Album Review by EDF
The Music Mosaic label have been around but for a short time but have immediately proved that they have the knack to produce quality World Music compilation albums. This time round they have now managed to outdo themselves. Picking just the one instrument, the didgeridoo, the album focuses on one of the most unmusical wind instruments around. Does it manage to captivate and excite the listener’s attention from start to finish? Let me just say that this album has to be heard to be believed.
To start off the proceedings is the jazzy ‘Didgerdoo Groove’ by ARIEL KALMA and is followed by a meeting of two cultures, Aborigine and American Indians on ‘Universal Dance’ by ED DRURY. From there the traditional makes way for the modern on the uplifting, dance influenced ‘Red Center Awakens’ by SOUNDS OF THE OUTBACK. A contrast of sounds is notable on ‘Shade’ by GONDWANA as it goes through a whole range of moods. Sticking with the modern theme is ‘Little People’ by STEVEN CRAGG, a chill out track of sorts that conjures up images of rain forests.
When three didgeridoos meets 3 percussions on ‘Crooked’ by OROCOL, the result is nothing short of what could have sounded like a good old-fashioned hoedown but fails to develop from the initial idea. Another clash of cultures finds Eastern influences such as the sitar being successfully explored on ‘Taralinga Lila’ by TARSHITO / SANGEET. There are more jazzy explorations on ‘Balanda Dancing’ by STEPHEN RICHTER as saxophone, didgeridoo, percussion and cello playfully dance in and around each other. With the ever-reliable DIDJWORKS featuring on this compilation, a classical vocalist on ‘CHAMBER 11’ by SOULFOOD and a Native American Indian flute player on the slow build up ‘Kokopelli Dreaming’ by KAILASH; the proceedings are brought to a close.
I have to say, without a doubt, that is one of the best compilations from the Music Mosaic label. They have outdone themselves in compiling an enjoyable and spiritual album that is both unique and enjoyable in equal measures. To give this any less than top marks would do this CD an injustice.
