World Without Walls
Ancient Future
By Zaina Hart
Ancient Future - - a group
who seemed to hit their stride in the 80’s and then with their release of
“World Without Walls” in 1990, they were called “Trendsetters” by Billboard
Magazine. As the world of “fusion” music was emerging, they were at the head of
the crowd. The lineup of 4 musicians
(and sometimes guest musicians sitting in) has since become a chamber ensemble
of more than thirty performers from around the world with over a dozen smaller
ensembles within it. Their early vision
of creating world fusion music seems now to have come to fruition.
In June of this year the
group (those five who performed World Without Walls and Asian Fusion
recordings) reunited to perform for the first time in more than 15 years. Capitol/EMI Records chose to celebrate this
reunion by releasing a digital version of World Without Walls and has made it
available for download purchase through various retailers (iTunes and
Amazon.com MP3 store to name a few).
With 10 tracks coming in at a cost of about $10.00 it is money well
spent.
Mathew Monfort, Jim Hurley,
Doug McKeehan, and Ian Dogole
Culturally diverse and
deeply rich, you will find a blend of the exotic sounds from lands near and
far; African, Balinese, Indian, Middle Eastern, South American, Europe and
Asia. You will easily pick out the
familiar sounds, seeing in your mind, dancers and musicians sharing their joy
and passion – almost as though you are there.
Admittedly, I have a
weakness for violin and this album does not disappoint in that realm. What is exciting for me is the span of
cultures I hear within the notes of that violin. But then, there is that tabla, and ohhhhhh,
so happy I am. As to music for dance –
not all pieces will move you to get up and do what we know best. That said, I have uploaded this in my iPhone
and find myself listening to it with headphones on when I need a “time out” to
catch my breath and renew.
I love the extra notes that
came with this download. Lots of
historical information and the photos take me back to a time - - - when as I
was learning this dance art and honing my skills – deep sigh.
So, with a little bit of
jazz, a whole bunch of doumbek, some guitar and violin strings - - envision
yourself in a room of pillows, exotic colors and textures and music from afar.
Here is a peek at the
tracks:
Lakshmi Rocks Me
Dance of the Rain Forest
April Air
14 Steps
End of the Beginning
Turkish Taffy
Alap
Indra’s Net
Nyo Nyo Gde – I felt like I
was sitting in a Japanese Garden
Gopi Song
For information on how to
download this CD go to ancient-future.com - you will be able to download their
ringtones, MP3’s, and books as well as see the calendar for workshops and tours
and more. On my “danceable” scale I would
rate this in the 5 arena, but for listening – pure music enjoyment take it up
to a happy 8.
