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CD REVIEW: MUSIC MOSAIC - Tribal Trance Dance
By Steve Allat - 10/31/2004 - 03:01 AM EST

Artist: Compilation: MUSIC MOSAIC
Album: Tribal Trance Dance
CD Review: Label: Music Mosaic
Tracks: 11
Released: 2003
For Fans Of: Compilations, Drum & Dance, Ethnic Dance
Fav Tracks: Razali, Taniye, Fou la Tete.

The Music Mosaic philosophy, in their own words:
Encouraging all cultures and nations to live together respectfully on our planet Earth. You will hear multi-cultural expressions from diverse countries, yet the sounds flow together in harmony . . . Like a beautiful mosaic! Each CD features exceptional songs on a specific theme from various international artists.

I've listened to many compilation CD's before, especially dance and trance (being a drummer and world music listener) and this is one of the better ones that I've had the pleasure of listening to, let alone without having to seek it out. There seems to be a big 'risk' factor inherent in this type of compilation.
Producer Ariel Kalma has done what few people in his position have managed to do - that is, to assemble songs from a variety of sources that really do blend together and also to produce them in such a way that the sonic tone of the CD is the same from beginning to end, which is really a treat.

On this disc, which features songs from Turkey, Morocco, Ghana, Brazil, the Americas, Australia and more, Ariel manages to assemble a set of songs of 'modern ethnic dance music with djembe, derbuka, native flutes, tabla, log drum and other exotic instruments', as well as to provide lush programming to tie the overall theme together. Only diverse vocals manage to really set some songs apart, with a special mention going out to Yutara Yakamura for her Arabic vocals on 'Razali', by far my favourite track.

There are no weak tracks here, only a diversity which will of course be to the listener's discretion to judge. After all, no matter how well performed, produced and arranged any compilation is, if you don't dig the didgeridoo at the best of times, then chances are you may not here. I must admit, though, that even some sounds I tend to not prefer were very 'softly' delivered, which is well-done, because 'harsh' and 'trance' just don't mix now do they?

So, kudos to Ariel Kalma - not only for this disc, but for all 3 I listened to and reviewed (see also 'Goddess Grooves' and 'Tribal Dreaming'). In listening to more than one, it reassured me that his vision is true, his sense of tone is lush & powerful and his ear for choosing tunes that go together is well above average.

I would look to their catalogue now before others of the kind simply based on knowing the attention he obviously gives each product and the overall quality of the finished product.
Put this in your player, set the bass on high, turn it up and watch out - the sound will move right through you.

Contact: Kayo Jeandel - Manager
Website: Music Mosaic - the pulse of global harmony


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