Because of its tranquil, hypnotic nature, some reviewers described o earthly gods as a new age release. But truth be told, Govinda's largely instrumental experiments have a lot more bite and edge than most of the instrumental music that was considered new age in the 1980s and 1990s. This often intoxicating, if a bit uneven, CD isn't really new age, but is best described as an interesting blend of electronica and world music.
Uniting his Gypsy violin and chants with synthesizers, sequencers, and scattered samples, Govinda is especially fond of modal playing and draws heavily on the modal styles of India, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, North Africa and Spain. In fact, he shows us the parallels between Spain's Gypsy flamenco and the raga music of India.
But he's also fond of Celtic music, and takes us to Ireland and Scotland on "Celtica." Not perfect but chance-taking and unorthodox, o earthly gods demonstrated that Govinda had a lot of potential.
Technobarbie: the description on the Govinda CD sounds like the album Gypsy Soul by a guy called Ashik. It may not be easy to find nowadays, probably been taken out of print. But this is a creative, virtuosic take on traditions from Hunguary to American Bluegrass, and is wonderful from start to finish.
Another violinist that takes the multi-ethnic approach is Doug Cameron, although I've yet to get any of his CDs.
Still feels like adding some comments on classical musicians' crossover to the world/ethnic music circle.
For a while, I had considered Itzhak Perlman as the classical musician who has the most innate, complete understanding and rapport with traditional music. I was utterly impressed by his Live In the Fiddler's House, in which he collaborated with some of the most important groups in the current Klezmer scene -- the Klezmatics, Brave Old World, the Klezmer Conservatory Band. Perlman's command of the Klezmer idiom was convincing, his touch delicate and full of emotion. And it was only the ravishing tone of his expensive instrument that set him apart from his folk associates. Listening to the explosive finale, you'd bet that everyone derived immense joy from this collaboration.
This harmonious facade, unfortunately, turned out to be illusionary. After reading some of the participating band's comments on the event, I wouldn't want to touch this CD -- and I have avoided anything by Perlman ever since.
The next classical violinist to pick up Klezmer music was Nigel Kennedy, who collaborated with the Polish band Kroke on the album East Meets East. Unlike the Perlman, I can recommend this album with good conscience.
Kennedy, despite his defiant antics, is much less self-conscious than Perlman: most of the time his instruments (classical and electric violins) blends perfectly into the dynamic music. Certainly he has chosen his partner wisely: Kroke, incidentally, is a band that often plays like a classical piano trio. As expected from Kennedy, there are a few instances of genre bashing -- like the electric guitar-dominated T 4.2; but all in all, this is a consistent and enjoyable modern Klezmer CD.
If there is not reason enough to get this album: Natasha Atlas sings on the first track.
If there is not reason enough to get this album: Natasha Atlas sings on the first track.
That is a nice recording and the first track is my favorite. That album is also on yourmusic.com I believe for $6.00. I agree and it seems to me that Kennedy usually includes a few offbeat pieces in most of his recordings to my disliking.
I'll need to checkout the Gypsy Soul CD as well. Thanks.
Hey Ant...
Impecable taste as always...Picked this up myself whilst visiting NYC over the 4th July holiday..She hasn't missed a beat has she?
thanks, you know we're always in the same boat with this topic , no she hasn't missed a beat, this is my first album from her, although i've heard her on some bill laswell stuff (absolutely LOVE bill laswell)...i was suprised to find it in the record store (didn't know she was coming out with a new record) and had to pick it up, i'd like to get her previous albums too, if you have them by any chance, how are they?
thanks, you know we're always in the same boat with this topic , no she hasn't missed a beat, this is my first album from her, although i've heard her on some bill laswell stuff (absolutely LOVE bill laswell)...i was suprised to find it in the record store (didn't know she was coming out with a new record) and had to pick it up, i'd like to get her previous albums too, if you have them by any chance, how are they?
I sure do have them and they are wonderful...There is also an Axiom Records CD she guests on (with the mighty Bill and Jah Wobble) and at the moment (I'm at work and said CD is at home) the title escapes me..I think its Radio Axiom or some such. I should just look up AMG and get back to you
cool, that would be great...nac you ever heard of this one: Gigi - Abyssinia Infinite? I've also seen some of her stuff on CDBaby Gigi - One Ethiopia her discography is a little "out of order" but i've heard a few songs on the Abyssinia Infinite from the site i posted and it's really nice, her voice is really amazing
cool, that would be great...nac you ever heard of this one: Gigi - Abyssinia Infinite? I've also seen some of her stuff on CDBaby Gigi - One Ethiopia her discography is a little "out of order" but i've heard a few songs on the Abyssinia Infinite from the site i posted and it's really nice, her voice is really amazing
One Ethiopia was her first US ( I think so anyway) release...haven't been able to find it, but thanks for the nudge toward CDBaby..I'll check them out, although I usually have better luck going thru CDUniverse. I have Abyssinia Infinite and its just fine listening. Also have Gigi and Illuminated Audio and of those two I'd pick Illuminated Audio. In fact I think thats her best yet - very dreamy.
, no she hasn't missed a beat, this is my first album from her, although i've heard her on some bill laswell stuff (absolutely LOVE bill laswell)...i was suprised to find it in the record store (didn't know she was coming out with a new record) and had to pick it up, i'd like to get her previous albums too, if you have them by any chance, how are they?
Linear Mode
