2004-2005 music-by-mail catalog

FEATURED VOCALS & WORLD CHANTS

VARIOUS ARTISTS Heart of Innocence Heart of Innocence is an inspired compilation of songs recorded by some of the most beautiful female voices in the world. The songs express themes of a personal nature, with words from the heart that deal with universal themes and a purity of purpose. The uplifting nature of the songs lends itself to repeated play, inviting the voices, words and music to wash over you like the warm, healing rays of the sun. These songs will ask people to stop and take time to be with yourself, as they are filled with truth, acceptance, freedom, imagination, visions and dreams. The words come from the innocent heart, displaying the double meaning of the compilations title. The series is produced by Lloyd Barde of Backroads Music. On this 1st volume, all songs are in English, with amazing cover art by Daniel Merriam. Some of the voices heard on Heart of Innocence are already very familiar although the names might not be. MIRIAM STOCKLEY is the voice of ADIEMUS, who have achieved international success to the tune of several million units. MIRIAM also has two of her own exquisite solo releases. LISBETH SCOTT is similarly well known as the voice of the STATE OF GRACE project, another international success from the production talents of Paul Schwartz. LISBETH has five of her own releases, and was the featured vocalist as well as co-lyricist of The Passion of Christ. DONNA DE LORY is heard on two songs on Heart of Innocence, including both the opening track and the album closer. She is currently on tour with Madonna, and has 3 of her own CDs that crossover beautifully between the chant style & her own original songs, such as heard here. TINA MALIA, SUZANNE STERLING, SUZEE WATERS BENJAMIN, & MANIKO are all part of the new vanguard of artists who have contributed to this wonderfully sweeping collection. Of special note are two tracks from the UK group BLISS, who have developed a huge following in Europe but little visibility (yet) in the US, and a truly choice track from WILL ACKERMAN which features the amazing HAPPY RHODES (and her five-octave range). Their collaboration, Before We Left This All Behind, has become the centerpiece of the release. Finally, there is an unreleased track from rising star POLLYANNA BUSH called Innocent Heart which inspired the entire concept. The aim of this series is well beyond but inclusive of the yoga market. Those who know and love Sarah McLachlan, Loreena McKennitt, Jewel, The Indigo Girls, Dido, Enya, Toni Childs, Celine Dion, Alanis Morissette, Ani DiFranco, etc. and others of this stature will be immediately drawn to the material, the artists and the songs that are included. This series, as exemplified by this first volume, celebrates the time-honored tradition of writing songs of a personal nature, with lyrics that may affect peoples lives in positive ways. While outside of any specific faith or belief, Heart of Innocence can assist in restoring faith, offering hope and renewal of the spirit through common experiences, expressed in songs of the highest caliber by artists at the leading edge of the genre. It is truly a CD to play again and again, to treasure in special moments, and to revisit and rediscover with your friends, partners, groups & family members, as well as cherishing song after song in those tender, quiet, solo times. Certain to be one of the years favorite releases, and first in a series of extraordinary compilations.
Visit the Heart of Innocence web page: http://www.backroadsmusic.com/special_lists/heart_of_innocence.htm CD $14.98

BACKROADS
M U S I C

DONNA DE LORY Lover & Beloved Remixes Ten tracks cover various remixes of three of the tracks from Donnas superb Lover and the Beloved CD. These are dancey, inspired pieces for the most part, although some just go deeper into the source material. Fans of Donna (like myself!) will love the opportunity to go further with her voice, and the beats that make these tracks move, at times reminiscent of Madonna, while reaching for the heavens. The three chants are He Ma Durga, Govinda Jaya Jaya, & Ganapati Om, mixed by Mac Quayle, Eastern Sun, Fiyah & Laurel.
Also available: The Lover and the Beloved; In the Glow; Bliss CD $15.98

IRARI Esquisses Irari is the unique combination of multi-talented vocalist Irina Mikhailova and pianist/ composer Ira Stein playing haunting and sublime arrangements of beautiful Eastern European folk songs. Irari weaves a sensual tapestry of landscapes and emotions with melodies that linger on and on in the ears of the listener. On their debut, Irari is joined by guest artists such as percussionist John Loose, cellist Hans Christian, Paul McCandless (English horn), Dann Zinn (tenor and soprano sax) and others with additional percussion. The music is often sparse, yet full of emotion and the magical interplay between voice and piano. Irina is a crosspollinating vocalist, composer, and multi instrumentalist whose musical style reflects the rich traditions of Russia, the Middle East and Asia. Born into a family of professional musicians in the central Asian republic of Kazakhstan, Irinas voice is rich with the multi-ethnic sounds that surrounded her childhood, and the power and depth of her own soul. You are probably familiar with her warm and other-worldly vocals from an eclectic range of music classical to traditional, as well as electronic and other genres. She recorded with Hamza El Din, Glen Velez, Kaya Project, Ancient Future, Lumin, Mc Candless and pop sensation Jewel. Ira Stein found early success at the age of 18 on Windham Hill in his recordings, first with Russel Walder, then as a solo artist on Narada, and is now exploring new worlds on his own with several intriguing collaborations, such as Equisses.
Also available by IRINA: Russian Twilight CD $15.98

VAS Feast of Silence Presenting their first album in four years, percussionist Greg Ellis and vocalist Azam Ali return with another set of haunting soundscapes that blend influences from a variety of ancient traditions. Feast of Silence is a rich aural experience that weaves together the sounds of guitar, cello, bansuri flute, multiethnic percussion, synths and other mystical sounds to create atmospheres that are enchanting with a touch of melancholy. Greg Ellis heads the musical core, lending each composition it own unique sonic palette. Once again, the gorgeous singing of Ali takes center stage on each of these pieces; in these settings, she sings with a nod to the vocal stylings of India, the Middle East and Medieval Europe (not to mention her first use of English vocals in a Vas song). She explores the interplay between solo & choral performance, with layered vocals that rise like many voices singing together in a temple. Spiritual and stirring, this album is another fantastic gift from the duo known as Vas.
Also available: In the Garden of Souls; Offerings; Sunyata - see NIYAZ CD $15.98

LISBETH SCOTT Passionate Voice This brand new and exquisite CD from one of our favorite vocal artists is entitled Passionate Voice, and much of the material is inspired by her work on the film The Passion of the Christ. Not to be confusing, there are no pieces that were part of that movie score, but all new songs written or cowritten by Lisbeth. It is about spirit ... how we define it .. how we interact with it ... how we experience and embrace it. The music is very much a reflection of realizing how our world is so full of beauty, aggression, light, darkness, love, anger...everything hurtling forth at an unbelievable speed. We all need something to believe in, to keep us grounded, give us faith, lead us to beauty and reveal the divine nature that lives in all of us. She created this CD to move you, to touch you, to transport you, to comfort you and to bring you joy. Passionate Voice is co-produced by Nathan Barr and Lisbeth Scott and features many brilliant and open-hearted musicians such as Greg Ellis on percussion (Vas, Mickey Hart), Dan Lutz on bass, Bernie Locker on guitar (who co-wrote one tune), Chris Bleth on duduk (also plays on The Passion score) . Nate played a bunch of instruments as usual such as cello, guitar, ocarina, bol bol and many others. The result is quite magical. Lisbeth performs all vocals, in addition to keyboards and guitar and harmonium. Throw in a few lyrics in Ancient Hebrew & Aramaic & there you have it.
Also available: Fair Skye; Dove Climb CD $15.98 Call 800-767-4748 www.backroadsmusic.com email: info@backroadsmusic.com

CHARLOTTEMARIE Naked Heart Its all about the voice on Naked Heart. But there is much more to it. I am not sure when, if ever, I have heard and been moved by a voice such as Charlottemaries. The quality and effect of her vocalizing is such that she sounds deep and mystical, haunting, secular, eerie and downright transcendent at times, ranging from the quietest sustained tones to potent passages that will upset your world. The music that surrounds the vocals is also first-rate, and reminiscent of two musical reference points that have strong personal followings. One is the recent soundtrack by Lisa Gerrard for Whale Rider. The low level tribal rhythms and mystical and ancient nature of the tracks places Naked Heart squarely in this archetypal arena. The other is, not surprisingly, the music of Dead Can Dance and Gerrards own solo works, as well as the vocal style of Sheila Chandra. This is owing more to the wordless, meaningless language sounds that strip the mind and kiss the heart. We first heard Charlottemarie under the name of Lila on the Soulfood CD Ancestral Voice, an amazing CD that pushed the envelope way beyond the tribal primal vocal arena. Charlottemarie also sings on recent Wingmakers CDs, extraordinary releases that are an exciting addition to our list. Her multi-octave, transcending chants and vocals blend perfectly with the stirring melodies and rhythmic textures, creating a cross-cultural and multi-dimensional listening experience. And yet, its all about the voice. The tracks span ancient-futuristic journeys, global dance, spiritual trance, heartful healing, prayerful songs, hypnotic chants and poetry, all with an underlying feeling of incredible beauty and brilliance that will touch your soul and move your realities to a space of oneness, stillness & personal inspiration. Fascinating, fabulous music, & did I mention the voice? Wow.
Also available: Voice of the Beloved CD $15.98

Featured Reviews of the best new vocal & chant CDs

TINA MALIA & SHIMSHAI Jaya Bhagavan New music from the lovely Tina Malia is indeed a welcome sight. This CD is of a devotional nature, and showcases her smooth as honey voice to best advantage. With musical partner Shimshai on an equal billing status, this is still Tinas CD, as far as the listeners experience. It is a collection of devotional sanskrit chants, orchestrated with acoustic instruments from around the world. It includes their talented posse of friends, such as Sasha Butterfly, Al Torre, Vir McCoy and MJ Greenmountain from Hamsa Lila, Lakshmi Ma, and super special honored guests Jai Uttal, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Yair Dalal, and more. In the midst of their frequent travels they have loved and learned many devotional songs from different cultures, & this new CD is a taste of some of the most beautiful sanskrit bhajans. The presence that lies within these ancient mantras move and heal in remarkable ways, & the CD captures that essence. Making this project has truly been a labor of love for Tina, Shimshai and all involved. In 100% recycled packaging with no plastic.
Also available: Shores of Avalon CD $16.98

DEVA PREMAL Dakshina On her fourth CD of gorgeous sacred chants, Deva Premal offers an exquisitely beautiful and moving CD which showcases her unparalleled voice. Surrounded by world class musicians, and with production to match, Deva Premal again shows why she is the one by whom all others are measured. Dakshinas rich tapestry of layered voices and luxuriant sounds is the pefect sanctuary for accessing our inner wisdom & honoring the divine truth that resides within each of us. Absolutely transcendent.
Also available: Satsang (Live w/Miten); Songs for the Inner Lover (w/Miten); Embrace; Love is Space; Essence CD $14.98

STELLAMARA Seven Valleys The build up is slow and patient. The power in the music is obvious from the opening tones. And the reference points are in place as before, from Dead Can Dance to Loreena McKennitt. Yes, this is the new Stellamara CD, but its a whole new experience of mystical fables, deep soulful voices, rhythms from the core of the earth and expansive waves of music that ebb and flow as they penetrate through and beyond the listeners spirit into unseen horizons barely even imagined. At the same time, there is such a call of tenderness, yearning and primordial expression. Seven Valleys comes seven years after the acclaimed Star of the Sea and it surpasses the far reaches and untapped corridors of the previous effort. Like before, primary artists are Sonja Drakulich & Gari Hegedus. Sonja brings her ancestry from Hungary & Serbia to the training that has carried her through studies & absorption of classical Hindustani and Persian voice to Turkish, Greek, Arabic and Balkan singing, and other influences. Her voice is at a never-ending peak of clarity and expression, from soft, distant and tailing off into the dark night to lively and ignited by fires that burn so brightly within. She adds hammered dulcimer playing and percussion that flashes across the tracks, resting in between, and joining the rest of the players side-by-side. Sonja also produces and arranges much of the music, with help from Gari and sound designer Christopher K; together they work studio magic that fully translates to the disc you are hearing. Gari plays with such an ancient modern passion and delicacy that getting lost in the music is much easier than navigating your way back out. His main instruments are the oud, violin and saz yet his talent is expressed on many other instruments including the mandocello, sarod and setar. On stage and in the studio, Stellamara incorporates the talents of percussionists Tobias Roberson and Faisel Zedan, along with upright Bassist Miles Jay. Each track constitutes a journey of discovery, with adventures waiting around every turn. There is also a deeply devotional quality and aspect to the songs, and the hypnotic, often intoxicating feel of the instruments brings this home in ways that are personal and all encompassing. This CD captures and capsulizes todays world music possibilities Stellamara is at the top of their game, & there is clearly no end in sight.
Also available: Star of the Sea CD $15.98

JENNIFER BEREZAN End of Desire After three unique and popular CDs of long-form chants & goddess-oriented world-flavored music, Jennifer returns to an album of songs, with nine new compsitions in her own inimitable style as songwriter extraordinaire. Featuring an amazing cast of supporting players (Julie Wolf, Nina Gerber, Jami Sieber, David Worm, Mike Marshall & Rick Lazar) & guest vocal artists (Bruce Cockburn, Emily Saliers from Indigo Girls, Linda Tillery, Riffat Salamat, Chris Webster), End of Desire is inspired & personal throughout. These incredible guests have helped transform each song into a work of art. The arrangements weave a variety of styles: folk, rock, chant and pop into a gorgeous musical tapestry that is heart achingly beautiful, transcendent & rooted.
Also available: Praises for the World; Returning; She Carries Me CD $15.98

SADA SAT KAUR Shashara Sada Sat Kaurs anticipated sophomore CD Shashara is gorgeous, relaxing, invigorating... like India meets Americana, or Emmylou meets Eno. Sada Sat Kaur has followed up her debut chant sensation, Angels Waltz, with another sublime collection of Gurmukhi mantra, Shashara. This time shes ventured even deeper into the cross pollination of western rock ambience and kundalini shakti energy. Sada Sats mystical alto combines with an all-star cast of transcendent players and singers to create a CD that moves from whispered intimacy to choral gospel fever. Produced by Jeremy Toback and Chad Fischer (Garden State Soundtrack), Shashara features sublime vocal counterpoint from Paula Cole, ethereal organ work from Rami Jaffee (The Wallflowers), & ambient guitar textures from Greg Leisz (kd lang & Bill Frisell). But what makes the CD so special is the way these great artists let their individual voices merge to serve the greater whole of Sada Sat Kaurs trance inducing devotion.
Also available: Angels Waltz CD $15.98

DIANA ROWAN Panta Rhei: Celtic & Mediterranean Music for Harp What a great new CD, arriving by hand delivery from this artist who resides in Berkeley. Delving into a variety of cultures (Irish, Greek, Israeli, Scottish, Sufi, Hungarian, Appalachian) with stunning music centered around Dianas harp virtuoisity, this is deeply feeling music that bridges traditional music to modern expression. The presence of Sonja Drakulich and Gari Hegedus from Stellamara lends an added air of credibility & musicianship that takes the project to the next level. James Boblak adds vocals, along with Diana and Sonja, while Peter Maund shines on percussion, Karl Frazen plays guitar & whistle, and Paddy League rounbds out the cast on lyra, mandocello and oud. Right in the heart of all the music is Diana splendid harp playing, as well as her time-honored reverence & brilliant adaptations of the music.
CD $14.98

NIYAZ Niyaz This group was formed by Azam Ali (singer from Vas), Ramin Torkian (Axiom of Choice), & Grammy winning producer Carmen Rizzo Exotic, modern & intense in a good way, Niyaz is going to blaze a new trail through hybrid world music. The ageless mystical poetry of Urdu and Persian Sufi poets forms the lyrical framework for this fresh new musical direction. Along with the new Stellamara CD, Niyaz charts out a new path in world/exotic/vocal journeys, & it is a trip well worth taking in all respects.
CD $16.98

JORANE The You and The Now Produced by Michael Brook, Jorane is an artist with huge talent, both in her mind-bending cello playing as well as her evocative, often somber vocals. From French Canada, she weaves a sonic dreamscape with her vibrant, essential songs. There is a duet with Daniel Lanois, and comparisons to Kate Bush & Tori Amos will pop up amidst astonishment at the sounds she coaxes from her cello. She now counts several film scores among her credits, including Unfaithful starring Richard Gere & Diane Lane. As word of her unique talents began to spread, Jorane has collaborated with such respected & diverse artists as Sarah McLachlan, Pierre Marchand, Bobby McFerrin, film composers Marco Beltrami (I-Robot, Terminator 3), Jan Kaczmarek (Finding Neverland) & Devos Mark Mothersbaugh.
CD $16.98

WILL ACKERMAN Returning This is a new album of Wills best-known songs, re-recorded after years of growth and introspection. Returning comes full circle as a mature artist revisits the works he wrote throughout his illustrious career. These solo guitar works provide a soothing atmosphere for our cluttered and chaotic lives, heightened by their simplicity and Wills penultimate expression. One of the best steel-string guitarist working in this genre, Returning also marks a new label debut for this esteemed artist. Recently, Will won the Grammy Award for this CD, a long overdue acknowledgement for a masterful artist.
Also available: Hearing Voices (w/Happy Rhodes, Samite, Jaya Lakshmi+) CD $16.98

DEIRDRE One Remember the group called Ekova? They came in loud and went out quietly, known primarily for their cross-cultural rhythms, dancey remixes, & that amazing voice, courtesy of their vocalist Deirdre. Dierdres new Six Degrees album One places her in good company, and is recommended if you like the Cocteau Twins, Bjrk, and Siouxsie Sioux. Her mysterious exploration through Electro, HipHop, & Breakbeat grooves takes her sexy vocals to a mind-altering, obscure sonic universe -- its nothing if not eclectic. Singing in English, French and her own self-realized language, Dierdre is gaining the attention of many; due soon.
CD $16.98

ambient music, space music & other featured cds

TIM STORY Caravan With his score for Caravan, composer Tim Story explores a musical terrain far from his Ohio home. It is 4,000 miles from Tim Storys recording studio in northwest Ohio to the cosmopolitan hum of Madrid, Spain. From there, another four hours by jet to the deserts of Niger. Beyond that, the Himalayas of Nepal would entail an unimaginable nine-month journey by caravan. So why choose Story to score Caravan, a feature-length Spanish documentary set in Nepal and North Africa? On the surface, his elegantly introspective ambient chamber music might seem an unconventional choice for a film set in such exotic locales. I saw a thousand adventures, dunes, sky, stars, and empty spaces, says Caravans music supervisor Aln Cantos, and I was only two-thirds into his first CD! Cantos shared it with Caravans director Gerardo Olivares during one of the film crews shoots in Niger, and it became a kind of soundtrack for their long days and nights in the desert. Caravan weaves together a pair of compelling stories, seen through the eyes of two adolescent boys: Pemba in Nepal, and Rabdoulah in Niger. Each will embark on an adventure that few of us Westerners will ever experience - the centuries-old salt caravans. Filled with stunning images of incredible beauty and danger, the documentary also impresses with its subtle portrayals of Pemba and Rabdoulah. Illuminating this narrative, and connecting these diverse threads with understated power and sensitivity, is the music of Tim Story. There are the occasional geographic cues in Storys music for Caravan: the tongue drums deftly played by Louie Simon, the oriental flute in one piece or the chants of Tibetan Buddhist monks in another, all of which conjure for the listener a vivid sense of time and place. But this soundtrack is no world music travelogue - the orchestration is primarily Storys unique palette of Western classical instruments and subtle electronics, and the landscapes he renders are the internal landscapes of human experience. Beautifully articulated by Kim Brydens oboe and Martha Reikows cello, Storys spare yet rich themes map for us the emotional terrain of Pemba and Rabdoulahs journeys; and in doing so, give us a recording that is strikingly haunting and surprisingly rewarding, even when removed from the film itself.
CD $16.98

VARIOUS To the Sky & Beyond the Stars: a Tribute to Michael Garrison This new double album has almost 160 minutes of high-quality electronic music, by artists such as Jonn Serrie, Erik Wollo, Gert Emmens, Binar (Nagle/ Pickford), Redshift, Rudy Adrian, Paul Lawler, Dom F. Scab, etc. This is not just an album with Garrison-like music or covers of his music, but an album full of original tracks. Most of the tracks are exclusive for this compilation, and the rest are new tracks & live recordings. And some of the music perfectly reminds one of Michael Garrison. In addition to the above, there are tracks by Axess, Thought Guild, Rogue Element, Klaus Hoffmann Hoock, Sayer, Jeffrey Koepper, Numina, Remy, Callisto, Craig Padilla, Stephen Parsick, Schonwalder/Keller/Broekhuis & others. This is an international cast, representing eight countries. The 8-page full color CD booklet contains personal messages from Mark Garrison (Michaels brother) & George Mattson (developer of Syntar synthesizer & friend/co-musician of Garrison for many years). Also the artists have left personal messages in the CD-booklet & you will also find unique photos of Michael. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to MPOWER, a program by the national mental health association in the USA.
2-CD $29.98

BYRON METCALF The Shamans Heart The heart is like an alchemical chamber - possessing the power to transform and transmute the fears, wounds, and patterns that block us from always traveling on what Don Juan called the path with heart. The ability to remain heart centered - to stay connected to ones compassionate core in the face of adversity & personal challenge is a hallmark of spiritual and psychological maturity. Shamanism is an ancient spiritual system that helps develop the capacity to live fully in the world of the heart. Using ancient and contemporary rhythmic techniques, the intention of The Shamans Heart is an invitation to journey into the infinite regions of this heart-space dimension . . .and beyond. The Shamans Heart is a continuous 73 min. journey using varying rhythmic subdivisons of the classic 220 beats per minute journey tempo. This time & space altering ceremony is supported with an evolving, breathing atmosphere of subtle contrasting harmonic embraces. And it all occurrs in a grounded, environmental space through the use of sounds from the natural world. This potent offering of music as medicine can guide and support even the most intrepid of inner travelers. Byron Metcalf plays Buffalo drums, bear & peyote rattles, udu & clay pot, frame drums, hybrid toms, various shamanic percussion (seed pods, beads, shells, pottery & stone), spirit winds, hoasca sounds. He is joined by his frequent collaborator Steve Roach, who adds Analog and digital soundworlds, didgeridoo, ocarinas, and additional shamanic percussion on track 5. Less a musical CD, like Wachumas Wave, than a journey accompaniment with specific intentions, The Shamans Heart nevertheless will be a welcome addition for those who choose to take the steps toward merging with these grounded earth rhythms.
Also: Mantram (w/Roach); Wachuma's Wave (w/Roach); Not Without Risk; Helpers, Guides & Allies CD $15.98

JONN SERRIE Epiphany Those who enjoyed Jonns holiday releases will enjoy this CD, comprised of Meditations on Sacred hymns. This deep musical journey explores hymns of the mid-18th century including Bachs Jesu, Joy of Mans Desiring the 19th century American melody Amazing Grace & the modern choral piece O Magnum Mysterium which is the album closer at almost nine minutes. Be Still, My Soul by Jean Sibelius and Henry Lytes Abide with me are also highlights. Other familiar melodies move in & out of Serries trademark space music stylings, with a sublime, sacred feel that provides true respite from todays perilous pace and frenetic challenges. Jonn also adds an original piece, Light of thy Countenance, to this introspective CD. Besides synthesizers and sound design, Jonn plays pipe organ in parts of the CD. Whether or not you relate to the theme, this is Jonn Serrie at his mystical, magical best, in a project he conceived himself & delivers from the heart.
Also: Stargazer's Journey; Lumia Nights; Hidden Worlds (w/Stroutsos); And the Stars Go With You ++ CD $15.98

DAVID PARSONS Inner Places On Celestial Harmonies, here is another new Parsons CD, and what more could you ask for? This is the Parsons style of spacemusic that has made him a favorite artist of so many, including myself. Serene, deep, evocative and powerfully understated, Inner Places rises and falls in a timeless manner. Again using the vast backdrop of the Tibetan region as inspiration, Parsons has a unique gift for creating music to provide sonic worlds which the listener could journey to in their imagination. The word loka in Hindi/Sanskrit can mean a world or realm of experience. The track titles on Inner Places simply translate as First World, Second World, etc.; Parsons purpose was not to colour the mind with descriptive titles, so that the listener could create their own realm of experience to journey deep into stillness & peaceful space. Serene, evocative and understated, Inner Places rises and falls in a timeless manner.
Also: Maitreya: The Future Buddha; Ngaio Gamelan; Shaman; Dorje Ling; Himalaya; + many others CD $16.98

AMIN BHATIA Interstellar Suite (reissue) Backroads is pleased to be the Source for this classic CD that was so far ahead of its time that even now it is groundbreaking, & sounds more sensational than ever thanks to the CD being digitally remastered from its original analog elements. "The Interstellar Suite" was first released on LP in 1987 and was extremely well received. Two things made this unique: One was its lush orchestral stylings attributed to Amin's love of Jerry Goldsmith and John Williams film scores. The other was Amin's insistence on using analog synths in a world where everyone else had gone digital. Rather than join the trend of sampling and abusing orchestral phrases, Amin combined and layered 100's of electronic parts to achieve a warm orchestral sound. And now it is available again, and the sound, not to mention visual images, are better than ever. Don't miss out this time!
CD $16.98

THOM BRENNAN Silver Thom Brennan, while reaching inward, seeks to create music with an emphasis on his relationship with the natural world. His new CD, Silver, moves between the dreamlike stillness of contemplative space, to the seductive powers of shimmering synthscapes, to the fierce brilliance of churning harmonic motion. His musical ideas run through this album like a strong current. Waves of sound roll towards the listener in seemingly infinite variations, each somewhat different from the next. The beauty of this album is found in these continual departures. Brennan's peaceful terrain undulates with delicate rhythms, otherworldly sensibilities & subtle sequences. Silvermoves deliberately along a path that allows this musical adventure to express its unique character on a sonic landscape that will not soon leave your mind. Listen often, as there is much to discover on one of Brennan's most impressive & impressionistic works.
Also: Satori; Vibrant Waters; Shimmer; Mist; + CD $14.98

KEN MARTIN Transparent Shadows and Beyond Ultraviolet Two new CDs add to the growing catalog of Ken Martin, from the Space for Music label. Just a couple years ago, this artist was unheard of; now he is a staple of the Berlin School genre, with a steady diet of sequencers and synths that propel the music along. Ken consistently gives us the sequences and textures that walk on the same grounds as the masters of electronic music.
Also: Spheres (New); Crystal Voyage; Impressions of Berlin, vol. 3; Impressions of Berlin, vol. 1 + 2 ($18.98 2-CD) CD $12.98

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chill out sounds, world flavors & assorted gems

KAYA PROJECT Walking Through This is the #1 CD of 2004. With tracks that have appeared on compilations like 13th Moon and Arabian Travels 2, Kaya Project is the work of Sebastian Taylor, who has worked with Anne Dudley & Jaz Coleman (their Songs from the Victorious City is still in print), Youth, Shakta & another current Backroads fave, Angel Tears. This CD is a brilliant melding of exotica, chillout and diverse sounds, propelled along with deep grooves & heady percussive elements, vocals from Hawaii, India and elsewhere by the likes of Irina. This music will take you places with a long and steeped tradition of magic, enchantment, dramatic encounters and tribal resolve. This is the hottest Interchill release yet, and places them alongside Dakini, Ultimae and other top-tier labels.
CD $16.98

VARIOUS ARTISTS Fahrenheit Project #5 If I said this was the best one yet, would you believe me? Well, Im saying it, & you have no risk whatsoever in finding out how the fifth in this incredible series rates. Considering the excellence so far, & the fact that latter volumes are all unreleased tracks not found elsewhere, there is everything to gain and nothing at all to lose! If you are already familiar with Fahrenheit Project you wont need much convincing, and if you have not yet taken the leap, start here and a whole new world of chill out electronica will be right here at your immediate reach. Frances Ultimae label is right now possibly the finest label in the world for this musical hybrid that perfectly combines hybrid eM, analog sounds at al with the coolest modern chill out rhythms and structures. For those that need to know, heres the lineup, with several label artists and a few exciting newcomers: Jaia, Solar Fields, Aural Planet, Aes Dana, H.U.V.A. Network, Cell, Great Leap Forward, Carbon Based, Lifeforms, Sync24, and Hol Baumann. There is nothing to compare to the Fahrenheit Project!
Also: Fahrenheit Proj, 4; Fahrenheit Proj. 3; Fahr. Proj. 2; Fahr. Project CD $17.98

ANGEL TEARS Vision The fourth CD from the international duo Angel Tears is a delightful, boundary-crossing release with across the board appeal. While their sound is very consistent it is not at all formulaic. Like the shifting sands of the Sahara, Angel Tears moves across styles, moods and tempos which make the songs suitable for an energetic yoga workout, sweating your prayers, or movement practices. They also have a knack for expanding the imagination with cool, catchy chill out beats that soar, dip, penetrate and groove. Reference points appear from delicious soundtrack-isms from India to beats that echo & reverberate from the inside out. Slowly drawn out string intros give way to the sounds of nay flutes and violins, with whispered voices et al, and then percolating rhythms, hand drums and mixes provide a consistent thread from start to finish. Because one of the Angel Tears duo hails from Israel, the ecstatic sounds of the Middle East are prevalent, from what feel like Bedouin cries to snaky belly dance rhythms. Momi Ochion blends these elements seamlessly, in tandem with Londons Sebastian James Taylor, a superb guitarist who is also the force behind the popular Kaya Project. It all adds up to an enchanted journey of sounds and voices from all corners of the globe, with lively dharbouka, Tibetan flutes, grand pianos, sitar, electric guitar and Arab violins mixed with such varied elements as African voices in traditional tribal religious ceremonies and ancient Indian hymns. While Vision is an unqualified gem, their previous CDs are every bit as excellent. What sets Angel Tears apart is that the music is laid back and dreamy enough to co-exist with, yet sufficeintly inspired to send you out in ripples of modernistic dancing images & colorful sheherazades from times long past
Also available: Harmony (due soon); The Dreaming; Way of the Mystic CD $12.98

TOSCA J.A.C. J.A.C. is the latest from Tosca, the group who remains a favorite around here on the strength of the hall of fame CD Suzuki. So far we are finding more of the same, but with plenty of new ingredients, not to mention twists and turns to further the Tosca saga. Featuring half of the Kruder & Dorfmeister duo, the music here is carefree and melancholic, with fun loving and endearingly quirky grooves galore. Guest vocalists include Earl Zinger, MC Farda P from Rockers Hi-Fi, Samia Farah, Chri Eckman and Graf Hadik.
Also available: Dehli 9 (2-CD special edition version $19.98); Different Tastes of Honey; Suzuki in Dub (remixes); Suzuki; Opera + CD $17.98

GABRIELLE ROTH Still Chillin This is a breakthrough release for Gabrielle Roth, even after more than a dozen prior CDs. Filled to the brim with gently compelling grooves and a deep, sensuous ambience, these four tracks are like listening to a zen garden, as each blends the timeless spirituality of pure space snd stillness with the modern innovation of contemporary rhythm culture. Gabrielle Roth + The Mirrors create a transcendent listening experience steeped in todays chill scene by focusing on the most laid back of Roths 5Rhythms; its the consummate blending of ageold (chant, wordless vocables, tribal percussion) and new-millennium electronic techniques (cutting edge synth, samples, loops). Based on a steady bass, moving percussion & sinewy vocalizations, Still Chillin is mesmerizing throughout.
Also: Bardo; Refuge; Endless Wave; Luna, Trance; Tribe; Tongues+ CD $15.98

HAMMOCK Kenotic Gigantic dream pop meets exquisite ambient electronica, touched ever so slightly with carefully woven vocals on this exciting new group we are pleased to introduce. Hammock is Marc Byrd & Andrew Thompson and on Kenotic their dreamy guitars, smooth ambience a la Jeff Pearce, Laurel/ Crown Invisible makes for a great find! Both Byrd and Thompson produce, write songs, twist knobs and play several instruments. Marc has even had a song he co-wrote beamed up into space to wake the astronauts on 2 different space shuttle missions. Recently, Marc & Andrew began to periodically let the sounds inside of them find their way out into the open. Kenotic is all at once ambient, post-rock, dreamy lush, melodic, and atmospheric, a soundscape inspired by stillness, beauty, emptiness and silence. And like the world outside like the empty space within this music overflows with beauty and tension, melancholy & hope. Dive in and swim deeply.
CD $14.98

SCOTT AUGUST New Fire On his 3rd CD, Scott August expands his approach from Native American flutes to include other elements and cultures. While the Native flutes are still predominant and beautifully played, Scott also blends haunting Mayan double flutes, African kalimbas, Aztec drums, world beat rhythms, guitar, piano and an exotic array of instruments from around the world. The cry of an eagle pierces the sky, then thunder rumbles across the plateau, as timeless rituals of the ancients come to life. With cedar flutes, clay whistles, charango, shakers, udu, didgeridoo, tabla, conga and more, there is surely a bountiful spread of organic sounds. Scott Augusts vibrant musical vistas will ignite your senses with all the excitement and passion of a New Fire.
Also available: Sacrd Dreams; Distant Spirit CD $15.98

EASTERN SUN In Emptiness Ball of Waxx is a label we have just come across, and they have two very grooved out CDs which are already in stock. The debut from Eastern Sun draws you into an intriguing web of rhythm and solitude akin to ambitronica masters like Eno, Aphex Twin and FSOL, as well as the earlier Biosphere sound. ProducersBrian Saitzyk and John Kelley from Moontribe fame have created this monumental music full of light and darkness. Luch electronic pads and electro beats are blended with vocals and guitars to make these organic mixes, full of sonic grace and dubbed out rhythm. This CD mines the uplifting substance residing in the beautiful void.
CD $14.98

GREG KYRYLUK Ephemeral Highway Greg aka Alpha Wave Movement has a new CD, and it is the first under his own name. The reason for that is that Ephemeral Highways is way different stylistically than his previous releases, which include Open Canvas, Thought Guild, and of course the half dozen fine Alpha Wave Movement CDs. Its more jazz influenced, if you can call it that, but its still composed and recorded all on digital instruments. It will likely be a refreshing change in his composing approach and anyone who likes early Pat Metheny releases for their atmosphere will love the CD. There are dreamy portions that give the listener a floating feeling, yet enough rhythmic undercurrents to prevent anyone from falling asleep at the wheel! The music draws melodic inspiration from early ECM and Windham Hill recordings, and it is full of cinematic orchestrations, emotional piano melodies and introspective passages. This CD should have broad appeal to both Gregs fans and others who have no idea of his background or history.
CD $12.98

VARIOUS ARTISTS Groove Closet The cool new compilation from Ball of Waxx comes direct with avant funk and heady lullabies, delivering sensuous beats, rumbling bass and electro triphop sounds. This was the brainchild of former Electric Skychurcher David deLaski who collected these downtempo gems into a nocturnal ritual of innovative sounds. Included are several of L.A.s electronic culture influencers. John Kelley, Seed (DJ Brian), Desert Dwellers, and Lord Runningclam are but a few of the contributors, as well as Rara Avis, Eastern Sun (see above), Linnear and Numatic Soul.
CD $14.98

MARK SEELIG (with Steve Roach & Byron Metcalf) Disciple Disciple is Mark Seeligs first solo project after his powerful contributions on Mantram and the Wachumas Wave project. On this beautiful and meditative CD, Mark fully immerses himself into the traditional Indian Raga styles through his flute and voice overtoning, Guest musicians from India join Mark as do Byron Metcalf on percussion and overall production. Steve Roach provides tambora-inspired analog drones and mastering. The music on the album reflects Marks 23 years of being a disciple, an initiated seeker. Recorded in three countries India, Germany, and the U.S. Disciplemirrors Marks long-lasting connection to these lands.
CD $16.98

Music for the healing arts & selected ambient space titles
ROBERT HAIG COXON Prelude to Infinity Its been awhile since Robert Haig Coxon released his last album. In the interim it appears that his inspiration has not waned. Prelude to Infinityis another gorgeous tapestry of celestial sounds designed to coax listeners along the path of inner healing. One difference between this album and Coxons previous offerings is that he utilizes live strings to add a more symphonic dimension to the recording. And that it does the music is lush and dreamy like a mellifluous film score, although any imagery it might be meant to accompany is conjured up in the mind. Synthesizers are still lightly used to enhance the mood, alongside piano, guitar and angelic choir sounds. Ethereal to the max, this is the perfect album to play when you want to simply close your eyes and drift off to wherever your imagination might take you.
Also available: The Silent Path; Cristal Silence 3; Cristal Silence 2; Cristal Silence CD $14.98

BETWEEN INTERVAL Secret Observatory One of our long-time favorite labels is Spotted Peccary, and their sound quality, production values and musical content is as good as it can get. Amazingly, it keeps getting better, Consistently at the top of the Best of Year lists, last year was no exception, with Erik Wollo, Green Isac and Craig Padilla all landing at or near the top. Now with the debut CD of the curiously named Between Interval, it looks like the #1 spot in space music might have been already claimed for 2005 by the new Secret Observatory CD. Deeply probing, this expanding sound offers a journey deluxe, and goes where no space musician has gone before. This one speaks for itself, in volumes.
CD $14.98

MAYUMI Life Without Wings New CD from Bay area pianist and keyboard artist who recorded two fine CDs over a decade ago. Delicate yet lush, with a magically enticing sound, Mayumi is a musical magician when she sits to play, and allows the inspiration to pass on to the listener an invitation to journey deeply into ones own imagination. She has a knack for opening doorways into both deep relaxation and truly new worlds within.
Also available: Garden in the Sky; Water Symphony CD $14.98

JON JENKINS Beyond City Light Jon Jenkins has already displayed a creative spark within several sub-genres. On Beyond City Light, his third release, he brings a new dynamism and symphonic element to his occasionally edgy space music motifs. Visual music with a broad and inspired palette, Jenkins dazzles and soothes simultaneously, with a fabulous CD that is summed up by the first word of the title: Beyond.
Also available: Flow; Continuum (w/Paul Lackey) CD $14.98

MICHAEL WHALEN My Secret Heart: Romantic Meditations for Ambient Piano Emmy-award winning composer, Michael Whalen returns to the piano to create an intensely personal collection of melodies inspired by true love. This truly beautiful music is ideal for quiet contemplation, relaxation, or massage. Having been successful in several genres, Whalen brings some of his deepest music to this project, encompassing the worlds of ambient, space and healing music. Plenty of space between the notes combine with a natural resonance to map the way for this inner journey.
Also available: Like Rain Through My Hands; Nightscenes (reissue+); Softest Touch + others CD $15.98

KEVIN KENDLE Deep Skies 2: Lagoon of Eternity and Deep Skies 1: Light from Orion Two new releases from the UKs Kevin Kendle re-establish him in the space music arena after several CDs which were more nature-oriented. And this is where we feel Kendle should be focusing his time. The music on both of these CDs is close in feel to the planetarium music of Jonn Serrie, with a serene, deeply floating style that draws the listener into his cosmic vision. Otherworldly sonic textures and warm, shimmering atmospheres transport the listener to celestial spaces. Two of the new titles from a new UK label headed by Medwyn Goodall.
Also: Music for Reiki 2 (coll.); Music for Reiki 1 (coll.); Butterflies; Music for Relaxing Yoga, Vol. 1; Flowers; Pure Dreaming; Clouds CD $15.98

TIM WHEATER In Unity On this welcome return to recording, noted flutist Tim Wheater collaborates with keyboardist and co-producer David Lord. Tims bittersweet and soulful flute playing reveals both magic and mystery. Th sounds they create together stirs feelings of the human spirit and aspire to the heights of celestial awakening. This exquisite and masterful music inspires a sense of serenity, healing and peace.
Also available: Fish Nite Moon; Incantations CD $15.98

PREM JOSHUA Yatri On his latest release, Prem Joshua creates an inspired collection of songs reflecting his deep love affair with India, gleaned from over 20 years of traveling through this mystical country. Yatri actually means traveler, and is a living example of international cooperation. Featuring artists like Manish Vyas, Kit Walker, Rishi, Hina Sarojini, Sandhya Sanjana, there are many voices, instruments and rhythms pulsing through the 8 tracks. This diverse assortment of musicians, the exotic, easygoing, worldly vibe of Yatri swings effortlessly between East & West, resulting in one of Joshuas finest CDs yet. He has several gems to date, so that in itself is a high recommendation!
Also: Shiva Moon (remixes w/Maneesh de Moor); Dakini Lounge (remixes); Water Down the Ganges; Dance of Shakti; Mudra; Sky Kisses Earth CD $14.98

ROBERT SCOTT THOMPSON At the Still Point of the Turning World Thompson is an accomplished space musician with an extensive catalog of electronic/computer music releases. On his debut for Hypnos, he paints sonic landscapes in muted colors, using impressionistic strokes and techniques that demonstrate his mastery of subtlety, nuance, and neo-classical textures. Thompsons recordings are rather sophisticated and intelligent; yet At The Still Point Of The Turning World is rather accessible although it still challenges the listeners. With reference points ranging from Tim Storys chamber minimalism to Harold Budds stark musical vision, you can add Thompsons style of electronic ambience to get an idea of whats in store. Some passages offer ethereal and mournful synth chorales a la Larry Kucharz, while others run the gamut from classic spacemusic, with images of deserted planets surfaces stretching out below you, to more experimentalism. Vibrating pulses and tones reverberate with a distinct metallic characteristic seeming to offset and encircle the clarity of echoed acoustic piano notes.
CD $14.98

STEPHAN MICUS Life Micus is a consummate artist who embarks on a new journey with each release. And he has more than a dozen CDs on the ECM label over the years. His latest is called Life and it is very engaging, inviting repeated listenings for the elements to sink in. Bali, Tibet and Thailand seem to be the sources of his inspiration for Life, which is one of his first releases to focus, at least in part, on his voice, which is multi-tracked on several of the pieces. The spiritual content and themes are expressed in the track titles: The Monks Answer, The Masters Anger, The Temple, etc. Instruments that Micus plays (and he plays them all) include Balinese and Burmese gongs, Bavarian zither, tin whistle, dilruba, bagana, Tibetan chimes, Thai singing bowls, sho, nay, and others. The flow between the tracks has a spacious feel, and the layered elements move in and out of subtle spaces and highly textured filledin passages. Known for his own mastery and pioneering approach, Micus explores a higher form of mastery here, providing both questions and answers in his thematic quest.
Also: Towards the Wind; Desert Poems; Garden of Mirrors; To the Evening Child; Athos; The Music of Stones; Behind Eleven Deserts CD $18.98

MAITREYA .74 This, the third full album from Maitreya, features more of the unique Maitreya sound that is becoming so well recognized. Inspired by location and time, .74 is a warm, animate landscape of rich atmospheres, moved by a gentle pulsing of sound. This UK artist (and Council of Nine label "co-head") Simon Lomax now has three fine recordings as Maitreya: From the Mothership and then Telluric Waves. The music moves with heartbeat deep bass pulses and synth lines that cascade in washes of warm sound. There is a distance to the sound here, as if we are watching from a far off star. Gorgeous synth washes permeate these transmissions, creating a disorienting effect, (though it is particularly pleasant disorientation). From pure ambient drift with textured drones, to manipulated vocalizations, to unrecognizable sonic and cosmic atmospheres, Maitreya does their own take on ambient chill-out with the best of them.
Also available: Telluric Waves, From the Mothership CD $17.98

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DWIGHT ASHLEY Discrete Carbon Biosphere fans, and all those who like their ambient sounds slightly skewed, please take note. Dwight Ashley, who has worked with Tim Story a couple of times in the past, has released a full-blown solo effort which is surprisingly his debut as well. Suppose you were submerged deep down under while drifting weightless through the void? These kind of conflicting images rise rather frequently throughout this inner journey of endless expanse. This is innovative music, not really related or connected to any particular style in spite of the cohesive flow of the tracks. Transmissions from afar and found sounds are the bookends for the probing ambient subterranean sounds that Ashley builds. Surprisingly, there are five tracks that continue on beyond the listed ten selections, ending with a rolling barrelhouse piano style that is on tilt, much like the rest of the CD. The appeal and striking nature is nonetheless broad and intriguing. Check out Discrete Carbon & watch how far into it you will go.
CD $14.98

the best chillout and electronica titles of the year: 2004

ADHAM SHAIKH Fusion This release was an instant hit around here, and continues to captivate me with each listen. Fusion, the newest release by Adham Shaikh, will grab your attention immediately, from its slowly building propulsion to the instant bliss and relaxation. The melting pot nature of the world music blends more than live up to the suggestion of the title. The disc contains a mysterious aura of a sweet essential nectar properly mixed, shaken, stirred, strained, and bottled with perfection under the guidance of Mr. Shaikh. Talk about variety, instruments and layers! We hear sounds that were never meant to go together, but somehow came out smooth & delicious. The musical content is almost as multi-faceted and exotic as Shulmans In Search of a Meaningful Moment, but in a much more organic way. The sound and production quality is sufficiently modern, and the vibe has come a long way towards rhythmic, percussive and even provocative in moments. The real joy of this album is the sublime, actual fusion - where a whole panorama of modern ambient subgenres sounds are effortlessly woven. Just a few of the items on the menu: chunky basslines sound like they were plunked down by Bill Laswell himself; beautiful flutes with a twinge of the Shpongle majesty; Indian string instruments, honey-smooth kiritan vocals, pattering tablas : all with perfect Western musical taste and direction; Xylophonic rainbow melodies, gamelan scales like Padmasana Ethno-tribal sound design, up there with Kaya Project; Tosca-like loungey segments; Soft Goa melodies and psytrance rhythms; Neo-roots dub that would impress Augustus Pablo, and the Interchill crew, too! Adept atmospheric synthesis like the peak moments of Saffi Bros or Solar Fields; Seriously smoking tribal percussion, like the best drum circle you ever saw, on a CD; Latin rhythms, euro flavors, smooth hiphop scratching, vocal jams There are loads of acoustic instruments plucked by guest master musicians plus a low key mix of percolating hydroponic rhythms, and a carefully placed little bleep or two. It sounds quite slowcrafted and authentic, rather than a medley of Sample Pak pasting. A nice sound to win over die-hard acoustic purists, and wake them up to the music of the 21st century! My opinion is that Fusion markedly surpasses just about any of the other releases of 2004.
Also available: Essence CD $16.98

MAGIC SOUND FABRIC Freedom Star The first release from Magic Sound fabric showed a lot of promise and even landed on last years Best of list. Yet that in no way prepared us for the strength of the new Magic Sound Fabric CD, Freedom Star. Deep grooves, catchy transitions, and penetrating themes make this sophomore effort one of the years best and most playable ambient dub CDs. Cameron Akhunaton, a.k.a. Magic Sound Fabric, is the founder of Spiralight Recordings and Ambient.us. Freedom Star blends chilled out ambient groove with ethereal soundscapes & cosmic melodies.
Also available: Uplift Drift CD $14.98

ULRICH SCHNAUSS A Strangely Isolated Place Panoramic arrangements and clever song structures make this one of the most exciting and engaging releases lately. While Ulrich has been heard here and there on various compilations and across Europe, this is essentially his domestic debut, and fans will be lining up while spreading the word quickly to their friends. He creates irresistibly buoyant and celebratory tracks that stand out far above the pack in this warm electronica style. Melodic and high quality tracks from start to finish make this a treasure of discovery and rediscovery. Reference points are Schiller, Delerium, Enigma, and the like.
CD $17.98

PHUTUREPRIMITIVE Sub Conscious Phutureprimitive is the refreshing musical creation of Oregon-based DJ/producer Rain, and it restores the Waveform label to its rightful place at the top of the chillout arena. The Phutureprimitive sound is subterranean electronic tribalism, combining elements of organic downtempo, ethnic breaks and sensual atmospheres. Sub Conscious lands very favorably next to Zero One, Shakatura, Bluetech, OTT, Blackfish, Ooze and other electronic aces of late. Coupled with the new Sounds from the Ground CD Luminal, this makes a potent one-two punch from Waveform, and they are definitely both destined to remain prominent in your CD stack for quite a while to come.
CD $15.98

VARIOUS Natural Born Chillers After 2 highly successful albums from Shulman and Bluetech, Israels Aleph Zero label is proud to present their first compilation, making the claimwe are Natural Born Chillers! The 10 Natural Born Chillers featured here promise your mind the chance to chill out, relax, and project itself to other realms & mental soundscapes with deep powerful emotions and cutting edge sounds. You will find established artists from around the world such as: Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Shulman, Ishq, MIDIval PunditZ, Son Kite & J.Viewz, as well as promising new Aleph Zero artists such as: Agalactia, Anahata, Cosmic Fools, Eastern Spirit, Jirah & Zen Mechanics. Compiled by DJ Shahar & Shulman, the album constructs a musical genre-breaking journey, spiraling up from quietly penetrating dreamy soundtracks, through hypnotizing atmospheric moments, dubby sequences & mystical ambient touches, all along the way to relaxed body moving tunes. Through the journey, youll visit different corners of the universe from Ireland to India and Egypt on our humble earth all the way to far away galaxies. All tracks featured here have passed through the Aleph Zero high quality music filter, have been digitally mastered by Shulman, and promise your ears and mind complete enjoyment.
CD $16.98

SOUNDS FROM THE GROUND Luminal A return to form for one of UKs most popular groups, as Luminal is spinning its bouncy, dubby beats, spacy noises, and an appearance from steelguitar ace B.J. Cole all bring out their very best. Stampeding horses sound effects and Dillinges rootsy singing are a few of the touches that make this unit so fun and easygoing. The melody of As the Day Goes By latches on right away and even with most tracks over six minutes, Luminal is free of rambling chillout noodling. Released in an age when the laptop and glitch reign supreme, Luminal keeps the space-music spirit of both Tangerine Dream & the Orb going with a winning smirk and a Kruder & Dorfmeister quirk.
Also available: Terra Firma; Kin CD $15.98

GREEN ISAC Etnotronica What a fantastic CD from one of our favorite labels, Spotted Peccary. Green Isacs new CD Etnotronica is a uniquely built showcase of compelling, kinetic, colliding and inspiring rhythms that create space in the center of your world. Exotic, percolating sounds which spiral inward and outward towards some unknown destination that shifts out from under any of your even wildest expectations. High-tech electronic grooves collide with African / World music textures and rhythms. The Green Isac duo feature e-grooves, crafted textures and treatments, constrained melodies, west African beats, wordless vocals, and a wide array of acoustic instruments. Andreas Eriksen plays drums, percussion, synthesizer, tabla, Yang Chin, etc while Morten Lund plays brilliantly on guitar, loops, Mellotron, piano, and synthesizers. Defitely one of the years best, a chillout delight dont hesitate! Filled to the brim with cross-cultural elements and surprises, the instrumentation is a truly ancient modern potpourri of percussion, lap-steel guitars, Fender Rhodes piano, Moog bass and high-tech electronic pulsations, loops and samples, kind of like a whole heap of catchy gears gone wild!
Also available: Happy Endings CD $14.98

VARIOUS Ambienism This collection comes from Spiralight, a fairly new label that is falling nicely onto the top tier of the ambient world. While some of the tracks can be found elsewhere, there are plenty of exclusive cuts and a flow to the whole CD that really stands out. From the chillout and rhythmic aspect of the compelling opening selections to the grand spaciousness of the latter tracks, there will be some memories of 76:14 here. Ambienism begins with a key Zero One track from Psy-Fi, the other recent release from Spiralight, Then comes Mystical Sun and Bluetech, a potent combination, blending into a fifteen minute portion of electronic blissed out beats. Next up is Magic Sound Fabric with a track from their forthcoming Freedom Star. Alpha Wave Movement, Richard Bone and Dino Pacifici stretch the outer regions over the next tracks, and then we have Alpha Wave Movement again with an unreleased piece from live in the studio called A Quiet Invocation. This artist has both range & talent! The closer if by an artist called Cyberchump, Abstract Air which adequately describes the feeling and perfectly closes out this recommended CD.
CD $14.98

JON HOPKINS Contact Note Heres the 2nd CD from the UK artist who had last years Best Debut with Opalescent. The release of Contact Note brings a stunning new electronica album from Royal College of Music graduate and Brian Eno collaborator Jon Hopkins and it is filled with intricate beat patterns, deep driving basslines, guitar riffs, gorgeous piano melodies and ethereal vocals all together in everchanging epic soundscapes that float, drive, dazzle and move ever-forward. Hopkins follow-up is more ambitious, and has more of an edge & electronic feel in some parts, yet with great beauty and stunning compositional brilliance. Still there are the bookends of reference between Eno-esque space drift & lots of William orbit-like textures... A fantastic CD!
Also available: Opalescent CD $17.98

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more chillout sounds and world MUSIC from around the globe
AES DANA Memory Shell The new Aes Dana album was composed essentially by Vincent Villuis (co H.U.V.A. Network) using digital and acoustic instruments, with the participation of Mahiane (aka Sunbeam) for composition, arrangements, voice and storytelling, Pascale Auffret, for her unique ethereal vocals, and mastered by sound engineer Huby Sea. Memory Shell took a year in the making and was played along the way at festivals and parties across the world (Japan, USA tour, UK, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, Belgium...). The 12 tracks offer a panoramic vision of deep trance and ambient, wrapped in a 3-part digipack with a 16 pg. booklet of pictures & text. Starting with a smooth intro it takes you on a journey of spherical sounds rising to about 120 bpm, melodic but danceable, chilled and ambient, another near-perfect CD from Ultimae.
CD $17.98

H.U.V.A. NETWORK Distances When Swedens Solar Fields (aka Magnus Birgersson) meets French artist Aes Dana (Vincent Vilius), the outcome is ... H.U.V.A. Network. This is the latest and greatest from the Ultimae label, producers of the Fahrenheit Project series (now up to vol. 4, with vol. 5 due Jan. 2005!). H.U.V.A. Network is a downtempo project that mixes and jumbles various elements in a fluid manner to deeply explores ambient-electronica soundscapes with ample doses of mystery, pulsation and a subdued intensity that is fully engaging throughout.
CD $17.98

JOHN MC DOWELL Speaking the Mamma Tongue This new release is from Gabrielle Roths Raven label, with world grooves, percussive/voice explorations and beats that wont quit. McDowell is a Sting associate with a genre busting debut that has grabbed the ears of anyone who comes in contact. Calling it world beat is just using short hand to describe it, as its tasty, richly textured and comes at you from all sides. Guest artists such as vocalists Pura F, Dadon Dawadolma, Kassa as well as Ty Burhoe, Iris Brooks and others fill in the spaces around McDowells piano, keyboards, drums, djembe, congas, etc. and vocals. John McDowell acted as co-producer on a couple of Krishna Das albums and is the man behind Mamma Tongue, an ensemble of African and American performers who collectively create music thats a multi-cultural tapestry of rhythm and melody.This is the perfect record for when youre looking for that highly creative audio getaway that lets you slip behind its audio curtain where nothing can get at you. The album jumps from African tribal music to spicy Latin rhythms to classical piano music all in the span of about ten minutes. Its exciting to say the least. This celebration of unity will have your heart pounding, adrenaline pumping & your feet ready to break into motion any second.Wildly inspired.
CD $15.98

GAUDI Bass, Sweat and Tears Many worlds are born on this one, the latest great CD from Canadas Interchill label. Besides the cool beats and unusual layers of voice with varied effects, the Gaudi CD stands out because it has so much variety... thick warm bass...and worldy elements that are quite fresh... like world music from the Mediterranean. Turns out its Gaudis fifth CD, and by far his most ambitious. Not just because there are forty two musicians from the world and dub music circles playing on this album, and not just because it took three and a half years of traveling the world to record it. Nope. The thing is, theres so much spirit grained through his album; its like its permeated with this benevolence, this optimism and general positivity at the state of the planet (or if not its state, then a celebration of its diversity and artistry). Anyway the point is, it works. The chanting and pace of Sufani is a sheer delight, and percussive runs of Ayahuasca Deep Fall are nothing short of staggering (especially when turned up loud), while Tutta peme and And The Earth Said: Oh My God are staggering showcases of completely different vocals, point in completely different directions. Somehow it all seems to make the same point: that of a joyously creative planet. Gaudi has an innate feeling for dub, thus tracks have a tendency to leave rich, soaking bass pouring out of your speakers. Its like a breath of fresh air. And the cultural references cover much of the globe, from Africa to the Middle East, from Latin quarters to far east villages. Its also incredibly involved, exquisitely-crafted, one hundred percent quality. This is simply one of the best dub/world music albums around.
CD $16.98

VARIOUS ARTISTS Sky Dancing #3 The latest from the Dakini label includes all new tracks, featuring Makyo, Jaia, Karsh Kale, a 15-min. epic Jairamji track, & more. Now in stock, the third Dakini compilation, represents the cream of neo-exotic electronica from around the globe, and the album is compiled to create a total trip through sound. Graphics are again original paintings commissioned specifically for this album by Seisen Ito in a beautiful gatefold digipack, printed on high quality paper using special inks as well. From one of the worlds premier labels, with an all-new program of delectable delights. . . A+ all the way.
CD $17.98

JAMI SIEBER Hidden Sky This exquisite CD is like an invitation to a lush musical realm beyond time and species. Jami Siebers electric cello, in concert with other musicians & the Elephant Orchestra of Thailand, carries us on a unique journey that sings of the hearts deepest longing and of its fulfillment. Two earlier CDs over the past ten years, as well as her work with Jennifer Berezan and others, have established Sieber as a first rate artist. Hidden Sky is a 12-part musical journey that is stylistically expansive. It flourishes with an aroma of tranquility, mystery and exotic beauty. From the reverential Maenam, which opens the CD, through the playful pizzicato of Red Moon and sublime poetry of Mandlovu Mind, to rhythmic exuberance of the title track, this music is about ceremony and praise, song and celebration. Featured are 2 improv pieces with The Thai Elephant Orchestra recorded live in Thailand. Between Phong, the young elephant who played a xylophone, and Prathida, the drummer whose trunk followed the movement of the bow as Jami played, this group joined in a mystical collaboration that embodied the joy of such connections with the grief of their captivity & possible extinction. Joining Jami are Rhiannon, Benjy, Rick Lazar, Don Benedictson, Rick Heizman, etc. This is music that will open the heart, defy the mind, and, at times, set the body dancing. This visionary exploration is an interspecies communion that touches the soul in a way that is unique, yet deeply remembered.
Also available: Second Sight; Lush Mechanique CD $15.98

VARIOUS ARTISTS em:t0004 em:t0004 further celebrates the return of this underground label with a devoted following. Like em:t.0003, this is a collection of known and unknown artists that have contributed tracks that make for a heady collection that parallels, in parts, the probing, rhythmic feel of the Fahrenheit Project series. Chill-out, electronica and ambient sounds abound. The new album features tracks from ipg, High Skies, Beatsystem, Andy Hughes, Farfield, GelSol (new CD from this group also out on em:t), Sub, Fognode and Red Leb. Some youll know, some you probably wont... but they go together like a well-planned gathering with new and old friends, and lots of energy.
Also available: em:t.0003

TOM ROSSI Salma Har Tom Rossis fine global mosaic debut, Salma Har, is a border-dissolving symphony of tones, beats & harmonies from Africa and the Middle East to South America and the Brooklyn basement where it was recorded. Lavish textures of rhythmic, earth-rumbling traditional and popular African styles dive, swirl and somersault through classical and folk tones, encompassing rich piano, mbira, light bass and a penetrating thread of kora. From songs that soothe with haunting calls to invigorating, celebratory pieces, this soft, supple African pop fusion finds a heart and a home in a sanctuary of hope, joy, promise and beauty. This elaborate mix of styles finds itself drawing from the music of Togo, and Ghana as well as tapping into Caribbean, Middle Eastern & South American colors. With occasional hints of Peter Gabriel, Rossi brings a personal approach, with distinctive musical imagery, to a style that speaks to so many traditions.
CD $15.98

FUTURE FEATURES:

CD $17.98

ISHQ Magik Square of the Sun $17.98 ABSOLUTE AMBIENT Elemental Journey 17.98 PATRICK OHEARN Slow Time; Beautiful World + 15.98 SECRET GARDEN Earthsongs; Once in a Red Moon + 16.98 PAUL AVGERINOS Phos Hilaron; Words Touch; Sky of Grace 14.98 DAVID ARKENSTONE Atlantis 15.98 KAREN DRUCKER All About Love; Beloved; Songs of Spirit 14.98 MICHAEL WHALEN Like Rain Through My Hands; Nightscenes15.98 MARS LASAR Panorama: 11:04; When Worlds Collide 15.98 FRITZ HEEDE Illuminated Manuscripts; Mystery of the Sphinx15.98

MERCAN DEDE Sufi Traveler Mercan Dede is a Turkish born, Montreal based world-beat musician/producer. Subtly fusing the Eastern spiritual traditions of Sufi music with contemporary ambient sounds, Mercan Dede creates a highly original mix of old and new, sacred and secular, Eastern and Western. That comes by bringing in elements from more traditional styles. Understanding this, Dede intertwines thoughtful down-tempo programming with Sufi devotionals to create an imaginative hybrid that honors both styles. This 2-CD effort, Dedes 4th release, includes an eight-part dance piece & second disc of live performance featuring Dede and his group Secret Tribe. Nar is filled with impressionistic, moody soundscapes colored with Dedes ney (flute), jazz bass, violin, ambient electronics and, occasionally, devotional lyrics. Seyahatname is a more upbeat style with the band adding an emotional human imprint upon the ebbs and flows programmed by Dede. Earthy and inspirational, hip and ancient, Sufi Traveler is a voyage to modern Turkey that ably reconciles the past with the present and the future.
Also available: Su (New) + others 2-CD $17.98

AMBIENT SPACE MUSIC and MUSIC for the Healing Arts

STEVE ROACH Fever Dreams II: Holding the Space and Mantram Brace yourself for one of the most stunning tribal-ambient-atmospheric recordings ever. In Holding The Space, the second installment in the Fever Dreams series, soundcurrent wizard Steve Roach dishes up a heroic dose of powerful sonic textures saturated with archetypal power from the collective ancestral depths. Take a breath and plunge head-first into an astonishing blend of meticulously crafted synth worlds and multi-layered grooves, augmented by the high-velocity percussion of Byron Metcalf and the achingly beautiful vocals of Jennifer Grais. This holotropic recording pulses with life and spirit it made me literally stop everything and listen, and really took me places. Mantram is a surprise new recording, began a year ago just after the completion of Mystic Chords and Wachumas Wave, and just completed in July alongside Holding The Space. Like the living, breathing, meditative movement of the Sufi trance dance, Mantram is grounded in a reverence for the slowing of time which allows the natural reflective process to emerge. Slow heartbeat-like acoustic frame drum, overtone voice, Didgeridoo, Bansuri flute, and Tamboura drones mix with a majestic tapestry of organic electronic textures, offering the sonic equivalent of the power found when gazing into timeless Mandala images found in classic sacred art. Wachumas Wave, last years #1 CD set the bar really high, but the magic of Mantram surely seems to parallel and equal the feelings and journey-like quality of its predecessor.
Just released: Places Beyond - the Lost Pieces 4 Request full list of Steve Roach titles... CD $15.98

ANDREW FORREST Alchemy We are extremely proud to finally offer the music of Andrew Forrest. Years ago I was given a copy of his debut CD, Starseed, and it remains a personal favorite forever. In the realm of Project Erde, Serrie, Parsons, Kip Mazuy and other visionary artists, this is timeless music of the very highest quality. Now Andrew Forrests long awaited new CD, his first release since 1998, is finally available to the public through Backroads Music. Picking up from where his last composition Alpha~Omega left off, in the first track we find again the deep epic instrumental sounsdcapes that lead the way on an inner journey into remote space and timelessness. But as we journey further into Alchemy we find that the soul sweeping harmonics and trance-ambient movements so characteristic of Andrews work are intermittently blended with a new intimate and heart centered tone. We find the melodies of a traditional piano and the sounds of shamanic voices, earthly signatures amidst cosmic harmonies, creating the feeling of a true bridge between Heaven and Earth. An alchemy of soul and heart, of cosmic and earthly, a sacred marriage that, bringing light into matter, transmutes ordinary consciousness into gold. As we are transported along waves of light, emotion and masterfully crafted music, we too are sucked into the current of this alchemical river of sound, a river from which we emerge, transformed. Andrew Forrest has yet again created a musical jewel that transcends words, an inspiring and truly beautiful work of the heart. We also have Alpha Omega; Starseed and these are equally incredible treasures. Andrew is also a stunning visual artist, working with metaphysical themes, and gaining greater recognition as an international artist for both his art and his incredible music. His artistic endeavors open portals through the dimensions and contribute to the raising of frequencies on planet Earth.
Also available: Alpha Omega; Starseed CD $18.98

KARUNESH Call of the Mystic In a storied and prolific career of music making, Karunesh has continually found himself at the forefront of intertwining the ancient and modern. Passages that rekindle images of past civilizations are carefully built upon lilting rhythms that sway and pulse with a patient insistence. Compelling lead lines, on a variety of instruments, alternately soar and float weightlessly through the upper ethers, as they gather the disparate elements into an all-encompassing and cohesive whole that stays well outside of the norm. Whether this is world music, music for the healing arts, such as yoga, or contemporary is not really relevant as it is all those and more. This is exalted, ecstatic music that reaches for and attains the highest peaks of emotional pleasure and rewards the listener with riches that will last a long time. Karunesh mines the feeling of the eternal sands of time, with each piece different from the others yet held together in a sequential thread of aural bliss. Many of the tracks have a sensual feel; there is even a track called Zensual, as well as spirited Eastern sounds highlighted on And the Grass Grows Itself and the stirring Sunrise at the Ganges. Beautifully played bells, chimes and Tibetan bowls often introduce the pieces, followed by synths, bass, varied percussion and piano, all played by Karunesh. Guest artists are major contributors, with Govi (playing Sitar), Chinmaya Dunster (Sarod and Chinese instruments), Bikram (Bansuri flute), and Avinash (violin). While there are no vocals, there is much that is being communicated. On Call of the Mystic it seems that the themes, so visual and expressive, might be summed up by the phrase: We gather together to get there. In this case it is the journey, as well as each step, that insures the destination will be reached, & the rewards shall be individually gleaned along the way.
Also available: Nirvana Cafe; Zen Breakfast + others CD $15.98

JIM COLE & MATHIAS GRASSOW The Last Bright Light The much anticipated collaboration between Jim Cole & Mathias Grassow features hauntingly beautiful overtone singing and deeply sculptured ambient drones, which is exactly what one would respectively expect from these established and renowned artists. Jims overtone singing is absolutely gorgeous, particularly as it is set amongst the atmospheric drone work thats filled with subtle nuance and thick textures. The Last Bright Lightis an essential release, and should draw even more listeners to the depth of releases in each of their catalogs. This CD was mastered by James Johnson.
Also available: The Hollow; by JIM COLE: The Way Beyond; Godspace+ CD $16.98

LIFE IN BALANCE Star After two year of spreading the word about the first Life in Balance CD, Deeper, with its serene and expansive tones, there is a new direction to celebrate on the follow up, Star. This is music for active listening and movement. Its the outbreath to Deepers in-breath. The players are Jeff Kowal (of Terra Ambient, with didgeridoo, tamboura, bass, synth+), Jim Donovan (percussionist for Rusted Root), Paul Ferraro (guitars, mandolin) Jamie McMenamy (synths, programming, guitars) and the core duo of Steve Sciuli (Shakuhachi, flutes, synths) and Ami Sciuli (Quartz Crystal bowls). Star utilizes not only the pure tone of Quartz Crystal Bowls but also the High Frequency Quartz Bowls made with Platinum, Gold, Rose Quartz and Molavite, as well as clear, Aqua Gold, Indigo, Holographic and Ultra Light Quartz Crystal Bowls. The Bowls were recording at the Crystal Tones warehouse in Salt Lake City, Utah. Star also features a big dose of electronics and drums and various world and concert flutes. There is a full sound that harkens back to the days of early Patrick OHearn, a taste of Mickey Harts Planet Drum or a latter day multi-layered Tri Atma or Dead Can Dance sans vocals. And the expansive portions, such as the 13-minute Opening are really atmospheric and resonant. This CD is an exciting surprise Star is for waking up, politically - environmentally - spiritually - this is the time to be aware!
Also available: Deeper CD $12.98

NUMINA Sanctuary of Dreams Numina has a growing catalog of titles, and his new release on Hypnos is easily one of the best releases ever on that fine label and the strongest Numina CD since Evolving Visions. With a title that is most fitting, the artist invites listeners into a surreal space of lucid dreams and floating depths of luminosity. How can music be so distant and mysteriously misty yet so close and personal that is seems to speak of times forgotten from inner wells of perception. Numina plays synthesizers, guitars, processing and adds vocal layers that are texturally ethereal. Tara Vanflower provides vocal samples on Lucid Ascension, one of the closing tracks. As far as ambient space music that explores common themes of going beneath the surface, awake in deeper realms, elements of time, or the waking breath, this is an uncommonly great CD, and will land high on the years Best of list. Youll find Numina emplying production that is first rate & playing technique that are up there with the most well known ambient artists This is timeless music that can be enjoyed on many levels, from subconscious to wide awake, as deep as you might like to venture.
Also: Eye of the Nautilus; Sanctum Sanctorum; Solace; Evolving Visions CD $14.98

DVD Lumia Nights Out of the Blue DVD Lumia Nights Out of the Blue DVD was started over two years ago. This DVD is second in a series head titling under Star Chronicles. The Star Chronicles series will consist of many animated videos targeted for people interested in science and music depicted by motion art. All of the ideas, story and style are from visions I have had all of my life. They are an expression of feelings influenced by music and experiences. Jonn Serries music is an excellent choice for the audio drive of the animation. The ambience itself lends to the natural flow of motion and abstract visuals. The format of the video is the same as Star Chronicles in respect to one long piece approximately (20min) accompanied by two shorter pieces (5 and 6 min each). The DVD will be delivered widescreen as well as standard screen format. Some of the research: Out of the Blue consists of recreations of tropical forest, caves, Mayan Indian ruins, botanical, Egyptian civilization, hieroglyphics and many real world phenomenons. Imaginative animation blended with nature photography, video and dynamic motion. Vivid colors are used to push DVD equipment and your cortex to the maximum. Some of the math used to create the animation includes fractal geometry, chaos theory & sacred geometry to name a few. Egyptian hieroglyphics have been translated from English; symbols of peace, prosperity and spiritual guidance all play a role throughout the video.
Also available: Star Chronicles DVD (w/original music by Jonn Serrie)_ DVD $25.00 (request our full DVD listings) Request our Feature artist sheet for JONN SERRIE with all of his CDs shown...

Call TOLL FREE: 800-767-4748 send email: info@backroadsmusic.com

new arrivals: world, chill, dub & exotic rhythms

MERCAN DEDE Su Mercan Dede is pioneering links between Turkish Sufism and contemporary Western electronic music. As a musician & producer, he subtly fuses the Eastern spiritual traditions of Sufi music with contemporary ambient sounds to create a unique mix of old and new, sacred and secular, East and West. Some of Europes most cutting-edge music is coming out of Istanbuls electronic scene. The multiinstrumentalist and producer Dede is in its vanguard, but his work also crosses over to a world music audience via his sophisticated blend of contemporary dance sounds, ancient Sufi melodies and other traditional Turkish elements. Su creates an archway leading to eternity and unity , as the liner notes claim, and Dedes fifth album is certainly his most inventive. To Sufi sounds and electronica he adds influences drawn from India,the Mediterranean and the Balkans. The singer, Susheela Raman and the sitar player Sheema Mukherjee provide the Indian dimension.. The haunting voice of Dhafer Youssef finds a flavor of North Africa floating up the Bosphorus, while the violinist Hugh Marsh adds a flamenco touch.
Also available: Sufi Traveler (2-CD) Also available: Journey of a Dervish; Sufi Dreams CD $17.98 CD $14.98

VARIOUS Earth Octave Lounge Vol. 2 Canadas Interchill is in the upper echelon of chillout labels in the world today, alongside Ultimae, Dakini, Waveform, etc. On the follow-up to the very popular Earth Octave Lounge, we find borders stretched even further with this potent collection of tracks from artists both known and obscure. With equal parts ambient/exotic/downtempo/urban, the artists heard come from Montreal, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the UK & USA. Youll hear M-Seven, Aquila, Overflow, Human Blue, Crystalline, Guru Shisvya, Liquid Stranger, Alucidnation, Fredrik Ohr, Mystical Sun, and Drift (w/Adham Shaikh). Interchill has really done it this time a strong candidate for CD of the year!
Also available: Earth Octave Lounge; Talisman; 13th Moon + others CD $16.98

ISHQ / ISHVARA Magik Square of the Sun The first release from the new UK label, Virtual, sets a very high standard that their subsequent releases will be required to meet. Started by the artist Ishq, this label has an impressive string of releases due over the next several months. On Magik Square of the Sun, the journey is both amazing and very deep. The 2 opening tracks Nomad (21 min.) & Green Sun Prismatic Sky (17 min.) are unbelievable sonic adventures. And that is just the beginning! Fans of the Fahrenheit Project will love this CD, & we anticipate greatness from the label.
CD $17.98

VARIOUS ARTISTS Tandava In the spirit of Shakti Rhythms, this hot new collection was compiled by Pathaan; w/Prem Joshua, Karsh Kale, TJ Rehmi, Adham Shaikh, Ikarus, Sonik Gurus, Gaudi, Govinda, Abakus + more this is as good a gathering of exotic global grooves as weve heard so far. From the excellent high-quality Sounds True label, there are some great tracks to discover, and a few old favorites with new twists. Play it over & over!
Also: Shakti Rhythms; Yoga Rhythms CD $15.98

BAHRAM-JI/MANEESH DE MOOR Call of the Mystic Part of the fun of a really good compilation is discovering groups and subsequently whole CDs by the artists with standout tracks. Such is the case with the excellent Tandava (reviewed above) which has introduced us to the collaboration by Bahram-Ji and Maneesh de Moor called Call of the Mystic. This blending of Eastern motifs and chill out rhythms is really catching on, and this duo does it as well as anyone we have heard. Where the ethnic meets the ambient and ecstatic beats and music are the result. Similarities to the Prem Joshua remixes will surely surface; ,in fact they also have a great track on this compilation. But back to Bahram-Ji/ Maneesh de Moor, who share a variety of instruments, with Sufi overtones and high-quality production meeting right in the middle. Lyrics from Rumis writings and guest artists galore (like Sudha, Ananat Jesse, etc.) bring a depth of experience and feeling to the project. A great find, indeed.
CD $16.98 VARIOUS Smooth Chill

PITCH BLACK Ape to Angel All the way from New Zealand c/o Waveform comes a grooved out duo that really works the knobs in constructing their killer dub based music. Pitch Black is Michael Hodgson and Paddy Free 2 long time, sound manipulation artists from New Zealand who recently played in SF during their world tour in support of their third full-length release Ape to Angel. Pitch Black is known for creating musical journeys from organic ambient beginnings and layered soundscapes to skanking keyboards, cutting acid riffs and thumping rhythmic grooves, with dub holding it all together. Pitch Black are also multimedia addicts. Every gig they play is live, with fully integrated visuals running of Mideo - a program they developed to trigger video in real time. Their production skills have lead to collaborations with several international artists & recently a job scoring portions of the stunning kiwi film The Whale Rider. Ape to Angel compares very favorably to Shakatura, Zero One, H.I.A. (in the old days) and takes all of these up a notch or two. We are also selling their earlier imports.
Also available: Electric Earth (remixes from Electronomicon); Electronomicon; Futureproof CD $16.98

Waveform label head Forest has gathered the best and most-requested tracks from Musical Starstreams and his other radio broadcasts (XM satellite, radioioambient.com, live365, somafm.com, live365.com, etc.) and brought them all together onto one awesome CD -- accurately titledSmooth Chill. Some of the tracks are rare and hard to find; included are Space Safari, Deep-Dive-Corp, Pitch Black, Soma Sonic, Coldcut, Sounds From The Ground, Trance Groove, Potlatch, & P.R.O.M..
Also available: Voodoo Reux; Four A.D.; Earth Juice; Frosty + CD $15.98

RED SEAL Black Ops This is the long awaited first album from an extraordinary collective of talent brought together by the albums writer and producer, enigmatic veteran of Londons underground scene, Charles McGougan. As a collection of works spanning from 1999 to the present it is an introduction to and a showcase of the Red Seal sound and an impressive one at that. The vibe is constant but the flavor is varied; almost all tracks have a strong dub/reggae feel; however there are elements of trip-hop and slow psy-trance, concept tracks, film tracks and ballads in this tour of the multi-facets of Red Seal. Guest artists include Irina Mikhailova, Styles Scott, Adrian Sherwood, Tony Joseph, MC Cheshire Cat (from Leftfield), and many others. The tone throughout however is deep and seductively dark with the tense calm and menace of a warrior before battle!
CD $16.98

LEFTFIELD Leftism Though not a new release, it is worth including this classic Leftfield title if for no other reason than it sounds as fresh as any of the hot new titles. Heavy backbeat, strong dance rhythms, and intense mixes make this debut from the last century a timeless title. Their second CD, Rhythm and Stealth is even heavier, with elements that stretch the boundaries of global/techno/dub/sounds
Also available: Rhythm and Stealth CD $16.98

ANGEL TEARS Harmony Seems like the missing link has been found, and in more ways than one! This is the famous White CD that has been attracting attention as Angel tears has released three previous CDs that ably represent the best elements of the global chillout style. Even more than the other three volumes (of which this is officially vol. 2), Harmony capsulates the influences of the big three Enigma, Delerium and Sacred Spirits on the whole emerging, popular genre they have been part of creating. As usual, the duo of Momi Ochion & Sebastian James Taylor (from Kaya Project) provide the majority of the playing, writing and arranging, with guest artists on violin, flute, and assorted vocals. What a great series these Angel Tears CDs have become!
Also: Vision (vol. 4); The Dreaming (vol. 3): Way of the Mystic (vol. 1) CD $12.98

MEDICINE DRUM Original Face Medicine Drum is one group that more than verges on the techno sound; they embrace and embody it - and with great results. The brainchild of percussionist & electronic producer Chris Dekker and keyboardist Alex Newman falls perfectly into the realm where groove and machinery seduce foot, mind and soul. Prepare to be hypnotized but also tribally excited from the get go, as the nine minute opening title track blends an Indian flavored flute with thumping grooves, organic percussion and urgent vocalizing. The passionate exotica of Irina Mikhailovas voice is heard, as well as mournful violins and hypnotic drone sounds. Its more about vibe and atmosphere than melody, but those who are game will enjoy the innovative journey. And if dance and movement are the goal, this is the way to go. Earlier Medicine Drum CDs are also available, such as Talking Stick (their most popular) and Supernature.
Also available: Talking Stick; Supernature CD $16.98

new arrivals: TRIBAL, chill, global, EASTERN, & VOCALs

GANGA GIRI Beats Around the Bush All the way from Australia, the 2nd CD from didg wiz Ganga Giri is a thorough exploration of tribal spirit & pumping didgeridoo. Add some fat, funky beats and deep earth dub and you have a potent CD guaranteed to please. Eons beyond his earlier Tribe Vibe, Beats Around the Bush takes no prisoners, with its varied tempos and back-beat stylings, and cooks up a down under brew that is universal in its respect for the sacred land and elders of the indigenous peoples of Australia. Many magic people have brought their creativity to the project, including Harry Manx, Yeshe Reiners, Will Dinwoodie & a couple of vocalists who lend their voices to a track or two. Backroads is excited to offer this CD; I just met Ganga as he traveled through this area, & the wizardry and rhythmic pulse of his live show are something to behold.
Also available: Tribe Vibe CD $16.98

ALISA FINEMAN Closing the Distance Subtitled Poems, prayers and love songs of the Jewish Tradition, these precious and moving songs make for a splendid new CD. Alisas voice is powerful yet delicate, and her singing makes the listening experience a pleasure regardless of which language she is singing. Alisa expresses the power to move the soul which is inherent in the Jewish language and culture. The meaning of the words becomes less significant than the feel and emotion behind the words. With the preeminent Alex DeGrassi as producer, as well as a main contributing musician, there is a high quality feeling to this CD like a fine wine. Other highly skilled players contribute to the colorful instrumentation, accompanying Finemans voice in a universal expression of world sounds.
CD $15.98

BLISS Quiet Letters This is the other Bliss! Unlike the UK duo (100,000 Angels, etc.) who has been at the top of our best-seller list all year long, this Bliss is an international chill out / pop music collective from Denmark, Sweden and West Africa. Thewre are similarities between the two Bliss groups as far as captivating vocals, gentle ethnic percussion and gracious orchestration, and both have an uplifting, mysterious and universal quality, as well as devoted followings. Quiet Letters has been out in Europe for a couple years, but impossible to find domestically. Now thanks to the Quango label, it becomes readily available. With tracks on compilations such as the Buddha Bar and TV shows like CSI, this group has had plenty of exposure. Quiet Letters transports youfar beyond the beaches of Ibiza, on a travel through African soul, Scandinavian jazz, and ethereal pop featuring guest vocals by Zero 7s Sophie Barker. So the wait is over, and what can we say? You just cant have too much Bliss!
CD $16.98

NAWANG KHECHOG w/CARLOS NAKAI Music as Medicine Ancient Tibetan teachings tell us that merely seeing an image of the Medicine Buddha - or even hearing his name - holds the power to heal. Now, acclaimed musician and former Buddhist monk Nawang Khechog invokes the blessings of this deity on his new CD, Music As Medicine. Premier native American musician R. Carlos Nakai joins Khechog as special guest artist to create a crosscultural apothecary of soothing melodies and healing chants to infuse this universal energy within anyone who listens. With Tibetan flute, long horn, & overtone chanting; Native American flute and drum; universal horn; and calming chants to restore balance and health. Still available is the seminal CD by these artists, Winds of Devotion, with four 15 min. tracks of chants, rhythms, instruments from their respective cultures, and a magical interplay between two artists that fully represent their traditions and the modern expression thereof.
Also available: Winds of Devotion (w/Nakai); Universal Love; Quiet Mind: Musical Journey of a Tibetan Nomad; Karuna CD $15.98

LYDIA MCCAULEY Foreign Lander + others Lydia Mccauley is one of our two amazing vocal discoveries of the past month. Comparisons to Loreena McKennitt are inevitable, but Lydia has her own style and grace, and her music encapsulates Celtic, Folk, Appalachia, New Age, Sacred and other musical genres. Between her radiant voice and stellar accompaniment on viola, recorders, double bass, guitar, keyboard, Appalachian Dulcimer, and percussion, there is such a high quality of creative expression to this music that it really makes one listen with rapt attention. Lydia has recorded a number of CDs, and we proudly offer four of them. Even the covers are striking, again with images that recall the series of superb CDs that Loreena released. Latest is Foreign Lander, with fresh and contemporary versions of 1720th century Appalachia pieces, plus a beautiful original composition. Earlier titles are primarily known for their Celtic and New Age influences, while this new CD is more of an Appalachian album where she brings out the old tunes that she has played for many years. They recorded the album in two days, with her familiar band playing together in the studio. Adding new tradition within the old, they poured classical, jazz, Celtic, and world music elements into these songs, giving them new life, new passion, so that they will travel on a little further & be passed down once again. Lydia also has The Beauty of the Earth, filled with luminous songwriting, rich vocals, and brilliant performances from her ensemble of musicians. The CD booklet is beautifully illustrated with photos of the Italian countryside, and the music is colored with World, Celtic and New Age elements. There is also The Moon of Wintertime (music in a seasonal vein encompassing eight centuries) and Sabbath Days Journey, which is nearly all original compositions, with a broader scope of styles and some Eastern instruments prominent in the mix. This one will especially remind you of the earlier Loreena McKennitt releases, which is a compliment of the highest order!
Also: The Beauty of the Earth; The Moon of Wintertime; Sabbath Days Journey CD $14.98

KITARO Sacred Journey of Ku-Kai, vol. 2 This is the 2nd release dedicated to Ku-Kai, the legendary father of Japanese culture. This gorgeously composed album contains samples from Japanese temple bells & is intended to inspire spiritual awakening and a profound experience of peace. With poignant, passionate melodies & alchemic sound, Kitaros multifaceted undertaking of Ku-Kais ubiquitous legend is an evocative, rich sonic terrain that documents his continuing pilgrimage to temples on the island of Shikoku, Japan & extends his intention of spreading peace through music.
Also: Sacred Journey of Ku-Kai, Vol. 1; Ancient; Thinking of You; Gaia: Onbashiro; Best of Silk Road ($17.98); An Enchanted Journey; Best of Vol. 2; Best of+ others -- ask about DVDs CD $16.98 Also: Daylight, Moonlight (Live in Yakushiji); An Ancient Journey (2-CD) + 2-CD $24.98

THESSALONIANS Solaristics This is a great lost recording that has just now shown up on CD. With Kim Cascone, Don Falcone, Paul Neyrinck & Larry Thrasher, Solaristics reunites the core members from the groundbreaking Thessalonians Soulcraft CD. It continues their journey into ambient, world, jazz, industrial and experimental musical forms. Thessalonians can trace its origins to Cascone & Thrasher. Cascone founded Silent Records, which fueled many raves and chill rooms during the 90s. They released ambient classics by Psychic TV, Makyo, Steve Roachs Solitare, etc. When Silent folded in 1997, many recordings were left in the vault. One particular gem was Solaristics. Kim plays synths, samples, studio effects; Don plays synths, samples, melodian; Paul plays synths, samples, voice; Larry adds tablas, hand percussion. Noh Poetry is pleased to bring this back in print.
CD $14.98

COPPER WIMMIN The Right To Be Here + others The other great find is a trio of women from Sonoma County north of here called Copper Wimmin. They have 3 CDs, and the first two, like their live performances, are a cappella without any instrumentation - just the intertwined voices of these three awe-inspiring singers. Whether joining as one voice or providing rhythmic & abstract counterpoint, the trio has knocked me out with their songs. Their latest CD, The Right To Be Here does add instruments to a few of their tracks, and they benefit from the addition, more vast, greater reach, but its not as if they need the extra music. In fact, my favorite songs are sans backing, although the track First Breath, which has full backing, is also a favorite so far. Copper Wimmin are three virtuosos that leave audiences large & small with the sense of having witnessed something extraordinary. While comparisons to Ani DiFranco and Sweet Honey in the Rock are flattering, diverse influences & taste dictate a sound that is unparalleled in current folk and popular music. Their voices permeate you with joy, sorrow & a fiery brand of social consciousness. Alyx Benham, Sophia Mallie and Tenaya Wallach, began singing together at the ages of eleven, twelve, and thirteen in the Santa Rosa Childrens Chorus. Their name, Copper Wimmin came from the book The Daughters of Copper Woman by Anne Cameron. The book is a collection of creation myths from the indigenous people of Canada, and according to these legends, the first woman was Copper Woman. Their shows are a full body experience, capturing listeners in a spell not unlike the sirens of old, who lured ancient mariners to leap into the sea. Copper Wimmin are a healing force, calling for awareness of our world and a desire to transform it. Their lyrics are both scathing and soothing and their diverse influences, tastes and talents dictate a sound that is unparalleled in current folk & popular music.
Also: Etheric Bodies (2001); American Tyranny (1998) CD $15.98

new arrivals: GLOBAL SOUNDS & MUSIC for the healing arts & more
RYAN FARISH From the Sky Ryans debut album Beautiful hit # 10 on Billboard New Age Charts. He is establishing an emerging profile as a soundtrack & film score composer & producer, including the new Steven Segal film. This is an album not to miss as it takes Ryans upbeat vibe & incorporates more elements of chill, jazz and worldbeat while allowing his fine keyboard playing to come to life. Serene, warm, upbeat and welcoming , this music has a similar affect to pulling open the curtains on a summers day and letting the sunlight in. The elegant simplicity of the melodies range from brilliant blue skies, cloudless and clear, to lustrous lower tempos, enchantingly lit with choral voices that sigh and breath, bringing a softness and mystical quality. From the Sky is a breath of fresh air...and music for the soul.
Also available:Beautiful CD $15.98

WEAVE The 10 Minute Chakra Award-winning artist Akshara Weave brings you a higher science of sound for 10, 20 & 30 minute Chakra Attunements. This evolutionary album incorporates a rarely heard tuning system called the Spiral of Fifths, compositional elements based on the Fibonacci Series or Divine Proportion of Phi, and harmonic relationships found within the double helix of human DNA. This recording was designed to assist one in clearing and aligning their chakra system, and as a support for ones personal meditation and relaxation practice. All of the tones and intervals on this recording were created by moving through the chakras in three modes: as a ladder, as a spiral, and as a helix. By listening to these tones and focusing ones attention on the chakras for even just a few minutes at a time, one can experience a profound and nurturing support for their body, mind and spirit. All three pieces can be done in succession as an advanced hourlong meditation. Included at the end of this booklet are some meditation practices to assist one in receiving the full benefit of this recording.
Also available: Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen; Sei He Ki; Cho Ku Rei CD $15.98

AKASHA Yoga Spirit New from Shastros Malimba label, Akasha is an ensemble of musicians from East & West traditions with drums & soft grooves to support yoga practices. Flutes, violin, tablas, guitar, bass, etc. provide the backing for a host of vocalists, both men & women. One of the primary musicians, as well as producer, is Chinmaya Dunster, who has several CDs of his own. The 5 tracks are well-developed chants, around 12 min. each. A lovely, flowing, and engaging CD!
CD $15.98

STEVEN MCNAMARA Yogitar Ideal for yoga, meditation, massage, relaxation, healing and more, Yogitar is a lush tapestry of contemplative music whose brilliance in outshined only by its majestically simple elegance. Masterful musicianship and visionary sound exploration accentuate this vibrant and complex journey into the sacred realms of guitar virtuosity a mystical merging of guitar into Sitar. As a recording artist whose influence is deeply rooted in North Indian classical music, Stevin McNamaras journey has been far from typical. Raised in South Africa, he grew to love the rich sound of traditional African music. Upon moving to the United States he furthered his musical pedigree studying at the elite Berklee College of music. In the early 1970s he met and studied Sitar under the tutelage of master teacher Ram Chakravarty (then professor of music at Wesleyan), starting a musical journey that culminates with the introduction of Yogitar. Combining the complex nature of Indian song structure with his insightful and unique musical stylings, Stevin McNamara has created a meditative guitar masterpiece for the ages.
CD $15.98

MORGAN DOCTOR Is This Home Is This Home, in its simplicity and spaciousness, creates a beautiful landscape for the listener to experience and get lost in. In her debut album, on Gabrielle Roths Raven label, Morgan Doctor draws on her influences from working with numerous singer/songwriters, world music groups, jazz groups and kirtan walli/ wallahs. Is This Home has a way of getting under your skin. More than something to listen to, it becomes a place to be, a place to be comfortable, a place to be inspired. With natural rhythms and melodies that are as familiar as they are new, Morgan makes music that invites you in. You can walk into this recording & look around...make yourself at home. World and ambient elements paint an inner landscape. In a world of musicians who assault us with opinions & demands for attention Morgan Doctor simply asks, Is This Home ...yes, I think so.
CD $15.98

O.B.A. One Breath Away OBA welcomes you. They are an international band dedicated to bringing funky irresistible grooves in songs that catalyze a universal state of mind. Babatunde Olatunji, the late and legendary master musician, brought these artists together in his Drums of Passion orchestra, during which time they developed deep, lasting friendships while touring worldwide and recording with Baba. Now they carry on the tradition of hot, delicious soulful music in a spicy new gumbo of original compositions by honoring and respecting their roots while keeping their ears open to the sounds of the moment. One Breath Away is their first offering, featuring nine songs composed and produced by Gordy Ryan. From the blues to tear it up funk to Mingus meets Professor Longhair, One Breath Away defies being put in any one bag and is like a dancers heaven: from slow jams to hot jumpin-up grooves, an irresistible force. Also on the Raven label.
CD $15.98

MARK CIABURRI One Real Music, a premier new age label, has for years cultivated artists whose glossy instrumental music incorporates healing textures. Keyboardist/percussionist Mark Ciaburri transcends all commercial limitations on this lush & expansive, 67-min. musical journey into oneself. Those who need true healing will be lifted by the graceful musical massage it provides, while others seeking a release from tension will find themselves amidst a forest of seductive calm. Centered around gentle rhythms of the ocean, One beautifully blends guitars (by Bruce BecVar), tablas, oboe, cello, tamboura, harp, English horn, voice & other gentle, ambient sounds. There is a Hawaiian element, too, with the voices of the Angels Choir of Maui.
CD $15.98

DWIGHT LOOP Mysterys River Sound artist Dwight Loop has been around the new music & electronic music scene for years. After a long run in the New Mexico circuit doing radio, performing in and promoting concerts like Steve Roachs first performances in Albuquerque (early 80s) & Santa Fe (early 90s), Dwight moved to the Bay Area to continue to explore sound in his own way. Mysterys River is actually his first official solo release after many years of recording and performance. The result is a deep night drift moving downstream far from civilization. On this river ones awareness seems to pass fog-laden villages and strange ephemeral shapes just beyond view and at the edge of hearing. The CD brings an overall calm and a well-connected interweaving of enchanting muted atmospheres. At the same time its apparent that this bamboo raft youre sitting upon is floating freely towards a heart of darkness... Mysterys River indeed.
CD $14.98

NADAMA Healing Touch 2 Nadama, a wondrous keyboard artist living in Maui, returns with this beautiful second volume, equally heartfelt and relaxing like the previous release. Tender piano melodies float upon warm orchestrations of strings, harp, woodwinds and ambient sounds to create a soothing effect for body, mind and spirit. Each track is carefully timed and sequenced to create a deepening relaxation experience. This moving instrumental CD also provides an inspiring and supportive accompaniment for massage, spas and other healing modalities.
Also available: Healing Touch CD $14.98

SHAMANS DREAM & RARA AVIS Kerala Teaming up with Rara Avis, Shamans Dream (primarily Craig Kohland) has turned out a brilliant flow yoga and provocative world music release. Inspired by the cultural crossroads of Kerala, India, this CD blends Indias spiritual traditions with down tempo urban rhythms to produce introspective, ambient textures ideal for yoga, dance, or the healing arts as well as pure listening pleasure. Vocals, sitar, percussion, natural sounds, electronic textures, and synergistic music that will keep you coming back again and again.
Also available: Prana; Bindu; Breathing CD $15.98

PUTAMAYO Presents: Mali The lilting rhythms of the music of Mali and the Pied-piper pull of their intoxicating sounds are the focus of the latest collection from the Putamayo label. While listening to this CD, you will likely find yourself swaying back and forth with some of the most infectious sounds you can imagine. The flow of the CD builds and crafts a well-designed listening journey, one which I imagine navigates the varied aspects of this country of striking landscapes that is slowly yielding to the expanding sands of the Sahara Desert. At the cultural crossroads of the Middle East and West Africa, this is a rich melting pot of the old & new, ancient and modern. You will hear instruments like koras (African harps), balafons (wooden-keyed xylophone) & tamanas (talking drum), alongside guitars, keyboards and drum kits in this modern Malian music. You can hear how AfroCuban, American blues, hip-hop and rock influences have all made their way into the music of Mali. Artists like Ry Cooder, Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne and Robert Plant have collaborated with Malian performers in recent years. On this collection, you will hear Habib Koit & Bamada, Isa Bagayogo, Moussa Diallo, Tinariwen, Boubacar Traor. Its a captivating audio travelogue through the borders and backroads of this ancient West African landlocked country. The extensive liner notes even offer a recipe for a traditional West African dish to cook and enjoy. Another great Putamayo presents CD.
CD $15.98

new arrivals: CHANT, SACRED, AMBIENT & SPACE MUSIC

DAVID NEWMAN Lotus Feet: A Kirtan Revolution Lotus Feet: A Kirtan Revolution was born out of a vision to express the healing power of Indian devotional chanting, known as Kirtan, in a contemporary western musical context. The goal was to both respect the chanting tradition while staying true to the sensibilities of the western singer songwriter idiom. On Lotus Feet: A Kirtan Revolution, ancient chants are rich with catchy hooks, evocative melodies, and passionate chord changes. Pop song structures are laced with Sanskrit mantras accented by English lyrics. Acoustic guitars are propelled by world rhythms, hip hop loops, dance grooves & ambient textures. The mantras are the message & the music the messenger. The chants embody a universal language of peace and love while the musical presentation strikes a familiar chord in the western ear & psyche. Fans of Girish, Barquee, Donna DeLory, take note!
Also available: Soul Freedom CD $15.98

PAUL AVGERINOS Phos Hilaron Paul has been an innovative artist with Backroads for nearly twenty years, and his new CD is no exception, not to mention that it is completely different from anything he has done previously in most respects. This CD is built on deeply devotional ambient soundscapes with hymns nearly two thousand years old. The blessed chants are chanted by Avgerinos, who also provides bass violin, guitars, fretless bass, keyboards and sound design. He is joined by Kevin Braheny, Jeff Pearce and others, adding processed guitars, flutes, pedal steel & vocalizations. Haunting and deeply felt, this is surely music of the heavens.
Also available: Words Touch; Sky of Grace; Muse of Round Sky; Balancing Spheres; Maya CD $14.98

WINGMAKERS Lyricus: The Grand Portal Wingmakers is an enigmatic group that has released a whole series of CDs, related to the Soulfood group (a la Wingmakers & Breathe) as well as the amazing vocalist Charlottemarie. We offer 3 of their recent CDs, and can order in any of the earlier titles, too. Adventurous and journey-like, thise CDs are rare finds and treasures to explore, with haunting vocal chants, diverse, textured percussiove rhythms, hypnotic bass lines and mysterious counter-melodies. Again cloaked in mystery, this enticing new CD from Wingmakers is subtitled music for discovery. On whatever level that might apply, I can assure you that there is very pleasant and unusual listening in store for the listener here, and that discoveries are there for the taking. Two long tracks (24 min. & 32 min.) traverse a range of classical, tribal and contemporary chill out terrain with great success, intertwining voices, percolating rhythms, and distant elements that add other worldly touches. The second track, titles Solitonic Transmissions, features the transcendent voice of Charlottemarie, who comes in after a slow-building intro that brings familiarity & safety as a prelude to her magic carpet ride of vocal improvisations. As usual, she is heard soaring above and beyond this world to meet with the wisdom of the ancients from other realms that are able to see through the veils of illusion. Earthy sounds and kinetic rhythms all dissolve into one sound, that of primordial energies that morph and change, chameleon-like, as the music leads and follows simultaneously. Quite unusual, totally compelling, and undoubtedly an exciting new addition to any CD library.
Also: Lyricus: The Grand Portal; Hakomi Project: Chambers 4-6; Hakomi Project: Chamber 3; Hakomi Project: Chambers 1/2; Music of Chamber 10 CD $15.98

LAMA GYURME / JEAN-PHILIPPE RYKIEL The Lamas Chants If youre interested in Tibetan chant music, this album -- first released in 1994 -- is a classic. The Lamas Chant pairs the humble singing of Lama Gyurme with tasteful East/West arrangements from French producer and keyboardist Jean-Philippe Rykiel. One of the things I really like about this recording is how peaceful it is - Lama Gyurmes voice is very mild and tuneful and the arrangements are soothing and serene. There is a magic created here that has drawn legions of fans along for the ride. This tenth anniversary special edition offers a remastered version of the original recording, plus a bonus CD from live recordings spanning several years. The live disc has some of the mantras from Rain of Blessings, released on Peter Gabriels Real World label in 2000.
2-CD $18.98 Also available: Rain of Blessings; Hope for Enlightenment (reissue CD $16.98

DAVID HYKES Harmonic Meditations: Music from the Heart of the Cosmos Harmonic Meditations delves into the mysteries of overtones, with fascinating results. The first few cuts were recorded in an underground cistern in Seattle, which provides unbelievable acoustics. Another track was recorded in the atrium of the World Financial Center, which was partially ruined in the 9/ 11 attacks. Hykes is the artist responsible for the first overtone chant albums to be introduced to the westWhile Harmonic Meditations, Hykes seminal 2-CD set remains the benchmark, this is a very haunting release, all around.
Also available: Current Circulation CD $15.98 Also available: Harmonic Meetings (2-CD) 2-CD $27.98

TOM HEASLEY Desert Triptych Turning his attention from the tuba to the Didjeridu, Tom proves yet again a master at creating never before heard sounds from a familiar instrument. Creating long sweeping ambient soundscapes mixed with processed voice sounds, Tom creates a deeply moving world of sound that is far more organic than traditional synthesizer based ambient music. On Desert Triptych these unique ambient textures were recorded live in session, mixed and mastered by Robert Rich. Tom is an internationally acclaimed composer, performer, improviser and recording artist known for his unique ambient tuba recordings and performances. His previous releases Where the Earth Meets the Sky (Hypnos Records) and On the Sensations of Tone (Innova) have both been part of our past Best of the Year listings, and with the Rich production, this one reaches new heights.
Also: On the Sensations of Tone; Where the Earth Meets the Sky CD $15.98

ROBERT RICH Echo of Small Things Echo of Small Things is a collaboration between Robert Rich and photographer David Agasi. Longtime friends Agasi & Rich inspire each other with image and sound. Ten of Agasis haunting sensual photos unite with Richs calm reflective soundscapes in this unique creative meeting, focusing eye and ear on the beauty of the intimate and peripheral. The music suggests an audio journey through shifting physical landscapes, permeated by a subtle human presence, as if viewed through the ears of an aural observer. The music is some of Roberts finest and warmest, personally inviting work ever, and sounds like a bookend to the oustanding recent CDs by Numina. In a limited production, 125 custom boxes contain ten high quality mat fibre offset prints, a signed and numbered page with artists comments, and the CD of music by Robert Rich. These are only sold through Robert Richs web site. The CD alone is available without the prints, and should be considered an essential release by space music and ambient fans anywhere. Sure to land in the top 5 for this years Best of list.
Also: Open Window (solo piano); Calling Down the Sky (Live); Temple of the Invisible; Yearning (w/Moskow); Seven Veils; Fissures (w/Alio Die); Gaudi; Stalker (w/Lustmord); Propagation; Below Zero (collec., $17.98) CD $15.98

PAUL ELLIS Silent Conversations Silent Conversations sees Paul Ellis collaborating with many musical friends from round the world, as well as producing a couple of solo tracks. There is quite a focus on Pauls guitar work, and this really lifts things out of the ordinary. The production is as crystaline as we have come to expect from Mr. Ellis. Featured guests include quite a cast: Steve Roach, Jeffrey Koepper, Will Merkle, Otso Pakarinen, Laurie Guild, Brenda Erikson and Alison OConnor. This starts off very quiet and drifty, but gains momentum over the course of the CD. Pauls talents and ingenuity are such that an intricate tapestry of sequences always seems to be morphing. Then a dreamy backdrop leads toward sparse guitar work over a backdrop of drones intertwining around each other. Paul trades pulse sequencers with Steve Roach in an electro-pop style. One breathtakingly beautiful track, aided by the awesome cello work of Brenda Erikson & wordless vocals of Alison OConnor, simply must be heard. Ellis even draws some chill-out feel as the album closes out.
Also: Echo System (w/Padilla); The Sacred Ordinary; Appears to Vanish CD $18.98

ALIO DIE & JACK OR JIVE Mei-jyu Mei-jyu is an ethereal-ritual-ambient collaboration between Italian sound manipulator Stefano Musso (aka Alio Die) and the Japanese duo Chako and Makoto Hattori (Jack or Jive). On Mei-jyu, Mussos introspective sound joins with Chakos ethereal-otherwordly vocals. Opening parallel dimensions and supporting the dreamy quality of Chakos voice, the music is derived from acoustic zither sounds, improvisations done on the waters of a brook, and environmental sounds of bells or radio. The atmospheres of the tracks vary, but the glowing quality between sounds and voice is decidedly original here. Growing up from the dark ambient sounds and loops, the music flows harmoniously. In the creative process of Mei-jyu, the sacred jewel inside us, that is the title in the symbol, is reached with pure delicacy, and love. Chako sings in a manner which is dreamy and otherwordly, whether dressed by dark or by light. Fans of the Apsaras CD by Alio Die & Amelia Cuni, will particularly enjoy this exquisite recording, from the cover art to every note, voice and feeling within.
Also available: Apsaras (w/Amelia Cuni); Under an Holy Ritual + CD $15.98 Also: Angel's Fly Souvenir; Sol Niger; Khen Introduce Silence; Sunja (w/Zeit); The Sleep of Seeds (w/Saffron Wood) + many others CD $17.98

new arrivals: CHill, chant, AMBIENT & world voices

VARIOUS American Rag Here is a collaboration between Los Angeles based lifestyle retailer American Rag Cie and Quango Music Group with a new series of music compilations. Infectious grooves, recognizable tracks in supreme remix form and unreleased tracks intermingle with electro deepness from the likes of MoHorizons, Rodney Hunter, Moloko, Bent, Sia, Mark Rae and manyother soon to be made discoveries. Since 1984, American Rag Cie has reinvented lifestyle retailing with its fun and entertaining stores in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Now under one roof, one could discover emerging designers in apparel, shoes, sportswear, vintage clothing, home furnishing, books and most recently, music. This latest addition, spearheaded by Los Angeles tastemaker DJ Allen Voskanian was a huge success, delighting customers and introducing new music trends from around the world. So now the sound of American Rag can be heard outside of the store with this double disc compilation, jointly selected by Quango founder Bruno Guez and American Rags music buyer, Voskanian. From vintage songs to modern classics, this is a collection of rare and favorite gems to share, and it is one of the hippest collections of cool down-tempo grooves, electro-house and hip-hop soul around.
2-CD $29.98 Also from QUANGO (Various): Afro-Tech (Bagayogo, Baaba Maal+); Dream Therapy (Fila Brazilia, 1 Giant Leap+); Dub Selector 2 (Scientist, Big Youth+); Nordic Exposure (Royksop, Fenomenon+); Mystic Groove (Sawhney, Najma, Thievery Corp., Tekbilek +); Cosmic Funk; Brazilified; Lush Life Electronica; Space Jazz (Tosca+); Dub Selector (Boozoo Bajou, Cottonbelly+) CD $16.98

CAITLIN Laxmis Dream: Sacred Mantras We have enjoyed CDs by Caitlin for years, as she brings an unusual twist to her music, highlighted by a voice that is pure and expressive. The sacred mantras on this album are from Buddhist, Hindu & Sufi traditions and have been chanted for thousands of years, taking people all over the world into higher states of consciousness. Caitlin has rearranged the music for her piano, guitar and keyboards with gentle, ambient drum patterns and percussion throughout the CD, greatly enhancing the amazing layers of her voice. Laxmis Dream is a beautiful CD to relax and meditate to. The Sanskrit songs have fully explained meanings, on the inner cover, adding to our understanding and enjoyment of this heart felt project. Laxmis Dream contains chants designed to attract wealth and abundance, health and healing, enlightenment, success and the elimination of fear. For Caitlin, who resides mostly in New Zealand, this CD evolved over time as she realized chanting these sacred mantras brings a sense of positivity, healing & purification to all who practice.
Also available: One World, One Family; others CD $15.98

ERIK WOLLO Blue Sky Red Guitars We might have said this before, but this is guitar music unlike anything previously heard. And one fantastic CD, another in a long line of Wollo discs that bear comments like masterpiece and stunning achievement. Rich beyond description with texture and melody, this music is highly sculpted and detailed, resulting in a pulsing, vibrant and atmospherically three-dimensional experience. Influenced by his travels to the North American southwest, Wollo manifests these natural wonders through his instrument, painting profound vistas with many types of acoustic, electric, electronic and classical guitar voices. Shades of Michael Brook, Buckethead, Mark Dwane.... A total winner!
Also available: Emotional Landscapes; Wind Journey; Guitar Nova + CD $14.98

SNATAM KAUR Grace Snatam has had a significant impact in the chant world. All three of her solo CDs arein the Retailers Top 20, and her concert tours are a joy for all who come. In her voice is purity, clarity and love; this is joined with the timeless source of her ancient mantras; the combination is powerful and all about peace. Snatams latest release, Grace, brims with an understated joy. With superb production & backing instrumentation by Thomas Barquee, a star in his own right, we have a blend of words, voice, music and flowing energy that is comparable to the artistry and stillness of Deva Premal & others in the contemporary devotional chant realm. With music composed by Snatam and Barquee, her voice dances over gentle flute, Indian violin, guitar and subtle keyboards. The music is soothing, delicate, light & uplifting... a deeply personal meditative expression & experience of joy and love of life. Grace is a beautiful CD, with Snatam singing a couple songs in English for the first time, such as the familiar (May the) Long Time Sun which appropriately closes the CD.
Also available: Prem; Shanti CD $15.98

GLEN VELEZ Rhythms of Awakening Here is the follow-up to Rhythms of the Chakras by renowned master percussionist Glen Velez. Vocals, chants, woodwinds and drums run their course over twelve tracks, each alive with a mesmerizing blend of spirit and tempo. This is a musical journey designed to stimulate the force of kundalini the source of sexual and creative energy. From the Sounds True label which has really been on a roll of creative and musical excellence lately.
Also available: Rhythms of the Chakras CD $15.98

TARIKA 10: Beasts, Ghosts & Dancing with History Hailed by Time as one of the top 10 bands on the planet, the pop Madagascar group Tarika has created a 10-year retrospective. Without succumbing to the temptations of electronic and crossover music, Tarika has successfully paid tribute to the language and traditions of the groups homeland, bringing worldwide attention to the tiny Indian Ocean island. What makes Tarika so striking is its talented female leads, sisters Hanitra Rasoanaivo & Noro Rahaimalala. These prolific musicians bring the stories of Madagascars political and social challenges and victories to their audience. Tarikas instrumentation also evokes a colorful, passionate culture. Songs such as Koba a commonplace pastry made of rice flour, peanuts, and honey have made the Madagascar way of life better known. 15 tracks fill the disc, with 2 bonus Enhanced CD video tracks.
CD $15.98

DAVID DARLING & THE WULU BUNUM Mudanin Kata The Wulu Bunan people of Taiwan specialize in a gloriously subdued style of harmony singing. In fact, their song Pasibutbut changed the way Western ethnomusicologists thought about the evolution of harmony. Its included here, a mystical, magical vocal prayer with a coda from Darlings expressive cello. The vast majority of the pieces here intertwine voice and cello more closely, although there are solo cello pieces (Wulu Dream and Wulu Mist) and pieces just for the singers. Recorded in a valley near the village of Bunan, its cloaked in ambient natural sounds which blend perfectly alongside Darlings individual playing style and the voices of adults & children. The marriage is close to perfect as the styles complement each other, as on Bunun Tuza, where Darling simply lets bowed notes hang under the voices. The harmonies themselves are exquisite and without thought, and obviously fire Darlings plentiful imagination. He never adds too much, just whats right to color and enhance the singing, whether something simple like arpeggios, or even a single note, or decorating with harmonics. The parts themselves are impressive; together they make something wonderful, more than their sum, and it plays as a true gem.
Also available: Open Window; Cello Blue; Eight-String Religion + more CD $15.98

LINCOLN ADLER Sax Therapy Time...in todays modern society, its a scarce resource that people are not always able to spend wisely. On his sensual new release, Sax Therapy, Lincoln Adler shows us how to relax, how to breathe, how precious each moment can truly be. Created by a massage practitioner, Sax Therapy is a journey to a quiet place where breath and groove become one. It is an album designed to get the body worker in a comfortable, relaxed groove, and keep things going with a constantly varying, tempo-consistent, percussion track. Of course, this music can be accompaniment for more than just massage, as it makes an excellent soundtrack for many activities, including those of the more sensuous variety. Floating gently over the 72 minutes of hypnotic percussion and keyboards is the sultry, sensitive and inventive saxophone playing of Lincoln Adler. In addition to his own CDs, Lincoln is known for his work with artists including k d lang, Olivia Newton John, and a long stint playing in the band of actor/ keyboardist Jeff Goldblum. This is an album you will begin to crave in those moments when the lights are low and you need to decompress, when youre doing energy work or massaging clients, or when youre spending quality time with that special someone. Sax Therapy is truly music for your body.
CD $14.98

CHOYING DROLMA / STEVE TIBBETTS Selwa Several years ago, Minneapolis-based guitar legend Steve Tibbetts collaborated on a CD with a Tibetan nun named Choying Drolma. On Cho, he set her ancient Tibetan chants and hymns to his ambient sound designs, and the results developed an enthusiastic following of listeners. Bridging time and distance, Drolma and Tibbetts have returned with a new CD called Selwa, on Six Degrees. The 2nd collaboration by Tibbetts & Choying Drolma, Selwa, again frames beautiful Tibetan chants against a backdrop of dreamy electronic textures. The album is an interesting mix of styles; at times Drolmas peaceful voice is nearly unadorned, save some light strumming from Tibbetts guitar. At other times the studio enhancements are much more evident in the form of down-tempo beats and ethereal (albeit slightly trippy) synth effects. Throughout the recording a sense of serenity pervades due to Drolmas frail voice; her singing is reverent and mystical, filled with a sense of organic beauty that makes her a joy to listen to. Selwa is Tibetan for luminous, clear or awake, which perfectly describes the finely honed balance between Drolmas intoxicating, often folkloric songs & Tibbetts abstracted ambiences. This will cast a lucid spell over your listening space, calm yet intricate, soaring yet earthy.
Also available: Cho CD $15.98

new arrivals: chill, cross-cultural, AMBIENT & contemporary

AMETHYSTIUM Evermind This is the 3rd installment of the dragonfly trilogy from a group that has been influenced by the Enigma/Delerium sound. Norwegian producer/composer Oystein Ramfjords Amethystium project again embarks on a musical journey, weaving a tapestry of enchanting musical threads throughout this timeless release. Evermind divulges the full scope of Ramfjords imagination, forging a tribal and ambient groove through organic layers of atmospheric, darkwave & neoclassical sounds, blending cohesively amidst the tracks, and deliberately building each song from the last as the story unfolds in your own imagination. Ramfjord does a good job of creating a fantasy/storybook sort of atmosphere with his compositions. Evermind is another spectacle of wonder & imagination, where mystical sounding keyboard tones blend with flutes, guitar, dense synthesizer mood and low-tempo beats. If you enjoyed Amethystiums first two, theres a lot of familiar ground here and the same feel as its predecessors. Its catchy, contemporary and hypnotic throughout ...
Also available: Aphelion; Odonata CD $16.98

SUZANNE CIANI Silver Ship This is the first all-new Ciani CD in 5 years! 10 original compositions represent the ultimate artistic maturity of five-time Grammy nominee, and span all of her accomplished styles. It is truly a flowering of her classical acoustic & electronic roots. Along with her finest musical friends and collaborators, Suzanne ably takes you to the mystical places of her imagination, where emotions run as high and deep as the seas. Silver Ship features members of The Wave, as seen on PBS, including Paul McCandless, Teja Bell, Matt Eakle and Michael Manring.
Also available: Pure Romance (collection); Meditations: For Dreams, Relaxation & Sleep; Pianissimo 3; Turning; Seventh Wave Live (also DVD); Dream Suite; Pianissimo 2; Velocity of Love; Seven Waves + CD $14.98

LESIEM Auracle With their 3rd release, Lesiem continues to shape their characteristic dark cathedral, and dramatically uplifting sound. The biggest change this time is the increased use of vocals on each track. Gothic choir vocals (based on Latin Gregorian chant) are still central; however English language lyrics are used on almost all of the tracks, including those of guest singer Maggie Reilly on four tracks. The album is themed after human virtues, with each track covering a specific trait (Charity, Fortitude, Moderateness, etc). Musically, this is also Lesiems most adventurous album, incorporating more rock-oriented guitars, theatrical arrangements and complex electronic beats into the mix.
Also available: Illumination; Mystical Spirit Voices CD $15.98

DAVID ARKENSTONE Atlantis David Arkentones Atlantis is a breathtaking journey into legend and lore, and is a refreshing throwback to his Quest of the Dream Warrior days when fantasy elements were prevalent in his musical output. Themed after the grandeur and mystery of the lost city of Atlantis, the music presented here is awash in dramatic instrumentation with a cinematic flair. Symphonic colors from his backing ensemble (cello, flute, oboe, string, santour, percussion) meld with Arkenstones keyboards, guitar and other instruments to create a soundscape that is highly uplifting with a strong emotional factor. Included are vocals from special guest Miriam Stockley (of Adiemus fame) on Tower of Light and Below the Ocean, two of the albums stronger tracks.
Also available: Middle Earth; Spirit of Ireland; Spirit of Tibet; Sketches from an American Journey; Quest of the Dream Warrior; Visionary (Best of, 2-CD $18.98); Valley in the Clouds/In the Wake of the Wind (2-CD $18.98); + CD $15.98

VARIOUS ARTISTS Hotel Tara Subtitled The Intimate Side of the Buddha Lounge, this new release from Sequoias Groove imprint offers sensual backbeats, world instruments and exotic vocals which sumptuously mingle in these tempting sonic entres. Once again, the mix is by their visionary in-house DJs, the Gordon Brothers, who invite you to chill-out in this luxurious destination resort for your soul. The mystical world grooves seem to have just the right blend of hypnotic rhythms and exotic vocals, featuring some of the finest European DJs and artists such as Althea W., Opera-to-Relax, Karmacosmic, Ginkgo Garden and Artemisia as well as label artists Jaya Lakshmi, Zingaia and the Gordons themselves.
Also available: Buddha Lounge 3, Buddha Lounge 2, Buddha Lounge 1 CD $14.98

BIOSPHERE Autour de la Lune With their fourth release on Touch, Biospheres Geir Jenssen further establishes himself as an ambient composer at the leading edge of the genre. His career spans nearly two decades, six albums, lots of remixes, various sound installations, commissions, soundtracks and even the odd Himalayan summit. Jenssen, courtesy of Radio France Culture, had access to the archives of Jules Vernes De la Terre la Lune. This nineteenth century story is quite amazing, describing a space mission that sees the astronauts launched from Florida and returning from space to land in the Pacific Ocean. Geir sampled bits and pieces of the dramatizations dialogue, coupled it with sounds recorded at the MIR space station and then incorporated it with his own compositions. Following the original broadcast, he continued to work on the recording which now sees the light of day as Autour de la Lune, a 74 minute symphony made up of nine movements. The propulsive opening sequence translation gives way to the crosstalk and scrambled communications of rotation and modifi, before the listener is enveloped in a dense and seemingly endless space (the sound of zero gravity?). This new CD is set to compete with Brian Enos Apollo recording as the definitive homage to the space age.
Also available: Shenshou; Cirque; Substrata + CD $17.98

MARS LASAR Panorama 11.04 Heres a renowned artist and top-level producer who we hadnt heard from in quite some time. Mars Lasar, maestro of synthesizer soundscapes, is back with Panorama 11.04, and we are now offering several recent titles that had escaped notice for some reason. In other words, Mars is back, and sounding better than ever. The 11.04 in the title of Mars Lasars Panorama 11.04, refers to the fact that this is the fourth release from the artists Eleventh Hour series. Lasar, a maestro of ambient moods, does what he does best with this release, presenting dense atmospheres of dreamy synths juxtaposed with ethereal vocals, keyboard effects, piano and horns. The central theme of this album is hope in a world of crisis; interestingly, the tone of the release shifts from uplifting to somber and back again over the course of the album. Rapture, for example, is downright heartbreaking in its melancholy beauty, featuring music box-like keyboards and sweeping strings against the operatic vocals of Erinn Williams. Untouchable, on the other hand, is as soft and fluffy as a lullaby. This new album covers a lot of territory, a few of the tracks have a touch of jazz to them, others are worldbeat-ish and still others are quiet and pensive, as he is adept at many different styles. Its Mars Lasar for your ever-changing moods.
Also available: Final Frontier; Collaborations; Nocturnal Diaries; 11:03: When Worlds Collide; Karma; 11.02; Sapphire Dreams; Escape; Olympic National Park; The Eleventh Hour; Olympus CD $15.98

GALACTIC ANTHEMS Subterranean Transit Subterranean Transit starts with the track Transmigration, with its three distinct sections of varying intensities. Streamlined drives forward with hard pounding percussion & elegant synth harmonies. The title piece, Subterranean Transit is all about propulsion, with moaning musical shapes floating over a churning electronic percussion track. A Visit to the Palace of Canesh transports you to an exotic land of varying ethnic melodies and heart pounding rhythms. The mood gets more mysterious as The Uninvited Guest moves towards more ambient directions. Clouds is a look at weather patterns, at first distinct but then blending together into indistinct shapes. With a summer Colorado thunderstorm in the distance, Carousel of Dreams evokes the feeling of being half awake & half asleep. The deep space drone Europa Mission concludes the album, bringing resolution into a more ambient/space mood.
Also available: Abstract Circuitry; Galactic Anthems CD $14.98

BARRY CLEVELAND Volcano Barry Clevelands name is not well known, and his music doesnt fit the maps of World Music, Jazz Fusion or Music Electronique. Something should be done about that; hopefully this new CD will set some things right. Barrys imaginative and resplendent guitar playing incorporates elements from an array of sources, including psychedelic special f/x, progressive rock, ambient and new age soundscapes, world, jazz, funk, and other (re)sources. Like Jimmy Page, for instance, he sometimes bows his electric guitar. To that, add Clevelands keen command of digital and analog recording studio devices and techniques. On Volcano, Cleveland surrounds himself with gifted musicians as well, notably, electric bass master Michael Manring, percussionist Michael Pluznick, and Norbert Stachel on acoustic and electronic woodwind instruments. Cleveland & Friends (also Michael Masley & Kim Atkinson) compass their way through some uncharted sonic territory while embracing a variety of worldly grooves and influences. From a purely textural and orchestral standpoint, the album is an absolute delight to listen to. Fans of the latter-day King Crimson will get into this album, as there are plenty of Fripp/Belew-like guitarisms meandering about. Manrings salient fretless bass work is also a treat to behold. The acoustic percussion tracks, as on the title song, provide a great juxtaposition to the perpetual concussion of electronica. There are some noteworthy World Beat grooves on this album, as on Rhumbatism, Makanda, and Dark Energy. All in all, this is an imaginative, somewhat heady album, with plenty of deep-rooted rhythms to keep the whole thing from exploding into the upper thermosphere. Clevelands sonic cyclorama is a real treat.
CD $14.98 Also available: Memory & Imagination (Disc 1: has cuts from Mythos, and Voluntary Dreaming; Disc 2: remixed pieces) 2-CD $18.98

new arrivals: AMBIENT & SPACE MUSIC from near and far
MAX CORBACHO Moontribe Moontribe creates an immersive space, where spectral colours meet floating tribal-esque pulsing groovescapes. A collection of previously unreleased tracks, plus two totally new pieces, this CD will remind listeners of Vestiges, Maxs acclaimed debut. The bright light-filled synths join with a forceful tribal groove, sometimes with deep bass pulses. Elsewhere, strange muted sounds are heard, the underlying layers full with tension as the energy is building up. Mesmerizing sound effects are expanding yet warm and elegant. Its like the groove is generating its own rhythm, feeding the next one. The sound is soaring and expanding, with a beautiful subtle mid-tempo tribal feel, well crafted once again. In the last 12 minutes the rhythms fade away, as we take a deep dive into the ocean of our suspended memories, reflecting in the moonlight.
Also: Nocturnal Emanations; The Resonant Memory of Earth; Vestiges CD $12.98

BRUNO SANFILIPPO Ad Libitum In dreams, theres no imagined thing thats too absurd, too strange. Brunos music comes from that inexhaustible source. He enjoys the idea of composing which incorporates sounds of different cultures. On Ad Libitum, he creates atmospheres that take you inside yourself. This Argentine musician now lives & works in Spain, as does Max Corbacho. And his newest of half a dozen solo releases is an ambient album of great beauty. Like his popular Visualia Bruno uses more acoustic (sounding) instruments like piano and guitars, often reminiscent of fine film music. There are also tracks on the album that are built from atmospheric sounds that sound a bit like Steve Roach. Other pieces are accompanied by a nice rhythm or a melancholic piano track with a lot of reverberation. This is an impressive and enjoyable CD by a very versatile musician.
Also: Visualia; Sons of the Light; New Kingdom; Solemnis; Suite Patagonia CD $12.98

TERRA AMBIENT The Gate This is a strong second effort from rising space music ace Jeff Kowal (aka Terra Ambient). Clearly in the vein of Fourth World tribal-ambient soundscapes, The Gate is distinguished by being very organic sounding: indeed he leaves the ranks of his synthesizer absorbed brethren to relate his personal musical story through performances on a range of exotic acoustic instruments. It is an ethno-ambient journey into lost persian deserts and mindscapes, with flute tones that are rich and deep, and drums that stand out clear and strong. There are deep drones on most of the tracks that seem to be like pillers of support as Terra Ambient takes us on these desert dreams. Kowal does achieve multiinstrumentalist status, but does not stray too far from the technology associated with more overtly electronic sounding mind-music. The mood of The Gate is ceremonial, primordial and enigmatic. Leading the listener across a range of musical terrain, from minimal and dark to powerful and celebratory, this is a dynamic cerebral journey to an internal place defined by the individual.
Also available: The Darker Space CD $12.98

BRUNO SANFILIPPO & MAX CORBACHO Indalo Indalois the first collaboration between these artists, inspired by a joint trip to the South of Spain. It is an exploratory excursion to atmospheric ambient textures of a dark and dreamy beauty, to a deep place of ritual echoes. Structurally this CD presents seven soundscapes, starting with some rhythmic movements. The walking groove of Indalo, which drives the listener over atmospheric synth lines, give way to more relaxed and introspective realms that follow. The textures are based on a mix of field recordings, computer manipulated samples and spontaneously created tracks on synths & samplers. Strange far-away noises, swirling ancient echoes, subtle percussions, distant acoustic sounds & undulating synth layers form this work, all in a deep, emotion filled, organic experience. This work tells of a shared spiritual imagination, and their detailed harmonic soundscapes portray the vast expanse of a timeless panorama. Indalo is a ceremonial work based on the power of an inspired place, and is named after the old & mysterious Andalusian symbol that still can be found in Spain nowadays.
CD $12.98 LARRY KUCHARZ Ambient Red Washes

BEN COX On Water From Lotuspike, the same label as Darshan Ambient and Terra Ambient, comes another fine new CD that makes them 3 for 3 so far. Ben Coxs mesmerizing new release On Water is filled with subtle, minimal treatments which are reflective of Enos Music for Airports and Jon Hassells Fourth World Music. Although On Water is an album of deep ambient soundscapes, the 7 tracks are by no means indistinct. Each piece drifts aimlessly into the listening area and somehow converts the silence into a detailed, exotic locale. To this end, Cox employs warm synthesizer drones as well as field recordings, plus the more identifiable sounds of acoustic guitar, voice, trumpet and piano - all well placed and arranged. The soundscapes move without apparent motion yet visit distinctly different states of mood and sound, shifting easily between dark river dreams and sunset beach bliss. These quiet spaces are not at all demanding and perfect for the mind to roam through, or sink into. On Water is a confluence of various musical streams. It succeeds due to the delicate control and subtle organization over its elements. Cox produces beautiful and mysterious music that is more influence than force and his multi-instrumental talents shine through in this shimmering, floating body of work.
CD $12.98

DARSHAN AMBIENT Autumns Apple Darshan Ambients (aka Michael Allison) body of work includes several Ds of quiet, introspective ambient music that seem subtle and understated. On the new Lotuspike label, Darshan Ambients new CD takes bold, confident steps in a new musical direction. While the CD continues Michaels exploration of soft melodies and electronic minimalism, he has added more than just a touch of electronic grooves and tribal ambience. The result is a captivating body of work that whispers to you on a very emotional level, stirring and journey-like. The CD also includes a rare and wonderful vocal performance by Michael and a track co-written with fellow Lotuspike artist Terra Ambient. This is a surprising CD, one that invites repeated listening to extract the gems and discover the depth and beauty of the varied pieces.
Also: Zen Masters Diary; Darshan Ambient; End of Days; Autumn Light CD $12.98

Larry Kucharz has constructed what could be considered a modern day classic. A pensive, spiritual journey of classical-minded ambience entitled Ambient Red Washes, Kucharzs meditative syncopations seek escapist purification, a long journey towards electronic nirvana that cleanses the soul. The sound is at times serene, holistic and even post-apocalyptic with high synth notes that take on a heavenly tranquility. There are sorrowful tones among the peaceful overtures, as if seeking forgiveness, & ascending crescendos, concentrating on solitary lead notes that follow subtle undertone paths. Kucharz is adept at balancing a triumphant merging of high and low notes that conveys mastery of classical thought in a postmodern reworking. Some tracks are equally luxuriant and at times otherwordly, others reach a breathtaking climax, heartfelt and emotional. A latter track offers a briskly paced reworking of the other washes. Kucharz presents a blueprint for younger minds exploring the possibilities of techno & electronic syncopation. A quiet elder statesman of the scene, Kucharz has produced a moving body of work, marked by inventive album titles, layered choral textures, and a deep space commonality with classical composition.
Also: Ambient Blue Washes; Electrochoral Dreams; Metachoral Visions; CyberChoralColors; Choral Green Prints; Digichoral Blue Portraits + CD $12.98

BRANNAN LANE Piano Dreams & Nightscapes Opening like a dark tribute to Enos Music for Airports, with a sparse, sustain-intensive piano melody over quiet synth work, this CD soon shows it true beauty. The opening tracks move languidly along like subtle morning fog. In the next two, the piano drops away to a rich, atmospheric drift with a delightful depth of sound. The first of the two Moonlit Reflections pieces sounds like an homage to the healing piano music of Steve Halpern in the 80s, with evocative electronic piano. The second goes darker and deeper with a tinge of tribal percussion. With Daze Gone By, Lane eases the CD to a close with a bit of soft darkness. This is a fine relaxation CD, & a delight for deep listening.
Also: Lucid Circles (w/Baghiri); Sextant (w/Ashera); Escape Velocity; To Earth & Back; Hypnotic Drift; Tribal Spirit (w/Larson); Lost Caverns of Thera + CD $12.98

LUSTMORD Heresy Its not often that an album comes along that both initiates and defines a genre. Precisely such a cherished but long unavailable classic by Lustmord has been remastered, repackaged and re-issued. Heresy, the album that pioneered the dark ambient genre in 1990 has been hailed by critics and fans as one of the most important works of its time. Nearly 15 years after its release it is regularly found on top-ten lists of ambient music. Heresy was recorded in various subterranean locations and manipulated in the studio with Andrew Lagowski providing engineering and additional programming. It was the first Lustmord album to feature extensive sampling and computer assisted sound design. Recent improvements in sound technology permitted Lustmord to re-master and significantly improve on the original recordings for this new version, which comes in a digipak. Based on recognition established through recordings like Heresy, Brian Williams, the man behind Lustmord, went on to work as a sound designer in Hollywood and has over 40 major motion picture credits as well as TV, games and now commercials. His resume includes musical collaborations with Robert Rich (Stalker), The Melvins, Adam Jones (Tool), Chris & Cosey, Coil, Paul Haslinger (Tangerine Dream), SPK, Current 93 and Nurse with Wound. As Lustmord he has released 11 albums since 1981. Heresy stands as Lustmords signature work, the gauntlet that birthed a genre, and this new edition shows even more why its been a highly sought after release for such a long time.
Also available: Carbon/ Core; Purifying Fire; Zoetrope; The Monstrous Soul; Paradise Disowned; A Document of Early Acoustic & Tactical Experimentation CD $15.98

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new arrivals: electronic, imports, AMBIENT & SPACE MUSIC

BRIAN ENO Another Day on Earth A landmark release for the Hannibal label, Another Day on Earth marks Enos long-demanded return as a solo artist. Clearly in his own trademark style, this CD is a unique combination of words and soundscapes by one of contemporary cultures most iconic figures. Surprisingly, its his first solo recording of conventional songs since Another Green World. From the rhythm track of opening song, the sound is unmistakable. A quirky hook covered in layers of atmosphere and a bouncy loop, its a smart little tune. Lyrically, Enos process is poetic, employing not only his own strategies, but a computer generating words as well. Some of the songs are more evocative of Enos work with Daniel Lanois, utilizing a very simple loop adorned with sparse guitars while keyboards pulse softly. Some of the voices are processed or heavily treated, painting a landscape both exterior and interior. Elsewhere, Eno multi-tracks his voice across an angular melody. How Many Worlds is almost a childs ditty full of existential questions. For the most part, this CD is lightweight, pleasant and amusing, mostly quite engaging. I find references to David Byrne, Peter Gabriel, U2 and other past collaborators and friends of the family albeit awash in ambient atmospheres.
Also available: More Music for Films (reissue); Wrong Way Up; Drawn from Life; Drop; Apollo; Music for Airports; Another Green World + CD $16.98

ARC (IAN BODDY & MARK SHREEVE) Arcturus Ian Boddy & Mark Shreeve once again combine forces for their fourth outing as the duo ARC. As with their first release on the DiN label, Radio Sputnik, Arcturus is a recording from one of their rare live performances. Indeed their appearance at the Hampshire Jam III festival in October 2004 was only their second venture onto stage performing together as ARC. This festival held in Liphook, Hampshire has a cult following amongst fans of Berlin school style electronic music and attracts an enthusiastic audience. In these days of laptops & virtual synths its a sight to see musicians from across Europe assembling to play music using classic synths and struggling to tame large modular systems through a hefty PA and with a mesmerizing light show. For the last decade Shreeves music has been built around his massive custom Moog IIIC modular system and his increasing virtuosity with real time sequencing performances. Boddy, of course, has been building up his DiN label with a string of highly acclaimed albums that have spanned both retro & modern electronica. Arcturus captures the duo in full flight through analogue sequencing, electronic loops, dark atmospherics and haunting keyboard work. The main set which was played as one continuous piece is split into two sections with the encore, Helicon taking the total playing time of the disc up to the 61 minute mark. The music was recorded onto multi-track allowing Boddy & Shreeve to fine tune the quality to the highest standard and should ensure Arcturus goes down as one of THE legendary electronic music concert albums.
Also available: Blaze; Radio Sputnik; Octane CD $17.98

FRIPP & ENO The Equatorial Stars Almost 30 years on since Evening Star, Robert Fripp and Brian Eno resume their collaboration, and remarkably, they seem to have picked up right where they left off. Having Eno in the producers chair (not to mention making his own musical contributions) seems to add a warmth thats been missing from Fripps albums like 1999. But much like Evening Star showed a progression from No Pussyfooting, The Equatorial Stars is another step forward while retaining all the same elements as their previous work together. Much of Fripps playing is beautiful and lyrical, occasionally delving into the classic Frippertronics guitar tone. The Equatorial Stars also takes on a slightly more aggressive tone toward the end. While Fripp is nominally at the forefront, Enos contributions & excellent production are just as important. There seems to be a genuine synergy when these two work together, and The Equatorial Stars is a worthy successor to their earlier brilliant albums together.
Also available: A Blessing of Tears: 1995 Soundscapes, Vol. 2; Essential; No Pussyfooting; Evening Star CD $16.98

IAN BODDY & MARKUS REUTER Pure One of the UKs leading independent electronic music maestros Ian Boddy has teamed up once again with German touch guitarist, Markus Reuter to Pure, their second studio outing since1999s Distant Rituals. Pure is radically different from the impressionistic prowl of its predecessor. Based around a series of distinct musical ideas, Boddy and Reuter explored and expanded the pieces into a cycle of intricate, inter-connected compositions; delicate in expression and character, graceful in execution and richly harmonic. Pure is the sound of two musicians at the top of their game, an album of sustained reverie; alert, engaged and insightful; totally in the moment. The tracks move easily between the diaphanous sound that youd expect from Ian Boddy and the deft, fleeting guitar work for which Markus Reuter is known.
Also: Chiasmata; Aurora; Outpost (w/Rich) Box of Secrets; Distant Ritual CD $17.98

JON HASSELL Maarifa Street: Improvisations In Intuition Jon Hassell is a seminal figure in contemporary music. A student of Karlheinz Stockhausen and a musician in LaMonte Youngs Theatre of Eternal Music, he has roots in mid-20th century experimentalism and minimalism. On his own, hes crafted a fourth world music that has embraced rhythms from Africa to Bali, all sliced through with modern technology, dub grooves, ambient atmospheres and his own vapor trail trumpet lines. Hes been an influence on Brian Eno, Steve Roach, Robert Rich and 100s of other musicians. His latest is a swirl of seductive rhythms & soul-searing trumpet called Maarifa Street.
Also: City: Works of Fiction; Power Spot; Vernal Equinox; Fascinoma+ CD $17.98

DAVID WRIGHT Continuum This is an extremely melodic & adventurous album, and we have come to expect no less from David Wright. Amazingly, this is his 15th solo album, following the extraordinary Walking With Ghosts, which remains dazzling still 2 years after its release. It is an epic five part musical odyssey that harkens back to the glory days of 70s and 80s EM, afloat with melodic subtleties, dramatic flourishes and changing moods that typify his style. And it brings all of this fully into the 21st century with varied and imaginative rhythms and sequences set against a backdrop of massed swirling synth textures to create a uniquely evolving soundscape that is a totally very musical experience. Different in tone than his previous release and also the recent 360, Wright takes all of his creative expression and funnels it into a flowing, breathing, rising and falling ball of energy that continually reminds you of its absolute brilliance.
Also: Walking With Ghosts; 3-6-0; Returning Tides (Best of '91-'04) + CD $17.98

HAROLD BUDD Avalon Sutra Avalon Sutra is announced to be California-born American minimalist composer and pianist Harold Budds last recorded work. Best known for his collaborations with Brian Eno, contributing his stunning piano work to key recordings such as 1980s Ambient 2: Plateau of Mirror and The Pearl, Budd has produced a series of remarkable minimalist compositions and recordings, including Pavilion of Dreams and The Room, which have earned him worldwide respect. Budd has collaborated with the Cocteau Twins Robin Guthrie, Daniel Lanois, XTCs Andy Partridge and saxophonists Marion Brown and John Gibson amongst many others, and has been a major influence on the development of contemporary ambient and electronic music. Avalon Sutra (released as a 2 disc set) is a suite of short, heartbreaking ambient pieces, featuring Budds delicate piano improvisations, lush string arrangements and warm electronic drones. The second disc (As Long As I Can Hold My Breath) features a startling remix by electronic composer Akira Rabelais, sending Budds arrangements into Feldmanesque eternities of sound. Avalon Sutra is Budd at the pinnacle of his creativity, a master of meditative beauty.
2-CD $21.98 Also: La Bella Vista; Luxa; Aqua; She is a Phantom; + CD $17.98 Also: Pavilion of Dreams; The Pearl (w/Eno); Plateaux of Mirror (Ambient 2) CD $14.98

ROBERT FOX Maya Foxs 11th CD returns to the more thematic, Vangelis inspired soundscsapes of earlier works. Full of rich themes and textures, his trademark elements are all intact, and there are previously uncharted musical vistas to explore as well, Strong percussion underscores the melodic beauty, allowing the music to evolve & soar, with its grand and sublime, often hymn-like qualities. Magnificent!
Also: Underworld; Talking Heads; Into the Light; Gathering of Spirits; Blue Mountain Suite; Fire & Rose; Asfafa CD $17.98

JEAN MICHEL JARRE Metamorphoses Recorded in 2000 but not available in the U.S. until 2004, Metamorphoses is another in a long line of grand-scale productions by the French electronic music master. Offering a cycle of songs, Jarre and his platoon of keyboards a mind-blowing meld of cutting-edge and vintage technologies delve into the notion of change and evolution with a remarkable efficiency despite the many guest vocalists and instrumentalists. His collaborations with Laurie Anderson & Natacha Atlas are wonderfully successful. The former is a staggered sequencer- driven track whose pulse varies, throbs, and wanes as the vocals are articulated in syncopated fashion in alternating cadences. Zoolook comes immediately to mind. The latter is an Eastern-tinged house track, where elements of disco, breakbeat, and even jungle enter and leave the mix after leaving traces of themselves, as Atlas sings, wails and whispers. Other vocalists include Lisa Jacobs, Ekovas Dierdre Dubois, & Veronique Bossa. Due to its many colors, Metamorphoses is surely the most adventurous recording of Jarres in a decade.
Also: Sessions 2000; Oxygene 7-13; Images: Best of; Hong Kong (2-CD, $21.98) CD $17.98 Also: En Attendant Cousteau; Chronologie; Rendez-Vous; Les Concerts en Chine, #2; Les Concerts en Chine, #1; Revolutions; Jarre in Concert: HoustonLyon; Zoolook; Les Chants Magnetiques; Equinoxe; Oxygene CD $14.98 Also on DVD: Oxygene Moscow [2000 release] DVD 30.00

new arrivals: CHill out imports, AMBIENT & SPACE MUSIC

CELL Phonic Peace Cell appears on Fahrenheit Project 4 & 5, and his new CD as mastered by Hubby Sea of Ultimae.... Definitely top ten material for 2005. Indica Music presents the first long awaited album from Cell, aka Alex Scheffer. With many tracks already released on top ambient compilations, hes one of the most talked about chill out artists in the scene nowadays. We can describe his music as a mixture of acoustical instruments and ethnical rhythms with electronic beats and digital loops. Phonic Peace is like a fusion of acoustical instruments and ethnical rhythms with electronic beats and digital loops: big drones, massive pads and rhythmic sessions on one side, and many instruments such as flutes, sitars, santurs and more on the other side, like technology and roots. Each track is like a short story, where the musical flow can bring you very far away. Alex Scheffer is a multi-faceted composer, able to create as much for dancefloors as for intimate or mental atmospheres. Convinced that an electronic music composer must touch all styles to be complete, he passionately gives himself over to researching new sounds and atmospheres. The sounds are a smooth blend of electronic and ethnic instruments that are all masterfully edited, treated, and woven into a tapestry of sheer ambient elegance. We hear electronic notes embellishing gracefully on acoustic instrument scales, creating a flavor of intergalactic ethno fusion that are as successful as anything previous. A progression of sitar notes are finished off perfectly by synth licks that swirl around the sound-picture like sonic incense. Tibetan singing bowls are accompanied in perfect harmony by synthesizers that sound even purer. Chimes and bells tinkle over a soft mix of electronic melodies, real flutes and hypnotic vocals. Everything is polished over with a coat of mirror-smooth, classy, psychedelic gloss. Phonic Peace takes us on a holographic carpet ride from North Africa to Tibet via the Middle East and India. The mystic moods and sensual atmospheres that are evoked during this journey feel even richer than the ones on French ambient classics such as Saafi Brothers Mystic Cigarettes or Toires Qued. Also, the mastering on this disc is absolutely perfect. It comes out of the speakers so crystalline clear, warm, and vast.
CD $19.98

ENTHEOGENIC Spontaneous Illumination Entheogenic is the Austrian-English duo of Helmut Glavar and Piers OakRhind. Thick dub grooves, layered trance melodies, drum n bass madness and Eastern and Mid-Eastern sounds are fused with stunning production. Its so rich in texture that on first listen you might find yourself turning away, in the same way that you avert your eyes from an overwhelmingly bright, colorful light show. But repeat listens soon reveal depths, and a few dark corners, too. This record is no musical fast-food, it s an acoustical feast which deserves the full attention of the listener. Oak-Rhind and Glavar have an impressive ear for melody, harmony and dynamics and if the intelligent ethno-ambient trance sound is your thing, youll find yourself returning to this again and again. Spontaneous Illumination is through and through a psychedelic and spiritual album; it takes you on a captivating journey, deep into trance grooves. I guess the point is this: Ive never heard anything quite like Entheogenic. Simply put, if youre looking for psychedelic-ambient dub music that will inspire you for years to come, get this CD, especially if you are a fan of Sounds from the ground and the like. Entheogenic are pure gold.
CD $19.98

HEALER Higher Grounds Michael Andresen is the man behind the 12 Moons and Healer projects, with the Healer project representing the ambient side of this gifted swedish artist. This is where the real magic happens, from the deep inside and via your sound system Michael brings you the soft, soothing tones of tranquillity. Since the first Healer album Wonderground, there have been numerous track releases on compilations from labels throughout the world, and Michael was also responsible for compiling the successful Ease Division collections released by Spiral Trax. From young Greek-based label Candyflip records comes this gorgeous release. This is a label on the psychedelic trance/chill tip, but the sound on this cd is surprisingly less global exotica and more Berlin school ala Ashra and classic Tangerine Dream. Rich synthetic chords and multi-coloured, steadily spinning loops of melody, right down to whistling melotron-like phrases. And the chugging, intense sequencer-driven groove of early Berlin ambient is channeled to perfection on art of translucency. Healer really understands the power of building a track until we get a layering 2 or 3 melody lines at once. Higher Grounds is high quality chill and quintessential ambient trance. Healer certainly likes to add an atmospheric vibe to his music, both in his trance and ambient projects. From floating atmospheric sounds and relaxed, careful beats, some dubby beats and flute and building rhythms that could be from outer space. . If you like floating, atmospheric, deep ambient music, with plenty of beats mixed in under the mix, you should definitely check this out.
CD $19.98

ANOTHER FINE DAY Life Before Land (10th Anniversary reissue) Englands Beyond label led the Ambient movement with the first sounds of their Ambient Dub series. One of the key tracks on Vol. 3: Aqua, was by Another Fine Day, made their own Beyond release. Thick bass lines drive some of the tracks, while others ride ambient waves of sky trails up into the heavens. Floating dropouts and soothing washes are the norm, as frontman Tom Green plays mbira, flute, piano, 3-stringed guitar in addition to computer sequencing, Analog and FM synthesis, short waves, and samples which include the Baka forest people, water drumming and wave tapping. Seven lengthy tracks make up the 60 minutes disc, recommended for its deep, dimensional sound and trance-like nature. A classic CD, it is comparable to the best of TUU as well. This new album is exactly the same as the original (no re-mastering) but does include 2 extra tracks - Strange Waves, written during the same period (1990-4), and a re-mix of Lazy Daisy that was included on the Big Chill broadcast recently. The cover features the original artwork, front and back, but is now a cardboard gatefold with color inside, not b/w., with extremely fine cover notes by Pete Lawrence (founder of the UKs Big Chill organization) on the back. In 2000 he released his second Another Fine Day release, Salvage, released worldwide on Six Degrees Records. This is an album which Tom describes as Genre-popping 21st century eclecticism feral children playing battery-powered synth bleeps while banging on tin cans the urban foxs quiet step firing off forgotten sound-art installations fallen power-lines generating wind harp bass drones, while an mbira troupe go into a trance. In the meantime Tom is writing his third album. Will it be ambient world? Dub-electro-jazz? PostModern Ironic Isolationist Techno Folk? Who knows? The only certainty is that it will be another fine day.
Also available: Salvage (15.98) CD $17.98

YOUTH The Secret Language of Ordinary Objects Liquid Sound Design is proud to present the second chapter of Youths legendary Dub sessions The Secret Language of Ordinary Objects. Youths Dub work is often his most personal and this is reflected in, The Secret Language of Ordinary Objects, an album that reflects and pays homage to his myriad of musical influences. Deep dub basslines fuse with Arabic drums, subtle melodies fuse with Indian tablas across these ten shimmering tracks. The album features collaborations with The Orb on Apple Tree in my Backyard, electronica/dance music legend Pete Lazonby plus new tracks from Dub Trees, US based Lost at Last and a Youth remix of Kiwi Digi Dub pioneers Pitch Black. Youth is a man of legend: the ex-Killing Joke musician had a hand in inventing the psytrance genre, in the company of Simon Posford, Graham Wood and Raja Ram. Best classified as psychedelic digidub, it runs from down tempo grooveage to slomish dancing ambrosia. This amazing CD is not totally chilled to the double-digit BPMs, and not strictly dance floor it occupies that wonderful and rare space in between, of mellow danceable grooves that are an oasis when most needed. It will sound different than most anything else in your collection!
CD $19.98

VIC HENNEGAN Desert God Vic Hennegan grew up in an African American family in the Philadelphia area, but as a teenager, he wasnt grooving to the sounds of TSOP. Instead, he honed in on the progressive rock of Genesis and space music by Tangerine Dream that he heard on the local college station. For the last several years, Hennegan has been working in Los Angeles, creating music that ranges from techno/tribal grooves to ambient chill. His latest album is Desert God which has just been released on the reliably high-quality Space for Music label. Smooth transitions and melodic tones prevail on this deep space journey, offering pleasant environments for cosmic listening and star-gazing explorations.
CD $12.98

MANY Import titles can be easily ordered; let us know what you are after!

NEAL MERRICK Magic Traveler This is space music laced with rhythms and traditional instruments like cello, trumpet, didjiridoo, and voice. Creating ambient music since the 70s, Neal continues to help introduce Water Drumming to Western society by showcasing his performances on both live concerts and recordings. Water Drumming is a native technique of the Baka or Mbuti (uhm-boot-ee) people that is said to have been practiced for thousands of years. Neal plays synthesizers, whirl tones, dumbek,water drumming, drones, vocals, bass instruments, Crystal bowls, xylophone chimes, frame drum, didgeridu, cymbal, Tibetan Bowls, copper pots, whistles and Udu drum, electric guitars & tamboura, with special guests like Essra Mohawk, Mac Gayden, Tony Gerber, Matt Oakes, and Tom Shinness on cello. This is a magic ride that will capture your soul with its language of music & sound. Supreme sonic qualities permeate his personal works, and Magic Traveler is spiritual space music. Enjoy the ride...
CD $12.98

Featured Titles: Focus on Music for Yoga

GIRISH Reveal Girish presents ancient Sanskrit mantras with a modern spin on his debut album for Spirit Voyage Music. What sets this album apart from other chantbased releases is the choice of backdrops. The music has a strong pop/rock element to it, as well as folk, Indian and jazzy influences. Guitars, keyboards, bass, sax & other Western staples are used liberally through the recording beside harmonium, ektar and other Asian oriented instruments. Even the arrangements are reminiscent of the catchy hooks of Western music. Girish has been the tabla player of choice for artists such as Krishna Das, Rasa, Wah!, Snatam Kaur, Dave Stringer and Thomas Barquee. What is so dazzling about Reveal is his voice, reminiscent of Dave Matthews, with a passion that lands somewhere between Barquee & Stringer. Hans Christian (of Rasa) is co-producer, while artists like Donna DeLory, Wah! and CC White add their voices to various tracks. Girishs voice is smooth and deep with a lot of earthiness. His take on these mantras is fresh & unique; a must hear for anyone with a taste for contemporary flavored chant. Alongside The Lover and the Beloved by Donna De Lory, the chant genre is taken higher and farther than ever before.
CD $15.98

BACKROADS
M U S I C

VARIOUS At Ease This new CD on the Dharma Moon label is a collection with groups and artists such as Drala, Steve Gorn, Michael Hewitt, Kirby Shelstad and others. The flow of the tracks makes it ideal is ideal for Yoga, contemplation and any of the healing arts. The music is very spacious and flowing, blissful yet grounded. DRala is comprised of Steve Gorn and David Nichtern, and as a duo they have two of their own fine CDs. Gorns lyrical bansuri flutes and Nichterns dancing acoustic guitar playing make for a winning combination that is starting to find a wide and enthusiastic audience for those who seek music just like Drala. They are represented on t Ease by three tracks, together and separately. A couple of vocal tracks provide a nice balance along with varied instrumentation.
Also available by DRALA: Midnight Flower; Drala CD $15.98

BLISS Bliss and A Hundred Thousand Angels Every now and then, a group or artist comes along that changes everything. Personally, musically, world perspective and the works. This UK duo of Lucinda and Andy is the latest and perhaps greatest discovery in a long line of extraordinary vocalists from Backroads. The purity and depth of the songs, the exquisite production, the joyous nature and heart space are easily on a par with any and all of our past and recent favorites. A couple of their tracks have appeared on an occasional sampler release, such as the already classic A Hundred Thousand Angels, one of the most soothing and uplifting songs ever. Song after song portrays great depth and a special energy that truly has to be heard to be felt. Some of the songs are reflective, some are more haunting, and some take on a Celtic flavor that may remind listeners of Loreena McKennitt. A Hundred Thousand Angels, which is their fourth release, is their best-seller so far, on more than just the strength of the title piece, as the album is overflowing with songs of divine love that are universal and simple, yet personal and meaningful. This is my most played CD right now, and likely for some time to come. The newest release, Bliss, has more rhythm and even stronger songwriting, with production that is topnotch for every note of the journey. A couple of songs may even inspire dancing, while they take you to deep levels of peace and resolve. Let yourself in on the magic of Bliss, and feel the changes in your life as your heart opens and your outlook expands with love and healing in great abundance. This music is extraordinary and truly moving as it emerges deep from within, light as a feather yet rich like an ancient treasure. The songs and lyrics are tasteful beyond words, expressing the positive shadow voice that yearns for new light. Lucindas voice offers companionship for those who seek to know, a gentle antidote for loneliness, and solace for those who know they are alone, comfort for those who feel, and a destination for each and all of us.
Also available: Through These Eyes (1999 release, songs and peaceful moods); Flying Free (1st album, half songs and half instrumentals, with plenty of cherished gems); The Journey (soothing instrumentals for the healing arts). CD $15.98

SHASTRO Earth Sutras Shastros new CD adds perfectly to one of the highest quality catalogs we know. Subtitles Walk Gently on the Earth, Earth Sutras evokes qualities of sacred sensuality, weaving poetic instrumental tapestries with nature sounds and slow earthy grooves. As a follow-up to his best seller, Tantric Heart, Shastro beautifully mixes & blends his performances on a variety of ethnic instruments such as Native and bamboo flutes, guitar, Indian dilruba & Brazilian berimbau. The music casts a spell over the listener as if they entered a sacred temple filled with wide-reaching sounds, a depth of feeling, and enough rhythmic undercurrents to move it all along at just the right pace, sensual yet sacred, both celebratory & intimate.
Also available: Shamans Healing; Oasis Night; Tantric Heart; Reiki Offering; Shanay: Mystic Dance; Shambhala + others CD $14.98

SUDHA Planet Love Planet Love, the debut release from up-and-coming songstress Sudha, is an album of gorgeous chant-style vocals over laid-back grooves. Inspired by the natural beauty of the earth and especially the Hawaiian islands, Sudha pairs the serene instrumental textures of Maneesh de Moor (piano, flute, ethnic percussion, didgeridoo, nature sounds, lush synthesizer ambience) with lyrics derived from Native American, Hawaiian and Middle Eastern cultures. The album has a very breezy and relaxed pace, and the appeal of Sudhas sweet angelic voice never diminishes. Featured is a rendition of Walelas Cherokee Morning Song titled Wendeyaho, which opens the album in an earthy mode. Other highlights include La Ileikawai and Ya Azeem. Released on Shastros Malimba label.
CD $14.98

VARIOUS Yoga Mela and Sacred Movement, vol. one Sacred Movement, vol. one and Yoga Mela: An Eastern Vibrational Experience are two fine new compilations of artists from White Swan Records. Each is the first in a series of albums compiled to help yoga practitioners become more centered and balanced during a yoga session. Featured artists on Sacred Movement, vol. one are a variety of world fusion innovators like Thomas Barquee, B-Tribe, Stellamara, DJ Cheb I Sabbah, all of which specialize in combining infectious beats with such things as chant, Eastern (and Western, for that matter) instrumentation and synthesized backdrops. Although the artists on the album's roster come from a variety of backdrops, most of the tracks on this disc have an Indian flavor to them. The album is also sequenced with the notion of "easing" the listener into their meditation. As such, it begins with the more rhythmic cuts and gradually flows into the introspective, meditative pieces. On "Yoga Mela: An Eastern Vibrational Experience" we find a more rhythmic and chilled approach, and the artists included make up an equally impressive lineup: Suvarna, Deva Premal, Cheb I Sabbah, Manish Vyas, Aziza A, Karmix, Prem Joshua, Ikarus, Toires, etc.
CD $15.98

DEBORAH MARTIN & CHERYL GALLAGHER Tibet Tibet is a full collaboration between Deborah Martin and Cheryl Gallagher, which grew from their travels to Tibet, where they gathered location recordings of sherpas and Tibetan monks and nuns along the way through Tibet and Nepal. In addition to their own inspiration, this helped to weave their seamless fabric of sounds into an awesome journey that invites the listener to travel alongside. Deep atmospheric passages yield to bright rhythmic sections that soar like the highest peaks. The words and chants, street sounds and environs are so engrained in the music they are often barely noticeable. It is the soaring keyboards, which swell and build that carry the movement from stillness to multi-dimensional experiences. Cheryl plays electric harp, various ethnic hand percussion, electronics and samples, while Deborah plays Tibetan bells, bowls, cymbals, drums, Taos drums, electronics and ceremonial conch shell. Other Spotted Peccary artists also contribute, such as Mark Rownd, Mark Hunton and David Helpling, as well as Givens with ambient guitar textures and selective electronics on two tracks which are especially compelling. Greg Klamts incredible artwork and Howard Givens production expertise tops it all off.Alongside the recent Wachumas Wave (Metcalf, Roach and Seelig), this recording is quickly emerging as an essential CD for listeners with a wide variety of tastes and preferences. Tibet is a CD that delivers much more than something for everyone; its full-tilt potent and disarming, reaching a depth that brings the diversity of the worlds peoples closer to home.
Also available: Convergence (w/Klamt/Rownd); Deep Roots, Hidden Waters; Ancient Power (w/Steve Gordon); Under the Moon CD $14.98

More Featured & Favorite Titles -- 2004

CONSTANCE DEMBY Spirit Trance Symphonic, hypnotic, ambient, a familiar sacred space ...from the heartrending tones of Legend, through time and space, earth and cosmos, into deep-toned heartbeats and spiritual trance states. This CD is masterfully blended and encoded with the depths of soul we have come to expect from Constance Demby. And it is more than a pleasant surprise; it exceeds our extremely high expectations once again! Demby has returned to the forefront of visionary New Age recordings with Spirit Trance. Drawn from a variety of sources, including her acclaimed motion picture soundtracks, Spirit Trance has its roots & creative core in nearly every aspect of her vast, groundbreaking career. Arranged and blended to weave a seamless starry fabric, we are transported into deeply beautiful places within and beyond the self. Highly recommended. New music from Constance Demby always comes as treasures to uncover and hold in close reverence.
Also available: Sanctum Sanctuorum; Faces of the Christ; terna; Novus Magnificat; Sacred Space Music; Sunborne; Skies Above Skies + others CD $15.98

VARIOUS Sacred World Chants This collection gathers chants from the worlds major spiritual paths in a cultural musical journey. Exotic instrumentation and contemporary arrangements breathe new life into these ancient songs. Featured artists include Deva Premal, Sophia, Lydia McCauley, Manish Vyas, Dean Evenson, Gina Sal, Snatam Kaur, Rita Glassman and many more. The various tracks cover a broad & diverse range of spiritual backgrounds: Yoruba, Sikh / Hindu, Zulu, Buddhist, Hebrew, Native American, Christian, and Universal. This CD is a follow-up to the successful CD of a few years ago, Prayer: A Multicultural Journey of Spirit, with Jai Uttal, Singh Kaur, Dean Evenson, The Dalai Lama & many more.
Also available: Prayer: A Multicultural Journey of Spirit CD $15.98

M PATH Journey to the Heart The third CD by M Path was conceived both as a soundtrack for the new Yoga Journal videotape/DVD collection (Yoga Step-by-Step) as well as a musical journey that can transform and enlighten on its won. The music of M Path (led by Gardner Cole) joins traditional instruments, vocals and electronic textures to create a modern and ancient alchemy of sound. The CD is arranged in a particular rhythmic sequence, similar to the way a typical yoga practice might flow. Theres a slow easing in, followed by a gradual buildup in pace, and concluding with a quiet restful, Savasana-like ending. Included is a new track from celebrated Bhakti yoga master Krishna Das called Mantrika. Top notch musicians join Cole, such as Benjy Wertheimer (Esraj, tablas, frame drum +), Stephen James (Sarod), Eric Zang (Oud, ney, percussion), Gerri Sutyak (cello), Max and Monty Perrault (flute, ney, guitars), and Sheetal Bhagat on vocals. The results are a warm and inspired blending of Eastern melodies, Western chords, Indian vocals and instruments with western rhythms and accompaniment. Whether you practice yoga or not, this CD offers a rich tapestry of music that ebbs and flows and moves along like a river that spreads itself strong between the far banks.
Also available: The Path; Meeting Rivers CD $15.98

WAH! Jai Jai Jai Western musical styles and Eastern spirituality come together seamlessly on Wahs Jai Jai Jai, an intoxicating album of chants themed after love, wisdom and praise. The serene sounds of light harmonium, pennywhistle, violin, percussion and guitar comprise the flowing backdrops on which Wah!s call-and-response style Sanskrit mantras float airily, like whispers on the wind. Shree Krishna, which slowly builds in intensity as the song progresses, is a great example of joyous, uplifting chanting that has universal appeal. Another highlight is Om Mani Padme Hum - a beautiful song whose use of whistle, guitar and Wah!s ethereal vocals almost make it sound Celtic. This is a great addition to Wah!s collection of albums of devotional chant. Her soulful sound now may be heard on six different CDs.
Also: Lohaka (2 long chants); Opium (English vocals, contemporary songs); Savasana; Hidden in the Name (2-CD $21.98); CD Krishna (her first!) CD $15.98

AMORAEA DREAMSEED Future Memories Fans of Inlakesh, Stephen Kent, David Hudson - take note! There is a new kid on the didgeridoo block, and the groove is in the house! Deep, trance-like and meditative, this new CD begins with breathing chords that sound like the opening to Jennifer Berezans awesome Returning album. It immediately attracts your attention and draws you in. Slow patient chords widen and expand, and the drone of the instrument takes on a colorful spectrum of sound. Its a harmonic temple of journey-like mystical states. Besides the everpresent didg, there are synthesizers, flutes, crystal singing bowls, various drums and nature sounds, blended in a deep harmonic attunement. Amoraea Dreamseed is well versed in using his instrument in healing, shamanic settings that bring participants into deep entrancing states. This CD allows you to find this sacred presence in your home. Three other musicians also participate, with Dreamseeds didg deep in the core of the sound. This CD is a great new find Listen with your whole body!
Also available: Didgeridoo Dreamtime (w/River Freedom)

JAYA LAKSHMI Jewel Of Hari Jewel Of Hari, Jaya Lakshmis second solo outing for Sequoia, builds upon the foundation she laid with Ocean Of Mercy. Produced by Steve Gordon, the arrangements are lush & exotic, filled with warm guitar strumming, Indian instruments like the sarod and tabla, harmonium, moving beats and plenty of mystical flourishes that give the music a sense of ethereal bliss. Lakshmis sublime vocals weave through each of the ecstatic backdrops, as she sings a variety of English & Sanskrit-based chants, some traditional and others of her own creation. This album really shows Lakshmis growth as an artist since her appearance with the group Lost at Last, and helps to establish her as a rising star in todays chant music scene. The music is very vibrant and her singing truly enchants, especially on the uplifting title track.
Also available: Ocean Of Mercy CD $15.98

ANDREA BAUER Cello Songs for Silence After establishing herself as a principal cellist with symphonies in the US, Berlin, Andrea Bauer found that her leanings toward jazz, ambient & oriental music deserved equal time. She played with the Ray Brown Trio, Natalie Cole (she played the cello solos on her Unforgettable world tour ) & many others. But it was a trip to California where Andrea found her own music coming to her and she recorded Cello Songs for Silence as a result. The sounds of the cello always seem to evoke yearning and poignancy, & that is certainly the case here, but the sound that she pleads, coaxes and draws from her instrument go way beyond these feelings, into a place of devotion, silence, stillness & reaching for the heavens. Its a privilege to offer this CD, Cello Songs for Silence.
CD $14.98

VARIOUS Celtic Twilight 6 In their latestaddition to the Celtic Twilight series, the Hearts of Space label have chosen a collection of emotional songs which seem to capturre music at the crossroads of the new millenium. Featured are some of the best musicians in the genre, as it continues the tradition of providing many individual musical paths, guiding the listener to a peaceful place only found in Celtic music. Youll hear Fiona Joyce, The Black Family, Joanie Madden, Karen Mathieson (of Capercaillie), Anuna, Bill Douglas and Alisdair Fraser, and they result is an inspirational homecoming for lovers of Celtic and irish music. Like the five previous titles in the series, Celtic Twilight 6 rises to the occasion, with a full program of delights from a magical land.
Also : Celtic Twilight 5, Celtic Twilight 4, Vol. 3, Vol. 2, Vol. 1 CD $15.98

JOHN HULING Ancestral Waters In a marvelous return to recording after several years, John Huling delivers what is very possibly his best CD ever. . Hulings expertise in crafting soundscapes that mirror the majesty of the Native southwest is taken to new levels with Ancestral Waters. He has been hanging out with Will Ackerman, and it has really rubbed off, as the sublime guitar playing that accompanies the Native American flutes, keyboards and gentle nature sounds is very reminiscent of the Windham master himself. This is a wondrous CD that melodically portrays these ancestral visions, calm & peaceful, and is one of the best instrumental releases of the year to date, worthy of repeated listening and continual discovery. For starters, the artist trades the stark loneliness of mesas & plateaus for more ecologically rich vistas like meadows, grasslands and riverbeds. In contrast to many of Hulings prior releases, Ancestral Waters puts a stronger emphasis on acoustic instrumentation. Synthesizers are present, but are relinquished to an almost unnoticeable role in the backdrop. Besides Hulings melancholy flute tones, these sonic panoramas gravitate around guitar strumming, piano and nature sounds. With its strong organic hues & serene melodies, the music of this album will bring listeners peace while setting their imaginations to flight.
Also: Under Desert Skies (New); Mesa Sunrise; The Land of Dreams; Ancient Canyons; Canyom Spirit; Spiritlands; Desert Plateaus + CD $14.98

Featured & Favorite Titles -- 2004

VARIOUS Asana 3 Brand new for Summer 2003 is the third and best collection yet from Bill Laswells Meta label. Designed as a yoga soundtrack, it is all that and much more. A collection of mantras were recorded in Southern India and given to various musicians to create a musical journey that started centuries ago. With Laswell and his deep yet lyrical bass high in the mix on most tracks, you get the sense he is most at home in this musical setting, profound and nuanced, esoteric yet fully accessible. Other tracks feature Karsh Kale, Robert Musso, Grandmixer DXT, Sri K. Pttabhi Jois, Asha Puthli, Pharoah Sanders, Laraaji and Nicky Skopelit1s, many of whom are long-time Laswell cohorts. An amazing flow, with enveloping sounds, deep grooves, echoey vocals and heady music abounds on Asana 3. Yoga soundtrack or not, this is some of the best Indi-pop world music yet recorded, with plenty of spatial effects and spirit, enticing, masterful and otherworldly throughout.
Also available: Asana 2; Asana CD $15.98

MANISH VYAS Sattva: The Essence of Being This CD provides an enticing balance of chant, world music, and soothing trance sounds. Subtly hypnotic, the flowing rhythms of this music are perfectly placed to draw the listener in further with each ensuing track. Fans of the chant genre will find this CD on the top of their stack of favorites for months, and those who love Deva Premal will surely enjoy this ambitious musical outing. With years of experience as sideman with Prem Joshua and others, Manish offers Sattva, his first solo venture; yet it is far from a solo outing. He is joined by long-time friends and collaborators Raj Rishi (drums, percussion, keyboards, bass), Prem Joshua (sitar, bamboo flute, dilruba), Tanmayo (vocals, violin) and Shruti (vocals), as well as several others adding flutes, frame drum, bass, strings, etc. Manish sings and plays santoor, tablas and keyboards. The songs and chants, which blend seamlessly with the evocative instrumental passages, vibrate with silence, prayer and spirit, and come directly from the heart of the musicians to the heart of the audience. While this may be officially his first solo recording, he is no stranger to the recording studio. Just in the past year he has been co-creator of the Healing Ragas CD by Mandala, as well as the Sufi Splendor release. Surprisingly, his soulful voice carries many of the pieces here, placed in effortlessly rich compositional settings based on ancient mantras. Hours of pleasurable listening will be yours with this journey along the path to Sattva the state of balance and harmony, the essence of being, the space between worlds. That is where the beautiful treasure of this exquisite music is found, in abundant portions of grace, expressions of love, illumination and purity.
CD $15.98

KIRBY SHELSTAD Mother of the Buddhas Mother of the Buddhas is the new CD from world music innovator Kirby Shelstad, and serves as the followup to one of our all-time favorites, Dewachen/ Land of Bliss. In this epic new work, Kirby presents a musical offering of ancient Tibetan and Sanskrit texts in a rich and elaborate setting full of devotion, spirit and energy. In the Tibetan schools of Buddhism, the noble lady Tara is known as the Mother of the Buddhas compassion while the Prajnaparamita is known as the Mother of the Buddhas wisdom. It includes The 21 Praises to Tara and The Heart Sutra. These long journey-like tracks mix elaborate multi-tracked chanting with deep earthy grooves for a result that is perfect for yoga, massage and relaxation. Kirby provides the vocal layering, and plays Lap Steel Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Tabla, Talking Drum, Tar, Drumset, Synthesizers, Piano, Bass, Electric Mbira, cymbals, gongs, shakers, bells, gobichand, zither, finger cymbals, tanpura & tambourines. Sam Bacco adds gongs, cymbals & concert bass drum, while Larry Chaney plays space guitar and acoustic guitar. The four long tracks are given plenty of time and space to develop, and the final two tracks again feature the backing vocals of Beth Nielsen Chapman who also sang on Dewachen/Land of Bliss. Kirbys music has been used by some of the top yoga teachers in the country for their videos and CDs, such as Brian Kests Power Yoga series, Erich Schiffmans yoga videos and Cyndi Lees Om Yoga in a box. Of all the texts on Tara, the 21 Praises is the most famous, and of all the texts in Mahayana Buddhism, the Prajnaparamita is the supreme guide. Mother of the Buddhas was composed and created with devout intention & the listeners journey in mind. May it be of great benefit.
Also available: Dewachen/ Land of Bliss CD $14.98

GREG ELLIS Kala Rupa The long awaited solo CD by Vas percussionist Greg Ellis is, not surprisingly, a uniquely creative venture into the exotic worlds of rhythmic, sensual music. Kala Rupa means time form, and applies here in the manner by which the songs were constructed. This music was composed entirely around the rhythms rather than the melody, so that the tonal and emotional center of the music was established by the percussion and the rhythms. At that point, various friends all gifted musicians were invited in to further reveal and enhance the natural form of the music. The resulting ten pieces collectively form a strong, evocative world music CD. Each track engages the rhythm tracks with lead instruments, or, on two tracks, the voice of Vas Azam Ali. Other players include Domonic Dean Breaux on bansuri, Dan Morris on jews harp, kanjira, water glass, tavil and more, Ardeshir Kamkar on kamancheh, and Cameron Stone on cello, among others. Magnificent, subtle, lively & all inspired.
Also available by VAS: Feast of Silence; In the Garden of Souls; Offering; Sunyata; Also available by AZAM ALI: Portals of Grace -- see NIYAZ on p.2 CD $15.98

DONNA DE LORY "The Lover & The Beloved The chant world is about to take another leap into full accessibility with the pioneering and thoroughly earthshaking production of Donna DeLory's new CD, "The Lover and the Beloved." Even though the six tracks are comprised of the most well-known chants out there, they have never been sung quite like this. Om Nama Shivayah becomes a hymn to the healing of surrender. Hare Krishna expresses the power of love that rises above all else. Govinda Jaya Jaya is a joyful chant of pure ecstasy. And, the centerpeice for me, He Ma Durga offers a respite that has no boundaries whatsoever. There is an enveloping innocence, like the safe feel of a child's blanket, or the warmth of the sun when the wind has subsided. The gentle caress of Donna's voice, sometimes wispy, sometimes soulful, and always with the passion of a deep spirituality, draws the listener all he way in to a temple-like realm, filled with atmospheres and carefully-conceived rhythms and beats that helps one lose all bearings as the fall, weightless, into a sacred space that is by all accounts previously uncharted. By intertwining passages in English with the Sanskrit mantras, a transcendent, all encompassing effect is realized, and the meditative and hypnotic power is undeniable. Donna has one of those rare voices that is equally at home in pop motifs (like "Bliss"), songs of yearning and deep feelings ("In the Glow") and certainly the world of chants and mantras, all with an effortless artistry that rises above & beyond to help the listener find themselves swept away on a magic carpet of devotion and freedom. This is her most fluid & personal CD, and stands alongside "In the Glow" on the very top tier of vocal/chant recordings. Even if this genre is as yet untapped in your library, the musical production alone will reach you in places that are powerfully transformative, engaging & simply meaningful. Accompanying artists are long-time collaborators Dave Stringer (vocals), Quinn (drums), Cameron Stone (cello), Girish Gambhira (tablas), & Dave Dale (co-production w/Donna). This is the real thing, an experience of listening that is magical from the inside out, sure to be a close companion for a long time to come.
Also available: The Lover & the Beloved Remix CD; In the Glow; Bliss CD $15.98

RANGA Radiant Awakening East Indian instrumentation blended together with keyboards, violin and vocal chant is offered in this blissful new release by Ranga. Ted deJongs masterful use of the sitar, tablas, large-frame drum, kanjita and other traditional Indian instruments creates marvelous musical soundscapes that are distinctly Eastern in their approach, but fully expand to embrace Western Native cultures as well. De Jong was a key player onthe El Hadra CD, an underground sensation that has a wide following. New age, World, ambient and trance-dance elements are interwoven into deeply moving, sonic expressions of spiritual joy and oneness that lift the spirit to its own Radiant Awakening. Here, the listener can meditate on the deeper meaning of the title-producing Zen poem: Into the radiant awakening you are born for the first time. Perfect for yoga, visualization and trance-dance and also recommended to all lovers of Indian/ Ambient/New Age music.
Also available: WIESE/TED DE JONG/GRASSOW: El Hadra CD $15.98

SNATAM KAUR KHALSA Prem This beautiful chant/vocal discovery is a treasure. Prem means the experience of profound love, and with these chants, Snatam beautifully expresses this love. Her vocals are pure & sweet, sung in a voice both familiar and enveloping. The chants are from The Sacred Writing of the Sikhs, and will soothe your soul. This CD is like a close friend that can be called upon for support, nurturing, inspiration and clarity. Deep surrender and profound peace are the feelings that permeate this serene music. Deva Premal fans, take note!
Also: Grace (New!); Shanti (Beautiful New chant CD); To Heaven & Beyond (Snatam Kaur Khalsa w/The Peace Family) CD $15.98 BACKROADS 401-A Tamal Pl Corte Madera, CA 94925

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More Featured Titles -- 2004

JAI UTTAL/ BEN LEINBACH Music For Yoga & Other Joys After recording a powerful yet accessible double CD of pure Kirtan singing, Jai and his musical cohorts have come up with another total winner, Music For Yoga & Other Joys. Jai Uttal and drummer/ songwriter/mixmaster Ben Leinbach pair up for what is Uttals first album dedicated towards the practice of yoga. The sonic environment is Asiantinged featuring instruments like the dotar and slide tambora (which are played in such a way that they resemble Western guitars/string instruments) along with percussion and bamboo flute playing. The albums central attraction is the golden-toned singing of Uttal, whose recognizable voice is filled with rapturous energy and a most joyful spirit.
Also by JAI: Kirtan: The Art & Practice of Ecstatic Chant (2-CD $24.98); Mondo Rama; Beggars & Saints; Shiva Station; Monkey; Footprints + CD $15.98

THOMAS BARQUEE The Sound of Om Thomas Barquee continues his exploration of Sanskrit chant in a mystical pop setting with The Sound of Om. One thing that sets this album apart from other recordings is that Barquee actually traveled to Calcutta to obtain the Indian music samples he uses on the album. He then mixed the sounds with Western-based instrumentation like keyboards, guitars and percussion to create a contemporary soundscape that blends the two cultures into one beautifully accessible and moving hybrid. The music is somewhat upbeat & positive, yet also pensive & reflective, showing Barquees deep reverence for the sacred chants at hand. This CD is better than I could ever describe!
Also available: Missa; Temple CD $15.98

CRAIG PRUESS / ANANDA 108 Sacred Names of Mother Divine, The - Sacred Chants of Devi This haunting, mystical album of chant is themed after the goddess Devi - the Divine Mother of Hindu mythology. Recognized for her qualities of unconditional guidance, love and protection, those chanting in the name of the Divine Mother find themselves awakened to compassion and opened to her healing power. This album features the ethereal chanting of German singer Ananda, whose breathy vocals resonate through these invocations and prayers, as well as the instrumentation and production skills of Craig Pruess. The highlight of the album is the 40-minute Lalitha Ashotram, a chant based on the sacred Sanskrit text of the 108 names of the Mother Divine, found in all the worlds traditions. Just listening to these sacred verses can awaken patience, love and compassion, and create a tranquil atmosphere suitable for meditation, yoga and relaxation. Recorded under the guidance of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation.
Also available: Sacred Chants of Buddha; Sacred Chants of Shiva CD $16.98

BYRON METCALF / MARK SEELIG / STEVE ROACH Wachumas Wave This ground-breaking CD is a true journey through sound worlds, and shows Byron Metcalf s amazing musical evolvement, even since Serpents Lair, which he also recorded with Roach. His percussion & hybrid grooves set the stage for this voyage of soulful remembrance. Byron plays frame drums, large bass drums, clay pots and other unique creations. Joining him are Germanys Mark Seelig, playing bansuri flutes, harmonic overtone singing, and sacred chants, and dreamtime maestro Steve Roach. Steve adds his own subterranean mixes, didg, harmonic dronezones and timewave atmospheres. Byron recorded and mixed everything (other than Steves synth tracks) in his studio, and Roger King did the mastering. From pulsing and intense beats to deep drift spaces, this high-quality CD is going to rank as an essential disc for years to come. It is a portal of travel, a soul retrieval, and a ritual of deep time dreaming.
Also available by METCALF: Not Without Risk; Helpers, Guides & Allies CD $14.98

SHANTALA The Love Window Beautiful, sacred chanting is the heart thats exposed by The Love Window from Shantala (a.k.a. Benjy & Heather Wertheimer). These call and response style mantras are chanted against a backdrop of Indian drone instruments, tablas, guitar and the esraj (Benjys specialty). The mantras themselves are chants of protection, love and praise for the divine, encouraging one to push their cares aside and let the whirl of ecstatic singing become their driving force. Guest artists include flutist Steven Gorn, Ty Burhoe and Michael Mandrell. A welcome addition to our growing section of wonderful chant titles.
Also available by SHANTALA: Church of Sky; Also by BENJY WERTHEIMER: Circle of Fire; Soul of the Esraj CD $15.98

LISBETH SCOTT Fair Skye Lisbeth has quickly become one of the favorite vocalists here at Backroads, Her solo release Dove and her work with State of Grace and the Paul Schwartz Project are sensational in all respects. Now, a different style of beauty arrives from this extraordinary singer. Fair Skye is a journey into calm and a more balanced space. It features singing in Armenian, the language of her ancestors, over a beautiful tapestry of harp, cello, flute, piano, guitar and harmonium. Nathan Barr graces the CD with his beautiful cello playing. Its a gorgeous musical escape, and one of the dreamiest, most loving pieces of music I have heard in quite some time. Play this for your Yoga class and watch everyone melt!
Also available: Dove; Climb; Sirens CD $15.98 CD $13.98

JAIRAMJI Kindred Spirits The Dakini label seems to have formed this global triangle of unsurpassed excellence, along with Frances Ultimae label and Canadas Interchill. Their brand of chillout exotica cant be beat, and they have not missed yet on any of their releases, packaging, sound & innovation included. The works of Makyo, Toires, Ishq & collections such as Sky Dancing, The Fahrenheit Project, Floatation; Earth Octave Lounge, etc. are in their own league in many respects. Now comes Jairamji, the work of one Charlie Roscoe, who provides sampling, synths, guitars, dulcimer, mbira, piano and percussion. Amazing how it fits into the sound that Makyo, Toires and others have already established, but I guess that is why its on Dakini. Rather organic in its approach to rhythm, of which there is lots, and tribal with its use of overlays and processed sounds, this is a totally unique CD, as to be expected. But there is also a lighter, exotic touch through the use of Native flutes (on three selections), cello and violin, & some farout vocals (on 2 tracks, by Susanna Waters).
CD $17.98

GABRIELLE ROTH & THE MIRRORS Music for Slow Flow Yoga, Vol. 2 You might not think of Gabrielle Roths percussion-based music & Five Rhythms movement work as the right setting for Yoga. But, as shown on vol. one, this collection of smoothly rolling rhythms & specially sequenced tracks offers music for many yogic practices. The tracks are taken from a number of Roths many CDs, such as Trance, Luna, Tribe (5 tracks), Ritual (4 cuts), & Bardo. These CDs were released between 1990 & 2002, showing the time-tested staying power of her musical body of work. Stretch, expand & get centered with this 60+ min. program, whether for yoga, movement, or spirited listening.
Also: Music for Slow Flow Yoga; Bardo; Refuge; Tribe; Trance; Ritual; Bones; + others CD $15.98

More Voices, Chants, Songwriters and Vocal Highlights:

ANNAPURNA Beyond the Beyond (w/Shafqat Ali Khan) CD $16.98 BLISS Bliss; A Hundred Thousand Angels; Thru These Eyes CD $15.98 KRISHNA DAS Door of Faith; Breath of the Heart + CD $16.98 LISA GERRARD Immortal Memory; Whale Rider (soundtrack) CD $17.98 SINGH KAUR Songs of the Lords Love; FAiry Night Songs CD $15.98 STEVE MCDONALD Legend CD $15.98 DEVA PREMAL Embrace; Love is Space; Essence CD $14.98 RASA Shelter; Union; Devotion CD $15.98 LAYNE REDMOND Invoking the Muse; Chanting the Chacras CD $15.98 SOPHIA Chacra Healing Chants; Return CD $15.98 STATE OF GRACE II: Turning to Peace (w/Lisbeth Scott) CD $16.98

DEUTER Earth Blue This very special CD by Deuter is made up of all new compositions yet sounds like the absolute best of his many-hued styles. This has been a long time in the planning. The unique relaxing qualities of Deuters music envelop the listener with comfort & peace, inspired and magnificent. Clearly one of the finest efforts of this artists splendid 20+ year career of recorded excellence.
Also: Sea and Silence; Buddha Nature; Nada Himalaya; Sun Spirit; more CD $15.98

More Flowing, gentle music with World Music elements:

ANUGAMA Shamanic Dream 2; The Lightness of Being+ CD $15.98 CHINMAYA DUNSTER Karma Circles; Yoga on Sacred Ground; Sacred Temples of India; Feng Shui: Eightfold Path; Celtic Ragas CD $14.98 SHASTRO Earth Sutras; Shamans Healing; Oasis Night; Tantric Heart; Reiki Offering; Shanay: Mystic Dance; Shambhala CD $14.98

2004

CHILL-out titles & FEATURED RELEASEs

CATALOG: PREVIEWS & HIGHLIGHTS -- 2004

SCHILLER Voyage With Voyage, Schiller combines the appealing styles of Chicane, Banco de Gaia, & German trance with the down tempo tenor of the best chillout sounds. The music is largely painted with rich hypercolor, lots of fertile blues and jades, but stacked with vocalists who, like Kim Sanders in the pop-leaning"Dancing With Loneliness," balance out the plush ideals of the band's upbeat energies. When the instrumentals take precedence, Schiller reasserts itself as an up and coming electronic act. "Solitude," and in fact much of the album, mines the territory of Enigma's Gregorian leanings but with island feelings and exotic magic.
CD $17.98

SHULMAN In Search Of A Meaningful Moment Fans of Makyo, Ooze, Blackfish, Shpongle, LeMar and the Saafi Bros should take note of this artist. Once known as Mental Orange, and a former trance artist, Shulman, who lives in Israel, entrenched long hours in his studio aiming to create a completely different kind of concept of production crossing over the borders of trance entering the ambient side of electronic music, with a strong presence of ethnic elements. His second album is Israels best answer to todays chill out scene of which he is now one of the emerging champions. I would venture to call this Exotichedelia! What sets the CD apart are the preponderance of space elements and alien images, right down to spoken passages and suggestions of other living creatures predominant in our midst. Dub elements, and atmospheric washes color the upper layers of the multi-textured pieces, with heady beats and tribal rhythms galore. Soundscapes And Modern Tales, Shulmans debut, was outstanding in its own right, opening new vistas of electronic brilliance. But on this new CD, new dimensions of daydreaming are created, connecting the mystical east with the modern future through hypnotic & compelling beats, beautiful harmonies, heady vocal samples & sonic structures.
Also available: Soundscapes and Modern Tales CD $15.98

VARIOUS ARTISTS Fahrenheit Project 4 The 4th in this series from Frances premier Ultimae label could be the best yet, which is saying a lot! All new tracks are by Toires, Solar Fields, Ochi Bros, Aes Dana, Carbon Based Lifeforms, & new artists (to us) like Hol Baumann, Puff Dragon, Cell, Aural Planet & Vibrasphere. This CD is a thorough A+. How do they keep doing it?
Also available: Fahrenheit Project #3; #2; #1 -- also Fahrenheit Project #5 CD $17.98

VARIOUS ARTISTS Bellylicious Bellylicious If that title doesnt pique your interest, I dont know what will! This collection of up tempo dance tunes, with influences ranging from Persian to Indian, offers a great selection of energetic music for the listener who likes their Middle Eastern music with a little octane. Included are The R.E.G. Project, Oojami, Shabaz, Saed Mrad, Thievery Corp., Harem, Dhol Foundation, etc. Galloping beats & swirling violins adorn each track alongside a plethora of other tripped-out indigenous textures. This is hands down one of the most fun bellydance discs to be released in quite some time, & it does not sacrifice traditional elements for modern gloss. If you are craving more romanticized, sensual electronic dance tunes or something fresh to spice up your bellydance/ workout regime, Bellyliciousis a must have.
CD $15.98

VARIOUS ARTISTS 13th Moon The latest from Canadas Interchill is full of great beats and many lesser-known groups that make an immediate impact: Aba Structure, Taruna, Human Blue, Umberloid, Bluetech, Mystical Sun, Kaya Project, Irina Mikhailova, Kiwa, De-Fex. Plays as a full dance/rave program, starting slower, building up to mid-CD peaks, & then slowing back down for a blissful finish.
Also on Interchill: Earth Octave Lounge; Interior Horizons; Northern Circuits CD $16.98

PETER BUFFETT Ojibwe This recent original soundtrack by Peter Buffett is the best CD since Sacred Spirits as far as Native-inspired rhythmic music. It features singing and instrumental performances from some of the finest Ojibwe musical artists, as well as carefully woven spoken word from a host of respected elders and leaders, all inter=mixed with Bufffetts contemporary rhythmic score. This CD even goes beyond Buffetts successful production Spirit as far as inspiration, authenticity and balanced intensity. The combination of ancient tradition, reverent and true, with modern sounds that incorporate the true spirit of the people, makes for a rare treat.
CD $15.98

ADRIAN SHERWOOD NTAH (Never Trust a Hippy) In spite of the strange title & the odd frog on the cover, this is totally killer dub/ambient chill out music. The name Adrian Sherwood may elude you, but its quite possible you have heard one of his productions at some point. Sherwood is the man behind On-U Sound, leading dub purveyors for decades in a variety of esoteric dub (ad)ventures & inter-genre mixing throughout the 70s and 80s, and the main man behind Little Axe. Its his work with artists like The Cure, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails and Sinead OConnor thats likely more recognizable; hes helped define dance music for the 90s. Never Trust A Hippy, his first solo release, gives listeners the chance to spend an hour or so in his funky dub universe, where samples are plentiful, breaks are meaningful & everything is experimental. Along for the rootsy ride are many of his regular band-mates, Skip McDonald, Keith LeBlanc, & special guests Robbie Shakespeare, Sly Dunbar, Temple of Sound & Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali. Between this CD and the Interchill collection Talisman we have a crucial dub contest of roots-mon proportions a-brewing!
CD $15.98

B-TRIBE 5 The Brave was seduced by the melodic power of the flamenco guitar after visiting the island of Ibiza in the early 90s. That fascination led to four unique albums under the moniker B-Tribe. The Braves musical evolution continues on B-Tribe 5, a trippy, tropical and extremely soothing outing that continues along the mellow track forged with his last two releases. The Braves affinity for flowing atmospheres and slightly dark (or lonely) moods is apparent on each of the albums eleven tracks. Paco Fernandezs fluid flamenco guitar strumming provides the centerpiece around which the songs are shaped & the use of symphonic strings, Eric Plummetazs cello & the earthy vocals of African singer/model Luna Mohamed flesh out the soundscapes.
Also: Spiritual Spiritual; Sensual Sensual; Suave Suave; Fiesta Fatale CD $16.98

TJ REHMI Warm Chill On his second domestic CD, and his fifth overall, TJ Rehmis innovative mix of Brit Asian styles and chill out dub atmospheres makes for a truly winning combination. From his early days in Birmingham, England, Rehmi has been breaking down barriers between electronic break beats, what has become known as Asian underground sounds, and chill guitar, with ample helpings of drum and bass effects and exotic soundscapes. As a joint venture between Real World Works and the USA label Dharma Moon, this CD has a great sound, spinning rhythms within the many moods of Rehmis colorful musical palette. Dharma Moon had previously been focused on the Yoga market with its mellow mixes and bansuri flute recordings featuring Steve Gorn. This is a welcome turn into the chill out arena & should be met with enthusiastic response. Some tracks cook & simmer hot, while others stretch into jazzier motifs, often with a backbeat that reggae-fies the space. In any event, the music matches the title, a Warm Chill indeed.
Also available: Invisible Rain CD $15.98

AMANASKA Panorama This one features tribal/global/techno sounds with many distinct ethnic flavors. Its kind of reminiscent of a Six Degrees release, like from the Traveler series. Sanskrit chant samples from Nepal are included as well as electronic beats, trippy keyboard sounds and indigenous instrumentation from Asia and the Middle East. Fans of Waterbone, Global Spirit and the like will be very pleased to find Amanaska, and discover there is definitely more where those came from.
CD $15.98

ZERO ONE Psy-Fi The 3rd Zero One CD appears on the emerging Spiralight label, & sounds better than ever. These electro-scientific aural mind excursions tell wordless stories and draw the listener into an ever changing world of hypnotic beats and shifting rhythms, telling stories without any words. Robotic voices & quirky sci-fi samples are treated with liquid-cool layers of dubby, digital bleeps and shifting beats.. Intricate layers of sound and propulsive rhythms make a fantastic blend of dub, chill, and downtempo nuambient. The more we listen, the more we love it!
Also available: Prototype 2; Zero One CD $15.98

TUNNEL SINGER Sailing the Solar Wind Through four CDs, Lee Ellen Shoemaker aka The Tunnel Singer relied on her more than ample voice to carry the music, resonating, digging deep and lifting right out of the earth. Each offered a different theme, from the tunnels and caves where she originated her sound to the night skies where inspiration reached a new height. On Sailing the Solar Wind other elements are added, those being field recordings, percussion loops, and electronic processing through the rather extensive use of synthesizers. The CD begins a tranquil yet energizing journey with a cosmic glide on the solar wind. This is ethno-tribal ambient music that invites the listener to take the journey quite eagerly. Then a refreshing thundershower moves to the desert where a secluded bloom emerges fragrant in the night. Light percussion touches acccentuate the uncovering of beauty in seemingly desolate spaces, with tribal percussion and pulsating didgeridoo. The pace slows to explore the mystery of water flowing into sea caves, then lifts into an exploration of the color red. Finally, the journey reenters the earthly plane to dance with enlivened ravens. The music combines vocals, often unearthly, varied percussion, field recordings and electronic processing that is also out of this world at times. By far, this is the most ambitious recording yet from the imaginative Tunnel Singer, yet it still retains the magic & unique appeal of her earlier titles. Sail on!
Also available: Night Skies; Water Birth; Inner Runes CD $16.98

VOCALS & CHANTS

DONNA DELORY In the Glow This independently produced CD by Donna De Lory has totally captured my heart. Stirring chants, beautiful love songs, & an unbelievable version of Robbie Robertsons great song, Unbound are immediate highlights, along with In the Sun which will touch your soul deeply and open your heart. Superb musicianship is provided by Cameron Stone on cello, Mark Browne on bass, Quinn on drums & percussion, Girish on tabla, others on flutes & keyboards. Dave Stringer plays tamboura and Swaramaydala, and contributes his rocking version of Govinda Jaya Jaya. Donnas dreamy voice, an endearing mix of sensitivity & power, blesses every song, & they overflow with spirituality of the most universal, joyous and ecstatic nature.
CD $15.98

RASA Shelter Another superb chant CD by the duo of Kim Waters & Hans Christian, this time on New Earth. Delicate textures of crystalline voice, exotic eastern instruments, studio wizardry, and musical blends that are clearly the sign of a well-matched duo. Their sound is timeless and transformative, devotional and soothing, like a mystical prayer that taps into an ancient well of spiritual wisdom.Cello, sarangi, nyckelharpa, and sitatra combine in a fusion of Indian spiritual music & modern production at a high level.
Also available: Live; Union; Devotion CD $15.98

DONNA DELORY Bliss I dont know how we missed out on Donna DeLory these past couple years. She has toured with Madonna, sings with Dave Stringer, and is essential for fans of Tina Malia, Lisbeth Scott and Suzanne Sterling, just to name a few. It was her uniquely stirring version of Amazing Grace that first caught our attention, but she has really got it going here. Love songs, ballads and several energetic rock-based pieces make for a variety pack of styles, all very flowing and tied together by Donnas considerable presence. Released in 2001; the time is right to tune in to Bliss now!
CD $15.98

DAVE STRINGER Mala If youve been digging albums by Rasa, Thomas Barquee, or artists like Girish and Donna DeLory (or even Krishna Das for that matter), Dave Stringers chants will totally land on your shore. Hes another one of the East meets West type of chant masters; one who actually has a very strong following in the yoga community, derived from touring coast to coast year-round. Hes like the B.B. King of kirtan!. Mala is kind of in the same vein as Japa, featuring kirtan chanting against a backdrop of contemporary rhythms and ecstatic background singing. If you want to hear dynamic chanting at its most ecstatic, Dave Stringers Mala is the disc for you. Mala takes things further with more powerful singing and a stronger use of Eastern instrumentation. The albums opening track alone - a powerhouse rendition of the chant Govinda Jaya Jaya, will move you in more ways than one with the passionate singing of Stringer and crew backed by a symphony of Asian sounds and pop/rock elements. The album calms after that, but is no less intoxicating in its devotional beauty. Featuring special guests Donna DeLory, Lili Haydn, Girish and Domonic Dean Breaux, this is a must for anyone with a taste for contemporary chant music.
Also available: Japa; Brink CD $15.98

MITEN & DEVA PREMAL Songs for Inner Lovers With Miten in the forefront and Premal singing gorgeous harmonies, this is one beautiful, soothing and inspired CD. By my estimation, Miten is a Paul Simon caliber songwriter with an extensive catalog of releases that date back a dozen years or more; here he mixes songs, chants & personal themes that are not only universal but speak directly to right now, right here. This CD is worth the price of admission for the 1st song alone... So Much Magnificence but that is only the beginning of a beautiful journey through words, chant and music of the divine. The long keyboard intro on the opening track uncovers a soaring Hallelujah chant that frames the simple theme of near the ocean waves are coming in. Other highlights include Til I was Loved by You, Ishq Allah, and the forgiving Second Chance. Premals voice is more pure and beautiful than ever, while Miten clearly has developed these songs over a period of maturation that displays growth, settling and rediscovery. With musical help from Maneesh, Rupesh, Kamal, Praful and more, this is a timely, topical and truly magnificent CD of songs that will be treasured and played for years to come.
Also by DEVA PREMAL: Dakshina (New); Embrace; Love is Space; Essence; Satsang (live CD w/MITEN & PREMAL) CD $14.98

PATRICK BERNARD Supreme Moment: Celebrating 15 years of Devotional Ecstasy Like falling in love all over again, hearing the new collection from Patrick Bernard is a divine listening experience. Patrick personally selected the songs and the sequence for Supreme Moment, and it runs its course over his entire career. The theme is celebrating 15 years of devotional ecstasy! Patricks voice shines and soothes, deeply expressive and intimate. The music is equally angelic, while at times revealing his musical roots, intricate & unique guitar stylings, and the well of feelings & spiritual emotions he draws from. Rhythmic tracks, such as those from Shamanyka, are also included, as well as selections from his recent releases, like Love Divine, Atlantis Angelis Two, Sublime Relaxation. To top it all off, the format of the album will be quite special since it will be a CD-Altar, the first time this kind of format has been created.
Also available:Love Divine, Sublime Relaxation; Atlantis Angelis 2, Amor Immortalis; Solaris Universalis; Atlantis Angelis CD $14.98

MANIKO House of the Beloved This brilliant new vocal and chant CD was produced by Kit Walker, who also produced the latest release from Deva Premal. At first, the broad scope of styles was a lot to digest, but with repeated listenings, this CD has become a well-played favorite. Subtitled Ecstatic Grooves & Songs of Divine Conspiracy, the strength of Manikos CD is in her experience, her voicing of universal themes in personal ways, and the mix of tempos, feeling spaces, and the unbearable beauties of love, which is what this is really all about. Maniko has a great voice, strong yet soft, dynamic and restrained at the same time. On some songs her voice is like honey pouring from a spoon, while elsewhere it may be more forceful and fired up. She excels at the love song/ballad, such as And Now. And her chant pieces really move along with spirit and inspiration, esp. Ishq Allah. Guest appearances by Deva Premal, Hans Christian (of Rasa), Manose, and Miten add to the musicianship which matches the creative muse at a high level. Youre in for a wonderful variety of timeless mantras, heart-opening love songs, chill-out, ecstatic trance tracks for movement, lyrics that are pure poetry and a superb, grace-filled voice to tie it all together.
CD $15.98 Please see Heart of Innocence (on page one) - a perfect collection including the artists above, & others like BLISS, LISBTH SCOTT, POLLYANNA BUSH & others

CYNTHIA SNODGRASS Dream Chants East & West Cynthia Snodgrass is a teacher of ancient Sanskrit, author, musicologist and Episcopal priest. Over the course of her studies, Snodgrass developed an interest in how various religious cultures use music to develop a connection with their divine creator, an interest that later inspired the direction of her music and writing. Dream Chants East & West is a synthesis of music from two differing religious cultures: Gregorian Chant from the West and Sanskrit chants from the East. Against beautiful, meditative arrangements of sublime synthesizers composed by Jim Oliver, Snodgrass liltingly sings gorgeous chants of praise and wisdom that lift listeners up high, offering them a piece of heaven and the experience of illumination.
Also available: An Altar of Sound: Waters from the Sun, Waters from the Moon CD $15.98

ARIA - Aria 3: Metamorphosis Here is the latest offering from Paul Schwartz, the driving force behind classical meets electronica projects State of Grace, his own CDs, and, of course, Aria. Its been a few years since the last Aria album was released, but fear not - the formula remains intact. More classical tunes carefully tweaked for the new millennium, moody atmospheres and operatic vocals from Rebecca Luker await you on this new release. The sound quality that comes from this true studio ace enhances the lush, layered sounds of the soaring Aria CDs.
Also available: Aria 2: New Horizon; Aria CD $16.98

SPACE & AMBIENT

JONN SERRIE Stargazers Journey This excellent new CD is a return to true planetarium space music from for one of our most popular artists. With all new music, in Serries classic style, there is an abundance of deep space drift and the warmth that makes it work. Jonns cosmic musical poetry finds the commonality between music and astronomy, specifically tuned into the art and practice that marks the beginning of the stargazers journey, those lovers of the night sky whose day may beginning at the instant before the sun sets, when others find days end. With a written introduction by noted comet discoverer and Science editor David Levy. The six shimmering, scintillating tracks are cohesively held in a way that matches the great expanse of the conceptual theme.
Also: Epiphany (2005); Lumia Nights; Hidden Worlds; Ixlandia; Flightpath; And the Stars Go With You + CD $15.98

DIATONIS Ambient Life A new 3-CD Box from an artist who has been honing his craft for nearly twenty years. With the release of Ambient Life we offer a depth of ambient space music which is expansive, wellconstructed, and worthy of serious and deep listening. Benchmarks could be Parsons, Carty, Pearce, Roach et al, but this music is unique to the artist, & he spent the last 2 years of his life assembling it. Each of the 3discs could easily be its own fully entrancing presentation. Together, they offer a voluminous work of enticing listening, ideal for fans of traditional space music. I just keep listening as the discovery broadens. Diatonis now has 3 other CDs, too.
3-CD only $34.95 Also: Convolving Universe; Trajectories; Endless Knot; Landscape of a Dream (circa 1985) CD $14.98

STEVE ROACH Space and Time 20 tracks, 74 minutes, and one new piece make up this collection/introduction to the music of Steve Roach that spans 20 years of groundbreaking space/ambient music. Pulling pieces from 13 different albums and seamlessly melding them into a 74-minute whole, Space and Time makes either a perfect introduction, as the subtitle suggests, or a delicious retrospective for seasoned listeners. Drawing a continuous line through rhythmic tribal works such as Early Dawn from Early Man and The Calling from Trance Spirits to soft atmospheric swells such as Almost Touching from Streams & Currents and the closing track Nameless from 2003s Mystic Chords and Sacred Spaces, the CD is less of a listen than a journey & one that bears going on again and again. The real draw for the veteran is Fever Glimpse, a sneak preview of Fever Dream. By itself well worth the $5 sticker price, Glimpse pulls the drum-based intensity of Trance Spirits into the dark swirls of InnerZone. Well-sequenced, the flow makes up for the fact that many pieces are shortened from their original form. Check the price!
special price: CD $4.98

KIP MAZUY Nurturance. Kips new CD, like his label name (Bliss Music), is very blissful. Over the course of five releases, this artist, who resides in New Zealand, has created some of the deepest, most relaxing and wondrous healing music we know. This aptly-titled CD, Nurturance, is like a a scaled down version of the Ocean Euphoric Sound technology (his recent booklet/CD issue that is now out of print) but sells for half the price. The use of ethereal vocal tracks lends a deep dimension to Kips work
CD $19.98 Also: Sweet Nectar of Silence; Now is Forever; Beautiful Sound; Elements of Ecstasy CD $17.98

STEVE ROACH/VIDNA OBMANA Spirit Dome Recorded in one continuous 74-minute session, this is a dark sanctuary of pure texture with a beautiful dissonance, occasionally foreboding, pulled along with pulsing beats, subtle loops and dense soundworlds. The single piece, Spirit Dome, captures a chilling ambience that offers the exploration of remote psychological states of awareness. This is achieved through extensive live processing of instruments including fujara (overtone flute), guitar, and the seemingly bottomless wellspring of electro-acoustic sounds found in this duos soundscapes. Spirit Dome was created live on the spot in Philadelphia, while preparing for their performance at the 2002 Gathering / Projekt Festival. With only a brief window of time in which to work together before returning to their homes on opposite sides of the Atlantic, their reaction to the claustrophobic urban environment reveals a new dimension to their sound.
Also: Fever Dreams; Life Sequnces; Texture Maps+ CD $15.98 (request full STEVE ROACH listings...)

VARIOUS ARTISTS Evening Sky A new compilation of classic tracks and some new ones by Tim Clement, Mychael Danna, Stephen Bacchus, Stairway, and Obmana/Pearce. Aimed atr the practice of stargazing, this is wondrous ambient music that flows and deepens as it plays. There are previously never-on-CD tracks from A Gradual Awakening and remastered tracks from Danna & Clements Summerland and Another Sun, as well as neverbefore-released tracks from Clements Planetarium shows in the 90s.
CD $15.98

CLAIRE FITCH Ambiencellist This CD comes to us all the way from Dublin, Ireland, and it is a cello CD yet not a cello CD! While this most soulful of instruments is predominant throughout, this is seriously deep ambient music, with ample processing, effects, resonance and inviting spaces. Claire has been a member of the National Symphony of Ireland since 1995. Her own studio was set up a little over two years ago, and there began the journey towards this spatially-inspired CD. Full of layered textures and unusual sounds and timbres, the ten tracks flow together like watercolors, with equal emphasis on both the wave-like aquatic and bright pastel nature of the musical compositions. Introspective yet expansive, these pieces border on somber tones, and come across as abstract at times. What do you think a cello made in 1774 and software synthesizers made in 2002 would sound like together? Sound like an inspiring combination? Fitch thought so. She has blending the smooth haunting sounds of the cello with the organic electronic sounds of the software synthesizer. This music is lyrical, gentle and organic one moment, hauntingly ethereal & even eerie the next. Rhythmic undercurrents that wash through some of the tracks. We are pleased to present this title, which broadens our excellent cello dept, already highlighted by Andrea Bauer, David Darling, Jamie Sieber, Lisa Walker, & Martin Tillman. Need More Space? ALIO DIE Sol Niger; Khen Introduce Silence; Sunja (w/Zeit); The Sleep of Seeds (w/Saffron Wood) CD $17.98 ASHERA Enviro; We Gaia+ others CD $14.98 DARSHAN AMBIENT Zen Masters Diary CD $14.98 CONSTANCE DEMBY Spirit Trance +others CD $15.98
CD $15.98

LOREN NERELL Taksu Loren Nerells dark and humid soundscape releases on the Soleilmoon label date back to his 1996 release Lilin Dewa, as well as the more recent Indonesian Soundscapes. Taksu takes cues from both of these albums, blending environmental sounds recorded during his Indonesian travels, and Balinese instruments together into a glowing, amorphous cloud of spine-tingling sound. Two musicians come to mind when listening to Taksu: Jon Hassell, who popularized the term Fourth World music, and Brian Eno, the father of Ambient music. While sounding nothing like the work of either artist, Loren Nerells music takes inspiration from both of them. His music is evocative of mist-covered mountains and slowmotion waterfalls, so it owes something to Hassell. But it also pays tribute to the patient genius of Eno, with its endlessly evolving atmosphere, in which there is no beginning or end, only the present. The crowning touch on this project came from Steve Roach, a long-time friend of Lorens, who came in to provide the final spacial treatments and mastering of the CD. Putting this record on is like waking up at sunrise, deep in the tropical Balinese rainforest, surrounded on all sides by the sounds of the jungle.
Also: Lilin Dewa; Indonesian Soundscapes CD $16.98

MAITREYA Telluric Waves After a wait of around four years (which seemed to many like a decade!) the 2nd Maitreya CD has finally materialized. The first, From the Mothership, was an underground success, loved by those who owned it yet pretty much under the radar. With its space ambient sounds, intergalactic effects and rhythmic movement , it has very much withstood the test of time while creating an eagerness about the subsequent effort. The first thing you notice is a quality of hovering, of impending liftoff, and of the formation of alien soundscapes right before your ears. While the sense of deep space drift never really leaves your awareness, there are many other vistas opening and dissolving, both in an inner space sense as well as a vast outer space exploration. A calm patience is in perfect balance with the occasionally impending danger and uncertainty about the unknown void that is being entered. Does one savor the pull or resist the attraction. Do you long for the big wave or protect against the crushing force that looms everywhere. Is the experience of weightlessness pleasurable or disorientation at its deepest core? Are these distorted sounds or the purity of the universal one chord? These questions may actually be answered within the listeners who venture far enough to pose them. For those who simply want to present their ticket and come on board, their journey will be no less impactful. The adventure awaiting with Telluric Waves may well demonstrate that nothing is irreversible, and in beauty we trust, inviting a freefall that knows no direction, no sides, and ends far from where it begins.
Also available: .74 (New); From the Mothership CD $17.98

WORLD RHYTHMS, world flavors

SUZANNE TENG Miles Beyond Former Angels of Venice instrumentalist Suzanne Teng embarks on her second ethnic-flavored album of flute/wind music with Miles Beyond, a follow up to her imposing 1999 solo debut, Mystic Journey.. Now a group name, Mystic Journey involves the work of some versatile and amazing musicians, notably Suzannes partner, percussionist Gilbert Levy. Building off the ideas she put forth on her debut release, Miles Beyond covers a lot of ground culture-wise. Sierra, for example, has a contemporary Southwestern flair akin to a Nicholas Gunn tune. The two tunes that follow -- Sitara and Babylonians -- plunge the listener into the exoticism of the Middle East and India respectively through the use of bamboo flute, percussion indigenous to both cultures & sitar. African music influences Motherland and Tiens Lullaby displays the enchanting sonorities of the Far East. The melodies and rhythms spiral off each other in desert arabesques on this meticulously composed & arranged work with oud, sitar, string bass, keyboards and guitar fleshing out the sound in a music that uses traditional sounds for a new, pan-global music. Whether playing ocarina, Turkish ney, Indian bamboo flutes or the Balinese suling, Teng is a master of pulling melodies out of the air and bending them in sensual designs that reflect her dancers sensibilities. Fans of Greg Ellis excellent Kala Rupa will surely enjoy this CD.
Also available: Mystic Journey CD $15.98

VARIOUS Compilasian - The World of Indipop The Indipop being referenced in the title actually refers to the label Indipop which helped to expose Sheila Chandra in the early stages of her career. Indipop was one of the earliest contemporary world music labels. It fostered Monsoon (the group that predated Sheila Chandras prolific solo career). Additionally, its series of Compilasian albums in the early 1980s and '90s made available to a wider audience around the world the potential of Asian fusion. This is a rich & accessible collection that should not be missed.If you dig the exotic pop sound of Chandra, the other artists will be a delight to discover. They were way ahead of their time .
Also by SHEILA CHANDRA: ABoneCroneDrone; Zen Kiss; Moonsung; Indipop Retrospective + others CD $15.98

ANNAPURNA & SHAFQAT ALI KHAN Beyond the Beyond A new discovery from right here in the Bay area! This CD is filled with musicians from the Ali Khan Band (aka Shabazz), but it occupies a very different terrain. Dreamy and exotic, with voices that penetrate the soul, and music that will be embraced by the yoga and chant community world-wide. This is a true favorite right now, with long tracks that wind and travel, as well as short tracks that explore the divine, complete with Heart Beat Sutra and the words Gat, Gat on the beautiful track Sky Dancer. Featured are Richard Michos, Hans Christian (from Rasa), Steve Gorn, Paulo Baldi, & Riffat Salamat. More beautiful music is due soon from Annapurna & friends...
CD $15.98

RADHIKA MILLER Heaven Radhika took a seven-year break after recording nine albums over a 15 year period. When she returned, it was for this CD, inspired by the possibility of bringing the listener to that place after death or in life where one experiences true peace. As a tribute to her teacher Swami Satchidananda, who passed away in August of 2002, Radhika honored his request to make an album to help people become peaceful and relaxed. As usual, she gathers a wonderful, lineup to support her alto and C-flutes, recorder and glockenspiel. With David Darling (cello), Peter Rowan (mandolin), Tony DAnna (piano, marimba et al), & others on tamboura and acoustic guitar, the styles cover classically inspired tracks, Celtic traditional pieces, spirituals, with over half of the program original tunes written by Radhika.
Also available: Arabesque; Gems of Grace; Larks Bride; Sunlit Reverie; Within the Wind+ CD $15.98

JOANNE SHENANDOAH Covenant For over a decade, Joanne Shenandoah has been a driving force in Native American music, a voice that embodies the spirit of the Oneida people. With Covenant, Shenandoah embarks on her most ambitious and rewarding release to date. The most obvious difference between Covenant and her past releases is that this album has one foot in the beatinfused world of electronic music. Dont get the idea that this is simply Joanne Remixed however, asCovenant is a highly polished, multi-layered album that rivals her best. Complex rhythms underlie the organic beauty of Shenandoahs voice, while Native instrumentation and string arrangements are melded with precision to synthesized, keyboard effects-laden atmospheres. This is an unexpected turn for the singer, but an impressive one nonetheless.
Also available: Skywoman (New!); Peace & Power (The Best of); Peacemaker's Journey; Matriarch; Lifeblood + others CD $15.98

SAMITE Tunula Eno He may now live in New York, but listen to any one of Samites songs and you will hear the heart and soul of Uganda shining through the melodies. Tunula Eno is no exception, despite the fact that it was born out of sad circumstances - the album was composed during the last year of his wife Joans battle with cancer. Samite uses this as an opportunity to reflect on the joys of humanity & celebrate the preciousness of life. The CD features the colorful rhythms of the kalimba & percolating African percussion as well as light guitar and Samites cheerful flute playing/smooth vocals. The lyrics are very positive, telling stories of Ugandan life and his love and devotion to his late wife. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Musicians for World Harmony.
Also available: Kambu Angel; Stars to Share CD $15.98

GARIKAYI TIRIKOTI Maidei Tirikotis eight-mbira orchestra is a wonder to listen to with nothing but the characteristic metallic rods producing a wide range of frequencies, harmonies and kick-ass rhythms. Among the things that set Tirikoti apart from other mbira artists is the way he combines mbiras using different tunings to create a rich, almost orchestral sound. His use of many voices to create thick vocal textures is also distinctive. And to add another dimension, his voice is as powerful as the reverberation of the bass drum. While it is not likely that the listener will understand the lyrics that flow from the speakers, the language of polyrhythm and syncopation transcend any systematized lexicon. It is music that exudes a profound spirituality, a resistance to colonialisms lasting grip and a remembrance of ones ancestors, all set to a contagious and intricate rhythmic beat. And this is a oneman band the likes of which youve never heard!
CD $15.98

GARY MALKIN Unspeakable Grace - the music of Graceful Passages The stirring and heartfelt music of Unspeakable Grace is by Emmy award winning composer Gary Remal Malkin, and was produced by Malkin and Michael Stillwater. Many fine artists contribute to the music tracks, which underscore the narrative and spoken word portions of the Graceful Passages project. Here they appear as instrumental-only selections on this newly released disc. The music assuredly stands on its own, and I have listened to it extensively, particularly at the turning of the new year. I can only say that this is some of the most heartfelt, emotionally uplifting and truly beautiful music that I have ever heard. As an accompaniment for massage, healing, contemplation, or drifting off into peaceful sleep, there are few equals. Using ethnic instruments like Chinese erhu, Celtic flute, Native American cedar flute, Tibetan bells and gongs matches the messages well. And the vocals by Linda Tillery, Rhiannon, plus a singing monk, spoken prayer, heavenly voices or choral vocals that appear on their respective tracks are also mixed in perfectly. Besides these key elements, there is exquisite cello, oboe, violin, classical guitar, and the ever present piano & keyboards of Gary Remal Malkin. The inspired music opens hearts and serves as soundtracks to your soul, and, even standing alone without the words and messages of the full Graceful Passages package, this CD is unquestionably, a deep experience of essence, a remembering of our direct connection with all that is. If I could only take ten CDs to that mythical desert island, this would surely be one of them. More of the Worlds Music: ARKENSTONES African Skies; Echoes of Egypt CD $15.98 JESSE COOK Nomad CD $15.98 MERCAN DEDE Sufi Traveler (2-CDs) CD $17.98 CHOYING DROLMA / STEVE TIBBETS Selma; Cho CD $15.98 DJIVAN GASPARYAN I Will Not be Sad in this World (reissue) CD $16.98 PETER GABRIEL Long Walk Home (ST) CD $15.98 LISA GERRARD Whale Rider (soundtrack) CD $17.98 HAMSA LILA Gathering One CD $15.98 INCENDIO Incendio (New!) CD $15.98 STEPHEN KENT Oil & Water; Landing CD $15.98 JOHN MCDOWELL Speaking the Momma Tongue CD $15.98 LEVON MINASSIAN Duduk: Beyond Borders CD $19.98 ZAP MAMA Ancestry in Progress CD $17.98 VARIOUS Buddha Bar VI; Buddha Bar V; Buddha Bar IV 2-CD $29.98
CD $15.98

PAPE & CHEIKH Mariama When an African pop group cites Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens as being among their influences, you know youre in for something unique - and thats exactly what listeners get with Mariama from duo Pape and Cheikh. Featuring songs with great melodic hooks, rhythms that borrow from both American and Senegalese cultures and festive folk instrumentation comprised of acoustic guitar, drums and keyboards, Mariama is the kind of album that gets under your skin & makes you want to have a good time. Whether about politics, village life or folklore, each song captures the passion of Pape and Cheikhs expressive, salt-of-the-earth vocals and impresses with their synthesis of two vastly different styles of folk music.
CD $15.98

Essential Titles from Past Catalogs

SHAMANS DREAM Prana The third CD from Chuck Jonkey and Craig Kohland, aka Shamans Dream, veers somewhat from their previous two works. Prana is loaded with chant vocals, village voices, and a hypnotic, soothing edge that provides an ideal backdrop for Yoga or journey work. Its an allurinf journey into world fusion trance music, with hypnotic melodies and rhythmic grooves that feature master musicians, traditional chants and exotic environmental sounds from India, Bali, Java, Thaliand, Korea, India, Tibet, Costa Rica and the Peruvian Amazon. For Anugama or El Hadra fans...
Also available: Bindu; Breathing CD $15.98

VARIOUS Planet Yoga This is a 2-CD set of Indian chants, songs and ambient soundscapes providing the perfect environment for Yoga, meditation, exercise, contemplation and peaceful relaxation. Disc 1 is the vocal portion, with Deva Premal, Dave Stringer, Rasa, Jai Uttal, Bhagavan Das, Wah!, and an unreleased track by Krishna Das. Disc 2 is mostly comprised of music from Benjy Wertheimers Soul of the Esraj release, sandwiched between tracks by Drala and Ali Akbar Khan. Works like a charm. A special daily Yoga postures pull-out is even provided!
CD $21.98

SADA SAT KAUR Angels Waltz These chants will exalt your spirit with their joy & dynamic energy. Sada Sat Kaur combines ancient Kundalini mantras with contemporary instruments & rhythms in creating this elevating sound. She combines the power of shakti and the devotion of bhakti. Her chanting is alive, and rather rousing in parts. Its a welcome addition to our growing selection of chanting music with mantras from ancient traditions, wrapped in a fusion sound for today.
CD $15.98

PREM JOSHUA Water Down the Ganges Take a trip on a boat floating down your inner Ganges...This album enters your senses with rich images of the East- from meditative compositions to rhythmical and energetic pieces - all masterfully played on instruments like sitar, santoor, bamboo flute, soprano sax, tabla, etc. Prem Joshua & Manish Vyas, both extraordinary multi-instrumentalists, composers and musical partners for 15 years - have been recording and giving concerts together all over the world. This is their first album under both their names - an inspired collection of compositions played with high craftsmanship - melting the traditional musical boundaries of East & West.
Also available: Shiva Moon; Mudra; Dance of Shakti; Sky Kisses Earth+ CD $15.98

SOULFOOD Yoga Rhythm and Spiritual Massage 2 new Soulfood titles, high-quality as usual, and well worth checking out. One is rhythmic and useful for active Yoga and Movement; the other is ideal for bodywork, etc. Yoga Rhythm features DJ Free aka Soulfood, with his keyboard grooves, flutes and distinctive chanting, alongside ace percussionist Brent Lewis and additional didg, sitar and piano. While more energetic than you might imagine for Yoga, it is also quite suitable for primal movement of any sort. Spiritual Massage is in a much quieter vein, and features guest artist Peter Schimke whose piano motifs flow endlessly across a base of keyboards and Native flutes. Both CDs are enhanced with a lot of extra goodies, including bonus MP3s.
Also: Yoga Dream; Shamans Way (w/Rita Coolidge, Brent Lewis); Celestial Meditations; Flamenco Soul; Serenity; Ancestral Voices CD $15.98

JAMSHIED SHARIFI A Prayer for the Soul of Layla, This superlative CD joins our select Camel page with its seductive World Music hybrid sound. A Prayer for the Soul of Layla, by Jamshied Sharifi and friends, is on the high-quality Alula label. Born out of the rhythms and melodies of the Middle East, Sharifi, who plays keyboards with the tribal/primal group Mo Boma, gathered musicians from many traditions who call out spiritual chants, sing elaborate minarets of melody, and meander through some swaying rhythms by Hassan Hakmoun & others. Noted singer Paula Cole also participates, with a gospel-like, wordless vocal on Ammeh Kimia. Serene & moving like the swirling sands of the desert, this is a CD for evocative wanderings: mystical, sinuous, and evocative of the multi-dimensional realms one feels in the Saharan immensities.
CD $17.98

ANUGAMA The Lightness of Being A superlative work by the prolific Anugama, this collection stands out for its cohesive flow and seamless sequencing. Tracks are taken from four of this German artists seminal works and they coalesce into one magnificent offering of spacious music, ideal for massage or deep listening. Ocean waves, whale sounds, chimes, celestial sounds, sampled massed voices and all manner of exotic instrumentation blend together without missing a tone. Tracks are taken from Silent Joy, Morning Breeze, Environment 1, and Jungle of Joy Additionally, there are five new compositions, two which employ 3D sounds. Whether youve enjoyed Anugama in the past or not, this is a classic worth getting excited about, and one of our most recommended titles for massage. Many know of Shamanic Dream; this is also an essential title.
Also available: Shamanic Dream II; Shamanic Dream; Tantra; Healing; Jungle of Joy; Celestial Classics; Silent Joy; Exotic Dance + CD $15.98

MOROCCAN SPIRIT Moroccan Spirit Exotic, hypnotic music from the same enigmatic artist The Brave who is responsible for B-Tribe, Sacred Spirit and Indigo Spirit. With the help of many excellent Middle-Eastern musicians and vocalists, Moroccan Spirit finds the same lush production and steady rhythms as its predecessors, but in a whole new cultural center. Great beats and arrangements, production and wondrous stringed instruments fit the theme to a T. From the sensual, slower tracks to the more rhythm-centered percussive paths, Moroccan Spirit is a truly moving experience. Dancers take note; this Spirits for you.
Also by THE BRAVE: Indigo Spirit; Classical Spirit; Sacred Spirit II CD $16.98

KLAUS WIESE El-Hadra Word-of-mouth raves have made this hypnotic title a perennial best-seller. El-Hadra, subtitled The Mystic Dance of the Sufis, is a collaboration between zither player Klaus Wiese, keyboardist Matthias Grassow, and tabla player Ted de Jong. Inspired by the trance dances of the Sufis, two extended selections slowly reveal melodic tabla rhythms, layered synth drones that rise gradually in intensity, and chiming zither fills that paint pictures across the shifting sands. El-Hadra reflects the heartbeat of the almighty. Repetitive cycles & subtle spirals create an aura of deep contemplation, allowing the listener to fall into trance state easily.
CD $15.98

CHINMAYA DUNSTER Sacred Temples of India In this release Chinmaya Dunster captures all the pristine beauty and mystical spiritualism of the Sacred Temples of India and mysteriously presents them in a way that the western ear can not only access, but also lovingly appreciate. The sacred beauty of Chinmayas sarod lifts listeners into realms of divine bliss as hosts of angels increase the heavenly experience with the sounds of flutes, tablas, guitars, keyboards, chimes, harp, bells, and other sweet sonic expressions. In many ways these musical soundscapes are as moving an experience as actually visiting the Sacred Temples of India because after hearing it, it feels like Ive actually been there. And what an amazing and wonderful experience it is! Needless to say, this precious music receives a high recommendation to lovers of new age, Eastern Indian and World music.
Also available: Karma Circles; Yoga on Sacred Ground; Celtic Ragas+ CD $15.98

Please let us know of other titles or artists of interest, as well as your own favorites. Backroads has a wide variety of musical styles: CHILL CHANT AMBIENT WORLD NATIVE TRIBAL SPACE CALL 800-767-4748 visit: www.backroadsmusic.com MUSIC FOR YOGA & THE HEALING ARTS, DANCE & MOVEMENT
2-CD 24.95 Also available: River of Gold; Time Dreams (collection); Arriba!; Forever Blue Sky; The Nature of Things; Take it to Heart CD $14.98

BRUCE BECVAR The Magic of Healing Bruce BecVar may well be the Heartbeats all-time best-selling guitarist. His work has long shown a deep understanding of the healing power of music, so it is no surprise that this set of releases has been created specifically for Deepak Chopra, and suitably titled The Magic of Healing. Three different albums were refined to produce the optimum combinations to balance each dosha, which, in Eastern Ayurvedic medicine, are the integral parts of each persons balance & nature. They are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Vata, a dreamy collaboration between brothers Bruce and Brian BecVar, is slow and soothing, ideal for relaxation and centering. Kapha, also with Bruce & Brian, is more invigorating, allowing one to pick up the pace in a balanced manner. Pitta, performed solely by Bruce, is in medium to slow tempos, calming and helpful to smooth out the rough spots. Pick up the whole set of The Magic of Healing, on 2 CDs, at a discount price.

BENJI WERTHEIMER Soul of the Esraj This brand new CD resonates beautiful and classical ancient Indian melodies. It is intended as a musical canvas for practices of the healing arts: meditation, yoga or even office work. Benjy was a founding member of the group Ancient Future, & has studied Indian classical music for 20 years with master teachers such as Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain and Ali Akbar Khan. Here he plays primarily Esraj, a bowed instrument with a soulful, penetrating sound, as well as tanpura, keyboards, and percussion. Other musical accompanists include Tim Ellis on e-bow guitar, Randy Mead on bass flute, David Michael on zither, celtic harp, viola da gamba, Matthew Montfort on scalloped fretboard guitar, and Heather Klinger on vocals. A welcome addition for fans of North Indian music or those who want the perfect backdrop for yoga and meditation.
Also: Priyagitah (w/Steve Gorn); Circle of Fire; Anjali (w/Michael Mandrell); Church of Sky (w/Heather Wertheimer; vocals); Love Window w/Heather; chants) CD 15.98

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Chill Chant World Ambient Vocal Space Tribal Yoga Contemporary

CATALOG 2005
RICH GOODHART Earth Spiral Water Sound Though he is not exactly a household name, Rich Goodhart is certainly the kind of artist you would want to spread the word about. Hes been recording for 20 years, and has received numerous awards, acclaim and recognition for his prior four releases. Now we are pleased to present Earth Spiral Water Sound. While we would usually not name drop to this extent, participating featured artists include Grammy winner Joanne Shenandoah, legendary guitarist Daevid Allen (Gong & Soft Machine co-founder), and Bansuri flute virtuoso Steve Gorn. Their contributions add depth & immeasurable appeal to what is already a sensational and topical release, and what may well be one of the top world music releases of the year. It encompasses all of the elements that make this kind of music wildly successful. If you recall the magically hybrid sound of the Paul Winter Consort at their peak, I believe you will find similar elements in the sound as well as the wide-reaching appeal of the music. Originally a keyboardist, for the last 20 years Rich has also been a hand drummer and world music practitioner and has studied with master musicians of Africa, India, America and Indonesia. If you were to try to find Rich Goodharts music on a map, youd probably have to look for a legendary lost continent, someplace equidistant from Africa, South & North Americas, Europe & Asia. Theres really no place quite like his music, as it is made of spirit, fables and creativity. He draws his inspiration from the best elements of many lands.
Also available: The Gathering Sun; Never Give a Sword to a Man Who Cant Dance; Affirmative Reply; Divining Signs CD $14.98

BACKROADS
music CHARANGO CAKEWALK Loteria de la Cumbia lounge What a totally cool sound! This release from the Triloka label is unlike any other, although fans of the Gotan project and the Buddha Bar series are the most likely candidates to take this one home and adopt it. The blend of styles ranges from Latin American to tango to Tex-Mex to modern chillout, albeit from an Austin, Texas point of view. That would probably be because Austin is where the Cumbia Lounge is found, a true hotbed in a town of renowned musical madness and inventiveness. Michael Ramos is the mastermind behind this CD, and he has enlisted help from a whole cast of musical characters. Ramos plays accordions (hence the Gotan connection), vocals, keyboards and adds samples wherever the inspiration indicates. He keeps a downbeat electronica vibe running through his pan-Latin ideas, where cumbias merge with everything else, taking in an early Santana influence here and a touch of Manu Chao style there, with its slightly loopy rhythm and merrily sloppy vocals. This is about the grooves, the melodies, and the rhythms, and Ramos has plenty of all three. Modern enough in its sound to keep the attention, but still old-school enough to pay attention to melody, its a fascinating, and thoroughly enjoyable, piece of work. Its also a remarkably accomplished debut that bodes very well for the future. Guitars are played by Dahveed Garza, John Lockhart, David Pulkingham, Larry Chaney, David Grissom and Russel Scanlon, while Brian Standefer plays cello. Vocal parts other than Michael Ramos are by Rey Arteaga, Becca Rodriquez. Playful, engaging and ever so danceable, Charango Cakewalk is about being one of the most fun & engaging CDs of the year, by far!
CD $15.98

BRENT GUNTER Andalucia It is not often that understated and dazzling are used in the same review for a guitarist of this talent and magnitude, but they both apply on Andalucia. At once a classical virtuoso, ambient visionary and pop musician of great warmth, passion and feelings, Brent Gunter enchants with compositions flowing effortlessly from his nylon strings, and he is skillfully accompanied by keyboards, bass, and an array of percussion instruments, many of which he plays himself. His music is beautiful, accessible and soft in spite of its often fiery flair. The occasional gypsy references and passionate, precision-packed rhythm section adds up to dream-like visions and fantasy-laden romantic themes which are nicely offset by the fast-paced flourishes blazing from Gunters well-tempered guitar. Modern and well polished, filled with contemporary arrangements and even a bit jazzy in parts, it retains all the freshness and soul of a musical language spoken through acoustic guitar. While occasional melancholy and pathos pull on the sensitive heartstrings of the listener, this music is brimming with life, joy and happiness. Comparisons to Jesse Cook, Craig Chaquico, Govi and surely Ottmar Liebert will surely surface but Gunter displays his own artistry all the way. A fresh instrumental voice in a crowded musical arena where its most needed, Brents elegant guitar virtuosity moves from meticulous to free flowing, as he freely changes gears, directions & tempos as his deep well of talented playing dictates. We suggest you take the journey.
CD $14.98

PETER STERLING Shadow, Mist and Light Peter is an amazingly versatile harpist, with a large catalog of fine CDs. Now, in a match truly heavenly, he has signed with Real Music, and this is his first CD on that superb label. Soft rhythms of liquid, mystical motion blend Chinese and electro-acoustic harps, congas, flutes, didgeridoo, guitars, violin, penny whistle, keyboards and Native American, Tibetan & Hawaiian voices. The results will sweep you off to a cross-cultural, blissful escape. Its the fulfillment of a dream for Peter, and a landmark recording for the label. Peter spends his time in the sacred red lands of Sedona, Arizona, where he gathered a group of equally talented musicians to celebrate and record this CD. Included are Tina Malia, Richard Hardy, Tony Redhouse, William Aura, and Robin Miller, and the whole project sparkles with many layers & moods that add up to a breathtaking listening experience.
Also available: Harp Dreams; Harp & Soul; The Angels Gift; Harp Magic+ CD $15.98

SOULFOOD Mystic Canyons DJ Free a.k.a Gordy Schaeffer is Soulfood, and with various collaborators, hes released over 20 CDs in the last seven years. For Mystic Canyons, he returns to the sound of the 1st Soulfood album, Breathe, creating a Native American ambient music. Rita Coolidge, Brent Lewis are just 2 of the guest artists. Mystic Canyons is a seamless journey of Native American flutes, triumphal acoustic guitar, meditative piano and plush synthesizer atmospheres all wrapped in ethereal melodies that bend like the arc of a hawk traversing the Sonoran Plateau. Also available: Request a Soulfood brochure showing all of their fine CDs!
CD $15.98

KEVIN WOOD Sacred Kevin Woods first CD, the excellent Scenic Listening, certainly whetted our appetites for more. His melodic sensibilities, and the ability to blend a variety of styles into a cohesive whole, set him apart from the norm. Now he has taken his recipe even further and delivered a veritable buffet of gourmet listening. This time, the ingredients are Native American voices, Gregorian chants, various world vocals and modern rhythms that approach the catchy sound of Enigma, Delerium & Deep Forest, but without the pop gloss or heaviness that sometimes prevailed on these other famous projects. All instruments, composing & production are by Wood; he plays everything from Steinway grand piano to Nemysys Gigastudio, assorted keyboards, synthesizers and samplers. Joey Peterson plays fender bass. Kevins artful mix of beautiful melodies, ancient voices & steady rhythms can easily transport you to a paradise of wisdom, peace & sanctity, hence the title of Sacred.
Also available: Scenic Listening CD $15.98