A Visionary Sound Arts Interface

Return to Main Page I wanted to get a bit into the headspace of world fusion here. This stuff is not what might usually be called "visionary music," but I'm a rocker from past history and want to include some of these fine artists that I often play on my show. Peter Gabriel is the founder of Real World Music and one of my musical mentors from way, way back. I include him here mainly for my convenience because i need a button to take me to his website A LOT. His album, "Passion," is a classic crossover release for worldfusion/ambient. Peter Gabriel's website Yes is the quintessential Cosmic Prog Rock band! In the early 70s, i was what was called a "Genesis" freak. At the time, to me, there was Genesis and Yes and then "all other music." I still love "Fragile" and "Close To The Edge." In the 90s, with the advent of cd tech, i gained a great respect for "Tales Of Topographic Oceans," though i didn't listen to much of Yes's new efforts in the 80s or 90s because i was preoccupied with new wave and then this visionary thing i do... I'm very excited by the recent discs "The Ladder" and "Magnification." I recently discovered the disc, "Keystudio," which is the studio material from "Keys To Ascension." It is quite good and actually should have been titled the longer name. If you liked the old discs i mentioned, check out these new ones. For me, Yes is THE mainstream band who has remained truest to authentically expressing spiritual feelings as i know them. Love You Guys! Say Yes To Life! Go To Yesworld Jai Uttal has been around for years creating some fine discs of positive dance energies. He has a deep, resonant voice and mainly sings in sanskrit. His cds have high production values, the musical composition incorporates jazz, rock, blues and raga. He is perhaps the primary world fusion artist to gracefully transition from the original 80s scene to today's more sophisticated fusion movement. Go to Jai Uttal's website DJ Cheb I Sabbah has released the remarkable "Shri Durga," traditional ragas which have been reborn into techno-dub-fusion. The recent "Maha Maya" cd further mutates these ragas into an amazing sonic intrigue. "Krishna Lila" is less successful than the other two, but completes the trilogy and has a great instrumental. Check out DJ Cheb I Sabbah's discography Lost At Last is becoming an increasingly potent musical presence. I've seen them a number of times live and each time it is a magical event. Singer Jaya Lakshmi is an entrancing person who can fully embody the Goddess. The band has a techno-dance feel but the subtle electronic work by long-time synthesist Om and the fiery serpentine guitar of Deva Priyo launch this band into a heady psychedlic sphere. The group is becoming more cohesive and technically impressive with each new effort. Much of the singing is in Sanskrit. Jaya Lakshmi has a solo disc called, "Ocean Of Mercy," which is devotional songs sung in Sanskrit. For all lovers of Vedic Goddesses! Lost At Last Home Site Lost At Last Commercial Site Professor Trance, sometimes known as Professor Trance and the Energizers, is Frank Natale in collaboration with numerous adepts of shamanistic trance rhythms. This impressive body of musical works is a must for any aspiring neoshaman. The first disc, "Shaman's Breath," is a classic exploration in the fusion of ancient rhythms with modern studio alchemy. It has a club sound and mix, is imminently danceable and produces exquisite trance states. "Medicine Trance" is a more formal presentation of classic theta-state trance rhythms with 20-minute tracks that take one deep into transic space. "Mega Om" is comprised of some wonderful, even if somewhat primitively produced, meditation pieces. Natale's final record before the sad event of his death, "Dance Your Animal," returns to the exuberant vibe of the first disc. Professor Trance Brainscapes is the name of an on-going project by Alain Eskinasi. Each disc has its' own character. The first, "Brainscapes," is one of the finest didgeridoo-oriented techno-ambient cd's available. The second, "Chakradancer," has each song tuned to the keynote of one of the seven bioenergy centers of the human body. His latest, "Brainscapes 2001," is an exploration of sorts of the main forms of downtempo techno - very electronic & modern sounding. Eskinasi is a founding member of Professor Trance. See Brainscapes Website Soulfood is an ongoing music project led by DJ Free. The music is a perfect blend of shamanistic roots music with modern techno- ambient sensibility. The production is crisp and clear. Their first release, a 2cd set, "Breathe," was in the style of Professor Trance. The growing discography is all pretty cool. "Entering Dreamtime" (with Inlakesh) is a fave of mine: didgeridoo trances. "Yoga Rhythm" is a fantastic return to the trancedance style of "Breathe." "Spiritual Massage" has deep healing vibrations with languid solo piano and native american flute circling above. "Shaman's Way" may be the most hip Soulfood pop release since Breathe. Wonderful Native American influences highlighted by chant/singing of Rita Coolidge. All Soulfood discs are worthy of attentive listening. Go To Soulfood Website Transglobal Underground is world-fusion dance music. An exotic mix of trip hop, dub, middle eastern ethnic music and techno-ambient. This is high- energy stuff with a heady bouquet. I include them because they are an exciting mix of genres. I highly recommend "Psychic Karaoke." Their new disc, "Yes Boss Food Corner," is disappointing due to sounding more like a band and a lower consciousness in the lyrics. Go to Transglobal Underground website Natacha Atlas was the long-time female vocalist for Transglobal Underground. Her solo recordings capture the luxorious, heady flavor of Egypt and its ancient deities, particularly the Goddess energies of that pantheon. Her first disc,"Diaspora," is an excellent modern presentation of Egyptian sacred rhythms in a cutting-edge, danceable club version. Her other albums are more contemporary,capturing the pulse of modern Arabic worldbeat. Did i mention her soaring,powerful voice? A scintillating treat! Natacha Atlas disc info Zingaia has a powerful Goddess energy expressed by sultry shamanistic rhythms with a gentle, natural mix and beautiful female voices. The first album, "Beneath The Veil," has a rave-like flavour with soaring, majestic voices of women in their power. The second disc, "Dancers of Twilight," is more sinuous and eminently danceable, with serene higher-pitched female voices. Zingaia is great for all Goddess lovers seeking music expressing the passionate love of Her. Visit Zingaia's site Senor Coconut is Atom Heart, who has many recordings of strange electronica dating back to the Eighties. His recent incarna- tion as Senor Coconut is a playful turn into the cross-mixing of German Electronica with Latin music. I am thoroughly enjoying both cd's! El Gran Baile is Latin music made into electronica. It provides a continuous "electro-bachelorpad" ambience which is even better than Martin Denny at his best (heh heh.) El Baile Aleman is old Kraftwerk songs reworked into what sounds like a hot Latin band working out on cha-chas and merengues. Guaranteed to simultaneously delight and infuriate Kraftwerk fans. Dance With Senor Coconut! Return to Main Page