it. I've gotten 3 of his CD's so far, and plan on buying the rest. The word "Amazing" doesn't do this man's talent justice. He's a gift from heaven. Everyone should hear it at least once. That's all you'd need. Absolutely incredible....

Wonderful CD.......2003-02-26

I am a huge fan of Nawang-la, this CD is spectacular.

Exhilirating peacefulness.......2000-02-13

This is my favorite Nawang cd. Tibetan flute and Australian didgeridoo. Nawang was a Tibetan monk who eventually fled to Australia to evade the Chinese annexation. Though renouncing monkhood he is still very much involved in his spirituality and this shows in his music. I have never heard a single instrument played to such effect. Peace is the main theme of all his work but this is not passivity, this is not the sleep of unconsciousness. This is a dynamic peace, one which engages all the varieties of life yet never gets bogged down by them. There is power here, power of the wisdom of Earth and the compassion of Buddha. The music brings the spirit of the listener to the portals of Shambhala, to the heart of Tibet, and to the center of the adamantine throne on which sits the Buddha. Of course we are all really Buddha deep inside, so when we come to the center of the throne we come to the center of ourselves. Listen to this disk and you will hear what I mean. One reviewer mentioned that it is only good for sleep. I do like to listen to peaceful music when I go to sleep, but I can never do that with Nawang. The music floats, to borrow a phrase from Hildegard von Bingen, like a feather on the breath of oneness. What could be more exciting than that? But to each his own. We hear as we are able, and should one hear what another does not is that to mean one is wrong and the other right? No. Each is in his own place, and each hears what is right for him. For me, you cannot get much more right than Nawang Khechog.

Average customer rating: So Good You Could Drink It Journey Across the Asian Continent Putumayo's First Asian adventure charming and calming Meditative

Music From the Tea Lands Various Artists Manufacturer: Putumayo World Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Indonesia | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Far East | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Far East & Asia | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music International | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Music from the Coffee Lands Putumayo Presents: Music from the Chocolate Lands Arabic Groove Putumayo Presents: Sahara Lounge Putumayo Presents: Asian Lounge ASIN: B00004W5LV Release Date: 2000-08-22

Tracks:

1. Saginou - Zulya
2. Picking Flowers - Lei Qiang
3. Hangama Hai Kyon Barpa - Ghulam Ali
4. For Julia - Sanjay Mishra
5. Utuwaskarap - Oki
6. Gerizler Basi - Okan Murat Ozturk
7. Afshari - Kamil Alipour
8. Anggopanku - Hila Hambala
9. The Empress - Ancient Future
10. Kang Mandor - Ujang Suryana

Product Description

A soothing, inspirational brew of exotic music steeped in the traditions of Asia's tea lands. Zulya Saginou Lei Qiang Picking Flowers Ghulam Ali Hangama Hai Kyon Barpa Sanjay Mishra For Julia Oki Utuwaskarap Okan Murat Öztürk Gerizler Basi Kamil Alipour Afshari Hila Himbala Anggopanku Ancient Future The Empress Ujang Suryana Kang Mandor

Amazon.com

This pan-Asian travelogue features musicians from China, India, Tatarstan, Indonesia, Japan, Turkey, and Iran. Aside from the unifying theme of the 400-hundred-year-old tea trade, the tunes have little in common and range from modern fusions to intriguing glimpses of rarely heard traditions. Assorted strings dominate the instrumental forces, especially harplike sounds, but the vocals are equally strong. Among the most fascinating tracks are Zulya's beguiling recollections of her Tatar childhood, Oki's tribute to his endangered Ainu (Japanese aboriginal) heritage, the Anatolian Turkish saz (lute) stylings of Okan Murat Ozturk, and an arrestingly percussive example of Iran's classical Persian disciplines as performed by Kamil Alipour. The set offers an array of unexpected pleasures from cultures that deserve to be better documented in the West. It is as mellow yet invigorating as the perfect tea break. A recipe for chai, a spicy Indian milk tea, is included. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

So Good You Could Drink It.......2006-09-21

At first i had doubts when i bought this cd, thinking it was going to be a little over the top. I was suprised to find out that I was wrong. All the songs are so light and dainty and beautifully composed. I especially liked Sanjay Mishra's "For Julia" and Ancient Future's "The Empress", but I absolutely loved Lei Quang's "Picking Flowers". This is by far one of my favorite Putumayo albums. I even like it better than Music From The Coffee Lands!

Journey Across the Asian Continent.......2006-09-03

Billed as a journey across the "Tea Lands", this CD gives an incredible survey of the musical styles of Asia. Asia is a vast and diverse continent, from the frozen steppes of the north to the tropical jungles of India and SE Asia. Some of the oldest civilizations arose there, along the Indus River (in Paksitan) and the Yellow River valley (in China). The religions of Hinudism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto arose in Asia, and Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim countrie. The world's two largest countries, India and China, are both in Asia. The result? You have an incredible variety of languages, cultures and people, all with their own styles of music. Any CD managing to cover even a little of that diversity is amazing, but this CD manages to do just that.

So just whats on this CD, you might ask. Well, alot of good stuff, actually. From the tiny semi-autonomous republic of Tatarstan, Zulya performs a haunting, melodic song. Pakistani singer Ghulam Ali sings a ghazal of love and devotion, while Iranian setar and tar player Kamil Alipour shows the wonder of classical Persian music in the mode Dastgah Afshari. Indonesian composer Ujang Suryana leads a Gamelan ensemble, Turkey's Okan Murat Ozturk demonstrates Anatolian folk music, and Oki revives the traditions of Japan's indigenous culture with Ainu pop, complete with the hankori, a native Ainu instrument. Yes, thats right, Ainu pop! Chinese erhu-player Lei Qiang does a traditional song from Sichuan, while the group Ancient Future does a mellow techno number drawing upon Chinese, Japanese and Indian instrumentation.

This is good music, quite appropriate for listening to while drinking tea if your so inclined. In fact, the booklet includes a history of tea and it's cultural role, as well as a recipe for Indian chaai. The Putumayo label has put out a number of great world music CDs, and this should definately be included amongst them. Listening to this CD will shatter any stereotypes you may have about Asian music. It is certainly worth adding to your collection, and good music to listen to while drinking tea, meditating or just chilling out. Several of my friends have commented that they liked this CD as well, and were amazed at how diverse Asian music is. So do yourself a favor and check out this CD, along with some of the other compilations from Putumayo.

Putumayo's First Asian adventure.......2006-06-12

Putumayo's first venture into Asia with this CD is wonderful--a breathtaking exploration of Asian countries through music.While tea is the unifying theme,the music is as calm as a hot cup.

This is centered on instrumentals&they are musical nirvana.

Ancient Future has a great track fusing different styles of Asian music,as does Oki,who shows the ancient roots of Japan in the Ainu people.Oki Kano also collaborated with Carlos Nakai on "Island of Bows." Sanjay Mishra's "For Julia" is acoustic guitar meets India.Lei Qiang contributes a traditional Chinese instrumental,making one think of the Forbidden City,or the ancient temples.Okan Murat Ozturk from Turkey&Kamil Alipour from Iran evoke the serenity through their instrumental music.They show that lyrics aren't always necessary for powerfully soothing music.Zulya is an Enya from Tatarstan,at once New Agey&earthy.She collaborates with an African musician,uniting different musical traditions harmoniously.

This CD is ideal for meditative settings.

charming and calming.......2006-02-24

Very good belend of relaxing and fused music with traditional and some western sound intwined.

Meditative.......2006-01-31

My other CDs by Putumayo have been music that you put on while driving down the open road on a sunny day- upbeat, fun, fresh. The music on this CD requires a meditative mood. You wouldn't want to listen to it in the car because all the intricacies would be drowned out by the engine. There is much delicate music on this CD, gorgeous lutes and harps, spine-tingling sundanese metallophones and soft gongs. This CD makes you feel so incredibly good and relaxed if you listen to it quietly in your room. I love it!

Average customer rating: Choyng Drolma More like Celtic New Age than Cho Tibetan Heaven The Contemporary Sound of Ancient Chanting

Selwa Choying Drolma , and Steve Tibbetts Manufacturer: Six Degrees ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Six Degrees Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Cho Ama Tibet Tibet DASI Prayers by Women Dewa Che ASIN: B0002T7YIA Release Date: 2004-08-31

Tracks:

1. Padmakara
2. Palden Rangjung
3. Vakritunda
4. Gayatri
5. Song of Realization
6. Yumchen Tukar
7. Mandala Offering
8. Chenrezi
9. Chendren
10. Je Lama

Amazon.com

It's been seven years since Minnesota-born guitarist Steve Tibbetts and Chöying Drolma, a sweet-faced, crop-haired Tibetan nun, released their first collaboration, Chö. On this sophomore effort, the two have created another series of placid sonic journeys, wherein Drolma's nasal yet pristine alto-to-mezzo soars amid a restrained blend of guitar, electronica, drones, and overdubbed voices, augmented by Marc Anderson's hand-drums and occasional hints of whispery chimes touched by nothing human. Chöying Drolma is a proponent of Vajrayana Buddhism, in which obstacles to enlightenment are proactively cut free via intense forms of meditation that can take place in graveyards and other provocative locations. No passive convent recluse, she has founded a school for nuns and continues to reach out to the world via the beauty her voice, while remaining aloof from its frenzy. The album leaves a strangely energetic peacefulness in its wake; a profound relaxation that also encourages action toward betterment. --Christina Roden

Album Description

Over the past few years, the music of Tibetan monks has gained a massive audience, with Western listeners finding refuge from the rat race in the songs and chants of the East. Those same medicinal qualities are at the core of this breathtaking collaboration between veteran guitar wizard and ECM recording artist Steve Tibbetts and Choying Drolma, a Buddhist nun whom Tibbetts met and recorded at a monastery in Nepal.

The highly anticipated follow-up to their acclaimed first release, 1997's Cho, Selwa is a beautiful sound tapestry of haunting songs that evoke a sense of peace that cuts through any language barrier. Tibbetts has one of the most recognizable guitar styles in the world and his subtle arrangements mixed with percussion from his long time collaborator Marc Anderson perfectly frame Drolma's unforgettable voice.

Customer Reviews:

Choyng Drolma.......2007-01-15

I am very impressed by this woman, she has worked so hard to provide a school for nuns, so that they can have the same opportunities as the monks. Also, she energized the town where the new school is, and got a good water supply for the whole community. Plus, she has organized a retirement plan for the nuns. All this and the beautiful music as well.

More like Celtic New Age than Cho.......2005-02-22

I'm a big fan of Steve Tibbetts. I own all of his cd's, which is a rare thing for me, but I find his music has a lasting quality -- I can almost always put on Big Map Idea or Cho and I'm immediately happier and more productive and more peaceful. If I feel like some emotional, wild guitar, I find Exploded View never fails to center me. Selwa is the first cd of his I've ever been really disappointed in. There is no question that something about Selwa, possibly its production values alone, or perhaps ill considered percussion, make it sound decidedly like new age Celtic music. I find it quite different from Cho in this regard. For example, frequently the guitar and singing are not complementary here. Try track 6: a fast chant line (almost chipmunkish) is accompanied by an almost too typical Tibbetts soft meandering, and it might even work, but for some reason the fast chant is accompanied by an overproduced clacking percussion, which is nothing if not grating. The album gets stronger and more Cho like at the end, which is welcome if you can get that far. Tracks 9 and 10 are very beautiful, as good as anything on Cho, and not surprisingly they lack the added percussion. It's a shame that the whole album couldn't be at that level.

If you like New Age music in general (I don't -- I'm more of a Frisell, Eno, and Tibbetts guy, than a New Age and Tibbetts guy), and some of the Celtic singing New Age stuff (which often finds its way into climactic Hollywood movie scenes), then I think you really will enjoy this album. If you're more of a guitar or art-music or jazz appreciator, I think you'll find this album grating until track 9, even if you found Cho transcendent, as I did.

Tibetan Heaven.......2004-09-14

Steve Tibbetts has always found a unique way to create music that transcends itself into different cultural and spiritual environments. Steve has the incredible ability to record the natural sounds of Indonesian beats, Tibetan chants, or traditional West African sounds creating strikingly original albums with vast contributions from his long time band members. Steve's natural instruments of choice on many of his albums have been Kalimba, Mandalin, Guitar, Bouzouki, Voice, Pianolin, etc. While Steve's ECM albums have been focused on a more or less robust musical point of view, fusing a profound classic rock sound or American folk with heavy Eastern and African influences, he has marked his territory well in the "World Music" category with Rykodisc related projects such as "A","Cho", and now "Selwa". Steve has worked well with traditional sounds of the Norwegian fiddler(Knut Hamre) to the traditional chants of Choying Drolma. The common ground is Steve's sensuality and high respect for other peoples musical cultures.

While the successful album, "Cho", is a beautiful collaboration of Steve's westernized sounds and the Tibetan chants of the young Choying Drolma and her sister nuns, "Selwa" is more. Steve and Marc are less shy here and they contribute more of their trademark sound without distorting the natural spiritual quality of Tibetan music. There is something more musically spontaneous on "Selwa". "Selwa" represents some of Buddhists practices that support the notion of "spontaneous expression" and luminosity that also spawns creative music and thought that is unlike any other. This is a beautiful album full of ambient sounds, guitar, and percussion, and Choyings' haunting chants. "Selwa" is very musical, spiritual, peaceful and a pleasure to listen to. I feel that "Selwa" overall is stronger than its predecessor.

I highly recommend "Selwa".

The Contemporary Sound of Ancient Chanting.......2004-09-12

"Selwa" is the second stunning collaboration between Steve Tibbets and Choyin Drolma, and the long wait many of us endured -their first CD came out in 1997- has certainly been justified.
To many of you, Tibbets may be far from a new name. Along with Marc Ribot and Bill Frisell, he belongs to a generation of virtuoso guitar players who have expanded their Jazz roots by incorporating a number of genres, to create distinct and impressive personal styles. Where Ribot explored Cuban music and improvisation, and Frisell -well, Frisell has explored almost everything successfully- Mr. Tibbets concentrated on studying Eastern forms and mining certain possibilities of Electronica into a very singular identity.
His ECM catalog -where he's recorded most of his solo work- shows the depth of his playing and compositional prowess, a musical vision that fits perfectly this Tibetan sacred music
Choyin Drolma, unlike Tibbets, is not primarily a musician in the traditional sense of the word. Since she was very young, she has been a Tibetan-Buddhist nun pursuing chanting as a form of spiritual practice.
This album, very much as their first collaboration, sees Tibbets providing traditional chants sung by Drolma, with a subtle and evocative palette of sounds where guitars, loops and percussion -played here by his longtime collaborator Marc Anderson- add haunting and meaningful sound layers to Drolma's voice.
The results are stunning, whether you have ever been interested in Eastern religions, contemplative music or meditation, you may find playing this album on "repeat" and being infused by its calm wisdom.
Yet, for those people who are not familiar with anything I mentioned as their interests, this album -it has been my personal experience-is likely to move you, to seep into your mood and flood you with images you may have not recalled in years.
Like "Cho" -their first album- the quiet intensity of this album's melodies is remarkable, fierce and peaceful at once, and always honoring of its ancient melodies. Unlike the former, "Selwa" finds Tibbets expanding his musical contribution although never imposing himself on the sacred nature of the chants.
All in all, "Selwa" is as moving and likely to transport you to some essential region of contemplation on yourself and the deep beauty of what's surrounding you right now, whether it's a tomato plant bending under the weight of ripe offerings, a dog playing with a tattered ball or the rhythms of car horns in heavy traffic. This an unusual yet fitting example of the best music that came out this year.

Average customer rating:

Frequency Naked Rhythm Manufacturer: Caravan Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Electric Oasis: Exotic Arabian Grooves Boom Shinga Ling Music for the Hips The Belly and the Beat Bellydance - Tribal Fusion NYC ASIN: B000FBH494 Release Date: 2006-05-02

Tracks:

1. Deep Lotus
2. Babylon
3. Gypsy Lounge
4. Shisha
5. Samba Bionic
6. Sandstorm
7. Sar I Sky
8. Sundinaya
9. Moon Over Ala Nar
10. Mirage
11. Gypsy Majik

Average customer rating: A modern take on Japanese Taiko drumming Land of the Rising Sun......................... Pulsating and reverberating with a good sense of mood! Absolutely Phenomenal! powerful and mesmerizing; the CD in my player at all times

Asian Drums Kiyoshi Yoshida Manufacturer: Pacific Moon [Alleg] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Fusion & World Fusion | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Asian Drums II Samurai Collection Samurai Collection II Pacific Moon, Vol. 1-2 Drums of Tokyo ASIN: B00004RD74 Release Date: 2000-03-14

Tracks:

1. Rising Sun
2. Legend Of the Ocean
3. Forest
4. Mikado
5. Spirit
6. Forest II
7. Cherry Blossom
8. Another Day
9. Wave
10. Yamato
11. Forest III
12. Matsuri
13. Oiuchidaiko
14. Fireworks
15. Ending

Album Description

Feel the presence of both heaven and earth through the pulsating rhythm of the Japanese taiko drums.

To enhance your enjoyment of the music, fragrant incense sticks are included in the spine of the CD jewel case.

(Also try "Asian Drums II" by this artist!)

Customer Reviews:

A modern take on Japanese Taiko drumming.......2003-05-26

In "Asian Drums", the non-stop pounding of ancient Japanese Taiko drums is combined with a lush, brooding soundscape created by modern synthesizers. Composer and keyboardist Kiyoshi Yoshida handles the digital end of things, while Wakon, a group of Taiko drummers, provide the primal, deep-voiced rhythms. Occasional breaks from the drumming feature other traditional Japanese instruments, such as the shamisen (a plucked, banjo-like instrument), fue (Japanese flute) and bell, adding color and distinctive cultural character to the album. The resulting blend, which flows and blends together like a well-engineered movie soundtrack, is striking, driving and full of intrigue. More of the same can be found on the Yoshida's follow-up recording, "Asian Drums II". Another Japanese drumming ensemble which sometimes incorporates modern fusion elements is Kodo.

Land of the Rising Sun................................2001-04-15

The title is a bit deceiving. By the title alone people think this is a CD on taiko music. But what Kiyoshi Yoshida has accomplished is more along the lines of jazz-fusion group Hiroshima. From that standpoint this is an excellent CD. Yoshida takes the taiko, koto, synthesizers and many other instruments and creates a multilayered compilation of music that is Japanese and Western at the same time. The first song "Rising Sun" is a perfect example. I would suggest listening to the sample and getting a feel for what lies ahead. If you like that, you'll enjoy the rest as well.

As a taiko player in Los Angeles, I should say that listening to ANY kind of taiko music on CD isn't and can never be the same as experiencing a performance live. Part of the joy and excitement of taiko music is the PHYSICAL sensation that one feels by watching/listening to it. Taiko music is very much a physical experience because the sounds made by the drums rumble through your body like shockwaves during an explosion. You feel it down to your very soul. Those physical sensations can never be recreated through artificial means like video, audio or CDs. Even with a subwoofer the recreation is a poor substitute for the real thing. Believe me, it hasn't been done yet. Having said that, every OTHER element of this CD is great. You'll just have to "pretend" that the drums are rumbling through your body like an earthquake.

(It should be noted that "Ouichi Daiko" was actually composed and trademarked by Japanese taiko powerhouse Oedo Sukeroku. No credit was given on the CD but it should have been.)

Pulsating and reverberating with a good sense of mood!.......2001-01-19

After hearing this CD in a book store a few months back, I was taken by the combination of old-meets-new. After I left the store, I regretted not buying it, low and behold, I found it on the big A! Using the ancient drum the Taiko as a foundation for the CD, Kiyoshi Yoshida weaves ethnic feel with a modern flavor, weaving synthesizers and keyboards in a mix that is melodic, moody, and very memorable. Some of the tunes have haunting melodies that leave the listener in a spellbound state that never lets up. Clocking in at 44 minutes the CD is the perfect blend of tuneage for any listener. Higlights include: Rising Son, Mikado and Spirit. Listen in good health!

Absolutely Phenomenal!.......2000-07-09

For a debut album, this is an incredible peice of work. I am not a big synthesizer fan but the way Yoshida blends his sounds with the drums is truly inspired. I hope his next album is half as good as this one. It will be a tough act to follow. I have many CD's with a variety of Japanese music, from shakuhachi to Kodo, from Kabuki and Noh Theater to Hiroshima, and Asian Drums is a wonderful addition.

powerful and mesmerizing; the CD in my player at all times.......2000-07-02

The way Kiyoshi took the taiko drums and synthesizer and was able to put them together in the perfect way he did astounds me. Every song stirs spirit within me and takes me to "another world." I am excited to see what other works Kiyoshi Yoshida comes out with in the future!

Average customer rating: One World, One People: Music for a humble cause Great CD!!!! Amazing cd Quite enjoyable ... but ... unique?

One World One People Xcultures Manufacturer: Intent City ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Dance | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Jamaica | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Ambient | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music International | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Worldbeat Tempting the Muse Trance World Rhythm of the Earth Moroccan Spirit ASIN: B00004GP2W Release Date: 2000-01-01

Tracks:

1. Welcome to Crossing Cultures
2. Dreams of Happiness
3. Sufi Mali
4. Baganda / Dance of Life
5. Temptations
6. Sudanese Dance
7. Waterfalls
8. One World One People
9. Larissa
10. Free Your Mind
11. China Town
12. Smile
13. Help the Children

Amazon.com

Artists often want to share a vision of world peace through their music, yet many independent musicians fail to do this without sounding saccharine and contrived. Xcultures entry into this arena, One World One People, succeeds fairly well, bringing together voice and New Age synth sounds with modern 4/4 beats and ethnic instrumentation. Unlike other artists Xcultures doesn't sound too terribly cheesy, mixing West African drumming with Moroccan chanting, Scottish low whistle with Senegalese vocals. Make no mistake, this is still New Age music with panpipes and thick synth, but Brian Wayy's vision has a dark ethereal aspect that takes itself seriously. Therefore, it resembles the work of Deep Forest while transcending the squeaky clean sound of Adiemus. One-third of the royalties from the CD's sales will be donated to combat world hunger. A decent world-groove CD with fat beats. --Karen K. Hugg

Album Description

This collection takes you from the most advanced societies to the most desolate Third World nations, Lusciously filled with provocative sounds, XCULTURES explores the depth of what is possible when a talented artist surrenders to the passion of making music. Filled with global dance grooves and exotic vocal percussions.

One third of the artist royalties will be sent directly to CARE to help feed the hungry children throughout the world. 800-521-CARE. www.care.org

Customer Reviews:

One World, One People: Music for a humble cause.......2006-11-27

This CD was prepared for a good cause and one I will always support to feed the starving children around our planet. This album had a uplifting message as well within its music and that was 'One World, One People'. It is music that is trying to unite the plethora of humankind. And that is a notable and noble thing. The 13 tracks were composed, produced and arranged by Brian Wavy and his work is a polished and enterprising gem.

Whether it is in your CD-ROM, DVD player, or in your car you can listen to enigmatic, ambience, eclectic and indulgent cultures around the world. From the deserts of Africa, to the waterfalls of the Amazon, from the isles of Greece to the emporiae of Asia, you get the native instrumentals, voices and languages of the world arranged and composited so perfectly on one CD.

I don't want to go into every song. There is much flavour and moods in this album for everyone to enjoy. A peice of the world at your fingertips. And for a noble cause.

Great CD!!!!.......2000-09-01

Love all the tracks, very happy and upbeat music. Also, I like the fact that they donate One-third of the artist royalties from the CD's sales to 'CARE' to help feed the hungry children throughout the world.

Amazing cd.......2000-06-22

It's has a Dance feel to it at the same time it's moody, exotic and very unique it has flavores from varies countries, great sounding cd I have not heard anything like it, I give it a 5 star

Quite enjoyable ... but ... unique?.......2000-06-07

I've had the chance to listen to this cd several times where I work and no doubt, it's garned alot of reaction.

However, when people continually ask me "Is this Enigma?" or "Is this Deep Forest?" or "Is this B-tribe?" depending on what track is playing as it borrows samples from each of the above mentioned artists, I can't imagine anyone calling this "original".

There was at least one sample from every popular world/ambient act around somewhere on this album - therefore each track sounded like someone else. Spoken female voices, pygmies, monks, dance grooves and even some flamenco guitars - yes, they're all on here!

Despite the fact that this album is indeed very cliche', it's quite enjoyable on the whole and I've heard far worse attempts at this style of music. I can certainly guarantee that you won't get bored listening to it so because this is one of the better albums of this genre (I mean after all, I do like it better than say Era) I'll go ahead and give it 4 stars.

There really isn't much else to say about this album, because there isn't anything on here that hasn't already been done before. So basically, if you like Enigma, Waterbone, Deep Forest and B-tribe this should be right up your alley.

Average customer rating: No money to the artist Stunning, beautiful music from Nepal I generally agree with the above, but... Music that brings forth eternal optimism Harmony, complexity, beauty, sensuality and fluidy of Nepal

Images of Nepal Sur Sudha Manufacturer: Domo Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Festivals of Nepal Himalaya Roots: Traditional Music of Nepal Native Music of Nepal: From Mount Everest & The Himalayas A Morning Raga/An Evening Raga ASIN: B000006HT2 Release Date: 1998-03-24

Tracks:

1. Raja Mati
2. Resham Firri
3. A Fisherman's Song
4. Stutee (Prayer)
5. Nayaki Kanghada

Amazon.com

The Nepalese trio Sur Sudha came together in the late 1980s for what amounts to a national-cultural mission. They set out to document the varieties of music in Nepal, and, given the remarkable contrasts in the landscape, it's no surprise that Sur Sudha's musical evocations span large distances. The musical highs and lows, though, are all kept within close reach of each other, reminding that Sur Sudha is a spare ensemble, employing only flute (Prem Rana Autari), sitar (Bijaya Vaidya), and tabla (Surendra Shrestha). The tunes here are compact, ranging from just over 5 to around 16 minutes, much in contrast to traditional Indian ragas, which can stretch to near eternity in their balance of drones and cyclic tabla rhythms. Like Indian music, these pieces feature each instrument closely entwined with the others, developing melodic units that spiral at a moderate and measured pace and featuring the sitar in a not-quite-drone role that sponges up the flute tones and wrings them back out in resonating solo segments. Listeners who enjoy standout solos as much as collective improvisations off raags (a musical scale similar to Indian ragas) will enjoy the work Sur Sudha has done to keep the band's direction balanced on an axis of expressive play. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

No money to the artist.......2004-03-29

Hey, this is a great group and outstanding music. But before you buy this CD, make sure that the artist is actually seeing some of your money. To the present, as I understand it, Sur Sudha has never received a royalty check from any U.S. CD sales, except for the sales they themselves have made. Someone is burning these CDs and selling them as their own.

Stunning, beautiful music from Nepal.......2002-09-20

An absolutely gorgeous, lushly melodic album. Fans of Indian classical may find this familiar -- yet oddly dissimilar. Although the instruments are similar -- sitar, tabla and flute -- the music is not quite as langourous and deliberative; this has a more pronounced melodic drive which may actually make it more accessible to Western ears. Wonderful stuff. Highly recommended!

I generally agree with the above, but..........2000-05-03

someone needs to tell both the amazon and dirty linen reviewers that the word "raag" is just a regional variant (and a more phonetically correct one at that) of the word "raga" - both reviews botch this fairly central point, and the linen one goes so far as to "sic" sur sudha's spelling... while on the topic, though, one might as well sic linen's spelling of "katmandu" -- sorry to pick nits - the album is indeed nicely performed and well recorded...

Music that brings forth eternal optimism.......1999-09-25

Great music that brought me closed to spirituality. I listen again and again, only to hear varieties of the same piece. Infinite Joy!

Harmony, complexity, beauty, sensuality and fluidy of Nepal.......1999-04-25

Finding a way to remember Nepal. Pictures, encounters, scenery, atmosphere continually evoking harmony and tranquillity every hour of the day as I travelled winding roads through mountains, hills and over southern plains. This the music that evokes and expresses the images of the life and beauty, the people and their spirits that I sought, saw and seek to retain. I will listen to this music forever, swaying within its pulsating geographies and cultures and be uplifted and enthralled by the layers of rhythm. This is Nepal played and presented in sound and images that are direct and welcoming connections to the soul.

Average customer rating: Superb percussion to the max. Turn it up! Very, very good. More mesmerizing fusion music w/ Japanese drumming

Asian Drums II Kiyoshi Yoshida Manufacturer: Pacific Moon [Alleg] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Fusion & World Fusion | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Asian Drums Samurai Collection Samurai Collection II Drums of Tokyo East Wind ASIN: B00005NTSI Release Date: 2001-09-04

Tracks:

1. A Circle Of Guilt
2. The Lucky Spirit
3. Flowers
4. Interlude
5. Duel
6. Summer Grass
7. Interlude
8. Mad Spider's Web
9. Obsidian
10. Interlude
11. The Secret Of Bamboo
12. Interlude
13. Wazawai
14. Midare Uchi
15. A Moment In Destiny

Album Description

Kiyoshi Yoshida's follow-up to his extremely popular Asian Drums album. Once again, he creates a mesmerizing set of compositions using traditional Japanese “wadaiko” drums, skillfully blended with the synthesizer. Let this hypnotic energy resonate within you!

To enhance your enjoyment of the music, removable incense sticks are included in the spine of the CD jewel case.

Customer Reviews:

Superb percussion to the max. Turn it up!.......2007-07-03

I'm stingy with 5 star ratings, this is just short only because I would have liked the mic placement to have been a little less distant from the drums which to my ears are sometimes a little muddy. By contrast the strings and woodwinds are spot-on, clear and crisp. But that's a nit -- this is great stuff: well performed with a fascinating mix of traditional and modern. Generally this music is very upbeat, incense or not, this isn't music _I_ can relax to, I find it much too exciting for that; not music that I, for one, can sit still while listening. Oh, and I don't view that as a bad thing at all!!

I don't have the first of these but I've got a few others in the genre, including Kodo, and this fits right in but has a smoother, more polished feel probably because the drums aren't dominant on most tracks. Important, yes, dominant, no. Personally, I like both styles and if you've been exposed to something like Kodo and liked that, then I'd definitely recommend this to you as something equally good but just a little different.

Bottom line: recommended!

Very, very good........2007-04-24

This CD is really good. I have never listened to Kiyoshi Yoshida's work before this, and the only other thing I can compare it to is Uttara Kuru's East Wind, another new-age-type CD.
Burning the incense sticks that come with the album while you listen, is an extremely soothing experience. My favorite track is WAZAWAI which features nothing but drums. The other tracks generally have guitars, flutes, and traditional Japanese and Chinese instruments.

More mesmerizing fusion music w/ Japanese drumming.......2003-05-26

This album follows in the same vein as Yoshida's first "Asian Drums". Dark, driving, questing synthesizer compositions are underlaid by the deep pounding of accoustic drums. This time, the percussionists are the wadaiko drummers of the group Bonten, led by Masataka Kobayashi. Other instruments complimenting the drum and synthesizer soundscape include shamisen (a banjo-like instrument), shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute), koto (a Japanese zither), dizi (traditional Chinese flute) and guitar. "Asian Drums II" is markedly similar to its predecessor in tone and style, but features the accoustic melody instruments a bit more. Both are great if you enjoy drumming music (and both smell nice too, as do all CDs from the Pacific Moon label, since the jewel cases contain sticks of incense). If you like Asian Drums, be sure to check out the work of another Japanese drumming group too--Kodo.

Average customer rating: Recycled

Ashu Chakan (Asian Cafe) Kitaro Manufacturer: Sony/Columbia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Electronic | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music New Age | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000062VEZ Release Date: 2002-03-27

Tracks:

1. Planet
2. Linden
3. Unicorn
4. Legend Of Hte Road
5. Ancient Of Wind
6. Nageki
7. Fairy Of Water
8. Peace
9. The Field
10. A Drop Of Silence
11. Sumerian Magic
12. Harmony Of Hte Forest
13. Stream
14. Wave Of Sand
15. Moondance

Album Description

2002 release from the spiritual Kitaro features 15 tracks.

Customer Reviews:

Recycled.......2002-05-25

Made in JAP in 2002, Serial# MUCD-1055, Playing Time 62:18

The english title of this 15-track compilation is in fact "Asian Café", and gathers 15 tracks from KITARO's solo albums, up to the great "Ancient" and "An Ancient Journey" albums.

It also includes 2 tracks from the "Kitaro's World Of Music Featuring Yu-Xiao Guang" album. As is the tradition with most of KITARO's albums, the tracks are generally linked without pause in sound.

This album covers many albums from the "Geffen" label era, without presenting anything unreleased...

It makes for an expensive "best of", so perhaps a more affordable album like "Ten Years" or "Thinking Of You" makes for a better introduction this to this man's spiritual music...

Average customer rating: Great CD with all the festival tunes of Nepal. Something like flying Festivals of Nepal You'll want to visit Nepal.

Festivals of Nepal Sur Sudha Manufacturer: Domo Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Images of Nepal Images of Nepal Himalaya Roots: Traditional Music of Nepal Native Music of Nepal: From Mount Everest & The Himalayas ASIN: B00000I41B Release Date: 1999-02-23

Tracks:

1. Mangal Dhoon
2. Basanta
3. Shiva Ratri
4. Fagu
5. Silu
6. Teej
7. Bada Dashain
8. Tihar

Amazon.com

Sur Sudha is an ensemble from Nepal that has been researching and performing folk music from the nation for a number of years. The core trio plays flute, sitar, and tabla, and the recording is filled out with the constant presence of a droning tanpura, occasional voices, and some studio effects and programming that at least don't radically mar the sound the group makes. The songs are from traditional sources, but this is not a folkloric recording. This is popular music, made in the studio to create a large sound and attract a broader audience. Sur Sudha and their European producers have heard of Enya and hope they can create a sound that will prove as successful for Asian music. That said, the richness of the acoustic instruments is not buried, and the songs themselves are wonderful, and the performers are skillful arrangers and performers. This recording is not for the purist, but it is a good introduction to a little-known musical territory. It is also a good argument for why popularized folk music should be done by the locals and not by Europeans and Americans who like to sample the sounds but don't understand the source. Sur Sudha's offering is light, but it's the genuine article. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

Great CD with all the festival tunes of Nepal........2006-03-15

Nepal is a country of many festivals. Each festival has their own tunes or folk music to go with the festival. With this album exactly what Sur Sudha have done. They have put together all the great melodies of these great festivals. You are not only listening to the music by Sur Sudha but also you are listening to the tunes, which have been in Nepal since a long long time. Like Dasai (15 days festival), Tihar(festivals of light), Phagu (Holi) festivals of color, and many more. So, I would say, after you read this review you will hear this cd differently because everytime you hear the particular number, it brings you to that festival or time and if you have been to Nepal, you will know what I mean.

Buddha Mind

Something like flying.......2001-08-16

Listening to this cd is as easy as breathing. Turn it on and suddenly you are alive, suddenly you have ancestral memory, suddenly you are soaring through the tree tops like you did forty thousand years ago, like you were meant to do. Get this CD

Festivals of Nepal.......2000-07-02

I have both of Sur Sudha's albums and they are both excellent. Having been to Nepal, it's capital,Kathmandu and the Solu Khumbu region and Mt. Everest; listening to these recordings evokes images of that unbelievable country. A listen to this music recalls the mystism, sights, sounds and smells of the only Hindu kingdom on earth. If you have ever trekked the Himalaya or you are planning to, listen to the music of this group of extremely talented musicians-Sur Sudha!

You'll want to visit Nepal........1999-04-29

The music here is similar to Indian, with noticeable influences from China and other neighboring countries. The tabla (hand drum) propels, the flute leads the melody and the sitar provides texture along with the ubiquitous drone of the tanpura. Gets better as it goes, with each piece successfully evoking the essence of its associated ritual. From the deliberate sound of a mountain-clibing pilgrimage in "Silu" and hypnotic, floating wishes of "Teej" to the edgy tension of animal sacrifice suffusing "Bada Dashain", this album reflects the surprising variety of Nepalese culture. The studio recording adds accessibility without watering down the music. Very nice!

Meditation Music:

1. Automanipulation
2. Automanipulation
3. Bhava Yoga
4. Celtic Mysteries, Vol. 2
5. Classical Music for a Stress-Free World
6. Classical Shores
7. Cristofori's Dream [Original recording remastered]
8. Crystal Winter, Vol. 1: World Disc Music Holiday Sampler
9. Crystal Winter, Vol. 2
10. Dargason: A Dulcimer Sampler

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Kayak [Import]

Bartok & Ravel

Bach: Keyboard Concertos, Vol. 5

Music: Nashville Star Best Female Country, Vol. 5 [Karaoke]

Bar Lounge Classics [Import]

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A Scottish Evening

Balance & Options [Clean]

Along the Way

American Portraits: George Gershwin

Album

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Beats, Rhymes & Battles, Vol. 1 [Explicit Lyrics]

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The Freedom Rider