int'l genre adds for easter
COMRADES! Only two discs in this week (what can I say...my dissertation manuscript goes to committee this week, so cut the Central Committee some slack, eh?) but they are both SMOKIN'. First off NACAO ZUMBI offers up a moody mosh of difficultly brilliant stuff. Then, ANANDA SHANKAR (I know I know, another Shankar....but stay with me here...) comes out of left field and absolutely makes you stop in your tracks, especially on the first disc which takes Indian Funk Fusion to a new dimension...and that was in the mid-70s, folks. They're both great releases, but I'm going to feature SHANKAR on the caravan today....I bet you've not heard much of anything quite like it.PEACE OUT~BJ
Artist: Nação Zumbi
Title: Futura
Label: Circular Moves
Genre: int’l / Brazil
Grade: A+
After the tragic and premature death of 's former bandleader, Chico Science, in 1996, most people thought that that would be the end of the band. But after a somewhat hesitant and uncertain start, the new, post-Chico formation of Nação Zumbi found its way and re-emerged as one of the most creative and exciting bands of Brazil. Slick, modern surf rock with a distinct psychedelic touch is the new element on this album. And more than before, the organic instruments of the band are mixed with electronic beats and sophisticated sonic details. If Futura lacks anything, it is some of the raw power and weight of the previous, eponymous album. But at the same time, the potential power of the band is always lurking around the corner. The production is absolutely great throughout, really bringing out the best of band and the result is pure Brazilian rock magic. (4 ½ stars)
Reviewer: Philip Jandovsky, All Music Guide
Artist: Ananda Shankar
Title: A Life in Music: Best of the EMI Years
Label: Times Square
Genre: int’l / Indian psyche-funk
Grade: A+
To most of the West, Ananda Shankar is most familiar for the records he made at the beginning (1970's Ananda Shankar) and end (2000's Walking On) of his recording career, which were the only ones to gain relatively wide distribution outside India. However, Shankar did continue to record fairly often for EMI India in the interim. That period is well represented by this overdue two-CD compilation, which draws from seven of his Indian albums between 1975 and 2000. On most of these instrumental recordings, Shankar pursued what has been generally, though pretty accurately, classified as an East-West fusion of sorts, melding sitar and traditional Indian music and instruments with rock and funk arrangements and modern recording technology. Often that's a recipe for disaster, or at least cheesiness, but Shankar was one of the ablest, most balanced of the fusioneers. (4 ½ stars)
Reviewer: Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide
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