CD Review: Various Artists' 'Night Visions: Desert Dwellers Selected Remixes'

Various Artists
Night Visions: Desert Dwellers Selected Remixes
Black Swan Sounds

The multi-sonic sounds of Desert Dwellers' remixes with various artists in the field of contemporary electronica and yoga music. Artists such as Tarun, EarthRise SoundSystem, Kalya Scintilla, Girish, Kaya Project, Deva Premal, Deya Dova, and others, bring us a unique blend of trance-induced, dance-induced, and soul-infused and Bhakti-inspired ethno-electronic blends of shimmering kirtan melodies. The cohesive blend of contemporary melodies and instrumentation is rather futuristic, yet global. There are dance-friendly beats, as well as lounge-inspired tunes. Anyone with an interest in Black Swan Sounds, White Swan Records, and similar labels, will rejoice with the new music here. It is truly a yogic journey of epic proportions. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ojos De Brujo Reworked

Various Artists
Ojos De Brujo Reworked
Urban World

Spearheaded by Al Lindrum, the music of Ojos De Brujo is reinvented, reworked, and rewired with the talents of a multitude of contributors, including Farrapo, George Vala, Empresarios, Makala, Suonho, Los Chicos Altos, Tony Seal, Duboffensive, and many others. Fans of Ojos De Brujo will be impressed with the jazzy, dub-ready, and dance-inflected compositions that have inspired musicians and listeners all over the world to create such beauty. The funky drum and bass, cumbia sounds, and dancehall song structures make the album shine with effervescent qualities. The vocals are Latin-esque and well-executed overall. The thirteen tracks span a wide cross-section of material, but in the end, Ojos De Brujo is the real winner here. The remixes are inventive and ear-catching. This is for the upbeat fan out there. ~ Matthew Forss

2-CD Review: Joaquin Joe Claussell's 'Hammock House: Africa Caribe'

Various Artists

Hammock House: Africa Caribe [2-CD]

Codigo

Producer Joaquin "Joe" Claussell's latest mix is the new double-CD release of Hammock House: Africa Caribe. The title suggests a Latin and African presence, which is more than a casual happenstance. In fact, Joaquin reinvigorates early music reels from the Fania Records archives. As a Puerto Rican, Joaquin has surrounded himself with the 'nuyorican' identity and lifestyle from the beginning. The Puerto Rican, Caribbean, Latin jazz, and salsa music from the 1970's is presented on both discs. However, the first disc contains thirty tracks that play continuously and include the music of Ray Barretto, Mental Remedy, Celia Cruz, Lou Perez, Eddie Palmieri, Jaidene "Jai" Veda, Mongo Santamaria, Willie Colon, Ruben Blades, and Ismael Miranda. There are also five tracks devoted to pre-track chatter amounting to no more twenty-four seconds in all. Importantly, the music is not trance or electronic as with other remixes. Instead, the original musical integrity is preserved with a Latin backdrop and danceable forefront. The second disc contains nine tracks by Eddie Palmieri, Mongo Santamaria, Ismael Miranda, Ray Barretto, Celia Cruz, Jai Veda, and Lou Perez. The smooth and sultry sounds of both discs encapsulate a wide-breadth of musical experiences and rhythms in our contemporary age. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Donna De Lory's 'Remixes'

Donna De Lory

Remixes

White Swan Records

Donna De Lory releases a mix of material from her previous albums, The Lover and the Beloved, Sky Is Open, and Sanctuary. However, the songs are remixed without losing any of the musical integrity or charisma. The contemporary electronica elements border on heavenly with soaring vocals, crystalline percussion, and airy arrangements. The songs are a mix of English and Sanskrit lyrical mantras with some characteristic Indian percussion and the modern effects of Wah!, Girish, Go-Ray, Krishna Das, and others. The yoga beats contain pop-infusions even purists will love. Eleven different tracks or remixes with familiar titles, such as 'Jai Ma,' 'Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu,' and 'Om Namah Shivaya' showcase some of Donna's best vocal displays. For a truly introspective and spiritual journey, Donna De Lory knows how to evoke transcendental tendencies with music. ~ Matthew Forss