By Abheeru and Kushad

Nirvana - various artists
Reviewed by Abheeru
DJ Claude Challe is a musical hero in France for his many successful and innovative music collections, including the very popular Buddha Bar series. His latest project Nirvana Lounge unfolds in a similar vein. Packaged in the same beautiful 2 CD digi-book style, the first CD will send you on a smooth sail of chill out pleasures and moods while the second one delivers more upbeat transient lounging music. And this collection is definitely slick. It offers a solid mix of Arabic, Hindi and Urdu music, as well as Spanish guitar and other Southern European/African/Latin influences. While Nirvana Lounge will spoil you with nearly 160 minutes of eclectic music, be prepared to pay the same high price as other previous releases by Challe’s. Still, it is a must for those who love their music to take them away to a place of aural pleasure and nirvanesque beats.


Soul of Black Peru - Luaka Bop Label
Reviewed by Kushad

Many western artists have been stron-gly influenced by music from different cultures all over the world. We all have the opportunity to benefit from their gratitude for these treasures, by sampling from the various labels that they have established – both to support third world artists and to bring their music to us. One label is Real World from Peter Gabriel. Another from David Byrne of the Talking Heads, is Luaka Bop. High-life Records, on Commercial Drive (since 1982), a supporter and purveyor of world music, stocks many CD’s from this label.

An outstanding example, Soul of Black Peru, brings together various extremely talented male and female artists from the small black minority population of that country. This is a fine collection of Latin ballads, solo voice with chorus, all with exquisite percussion, on an assortment of hand drums, different styles of guitar playing, and complemented with everything from oboe to synthesizer, to piano. It is expertly recorded to bring a very clear presence on any half decent sound system. Mostly medium tempo, it exquisitely softens the typical Latin intensity with that earthy, afro-black sensuality – sad to joyful, simple country themes of love, work and play. This one demands attention, rather than being relegated to the background! Enjoy!


Danza Latina - EMI Metro Blue Label
Reviewed by Kushad

EMI, a very old established label world wide, is using this to advantage, compiling (sometimes from archives) the best of its best. Making use of its Latin connection, EMI brings us Danza Latina. A perfect companion to Soul of Black Peru, it neatly explodes into lively, varied dance tracks from Argentina, Columbia, Venezuela, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Spain, and includes in depth fascinating liner notes on each of the 17 tracks. The different and varied traditions offer a kaleidoscope of arrangements from high spirited to sexy, to intense, to "party time", guaranteeing a desire to dance or simply soak it in. A regular source of several Latin favorites at Just Dance World Rhythms!


Tulku - A Universe to Come
Reviewed by Abheeru

Tulku’s music is a voyage into the mystic traditions of the world and an exploration of our global rhythms. From its inception six years ago, Tulku has always been a revolving ensemble of many voices including Indian, Persian, Egyptian, Mayan, Aboriginal and Native American. Tulku (a.k.a. Jim Wilson) presents listeners with another ecstasy-inducing excursion into ethnic trance fusion. A Universe to Come features twelve spiritual tracks influenced by sacred music sounds that features Tulku’s innovative world music merged with sonic technologies to create a journey beyond the limits of time; Spirit is alive and lively in these infectious grooves. Wilson says of A Universe to Come, "This music is dedicated to the messengers of peace [...] and to the voice of the heart, the voice of love. To them we play this music, we dance with them." Both haunting and energetic, A Universe to Come is a great addition to any global music collection.

This CD review column, written by Just Dance DJs Abheeru and Kushad, offers a taste of some of their favorite grooves that can be experienced at their bi-weekly non-smoking, non-alcohol dance event.




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