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Mystic music for the world
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World music today has strong Indian influences.
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IT'S THE kind of music you would listen to while models walk the ramps during fashion shows; it's the piped music in five-star hotel lobbies — this is how we probably would have described fusion music sometime ago. But it has come a long way today and is an entirely new genre of music, known as World Music.
And what is remarkable is the fact that a strong Indian influence seems to be the driving force behind World Music albums. Ranging from Northern folk rhythms to sacred South Indian temple chants, fusion musicians seem to have brought the music a full circle back in history.
James Asher is one of the pioneers in the World Music scene. He shot to fame with his album, Tigers of the Raj, and the sequel, Remix of the Raj.In the album, Mystic India — Vol. 3, (Times Music, CD: Rs. 360), his track "Temple Gates" gives you an example of how Indian folk rhythms can be blended with trance. A track which builds up, both in terms of rhythm and pace as it proceeds, it forms the backbone for the rest of the tracks.
"Shanti Puja" by Tulku has an interesting historical background of mystic ideas such as old souls and new bodies. The song reflects this mysterious idea through its vocals. Other tracks such as "Chidambaram" and "Purnima Namaskar" by Chinmaya Dunster reflect traditional South Indian ideals and historical forms of music. When these are blended with synthesiser accomplishments, it's a new experience, and helps widen your spectrum of thinking after repeated listenings.
Mystic Rhythms (Times Music, CD: Rs. 295) is another album, featuring Gregor Theelen that represents a fusion of tribal Indian and native American chanting, blended with groove-based rhythms. The high-on-tempo album kicks off with "Ocean of Joy" which features impressive vocals and rhythms.
"Indian Love Song" is breezy but energising at the same time. "Song for Krishna" begins on a slow note, till a wave of electronic sounds take over, and energise the song. "Victory Dance" and "Earth Dance Dreamtime" have strong tribal influences. Compared to "Mystic India 3", this album is more pacy and energetic, but the accomplishments have power and feature a trance flavour.
Between the two albums, both of which are equally recommended, an overview of the Indian influences on World Music is clear.
A. VISHNU
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
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