Midwest Book Review: The Library CD Music Shelf
Midwest Book Review
Dances of Resistance
Babylon Circus
Mr. Bongo Records
c/o Rock Paper Scissors (publicity)
PO Box 1788, Bloomington, Indiana 47402-1788
CD, $11.99 www (dot) rockpaperscissors (dot) biz
Dances of Resistance is the latest album by Babylon Circus, a group of
French ska/reggae/punk music artists known for their wild stage
antics, whose musical performance blends elements of Balkan Gypsy
music, the works of great French singers, and even a touch reminiscent
of Bob Marley. Featuring a distinctively jubilant effusion of sound,
Dances of Resistance addresses social and political issues as well;
much of their music has a subtler meaning lurking under the
celebratory surface. A wonderfully enthusiastic album, highly
recommended for international music CD and public library collections.
The tracks are Contra La Guerra: Greava General!, Dances of
Resistance, No Competition, Circus, De la Misque et du Bruit, Mr.
Clown, J'aurais Bien Voulu, Interlude Barbare, Musical Terrorism Act,
Warlord, Parade Acoustique, Sailor's Wife, La Caravane, Lost in the
Jungle, L'huile Sur le Feu, Petite Caravane Barbare, My Friend, and
"guest ghost track" A la Foire Sur un Air de Carovalse.
Lullaby for My Favorite Insomniac
Ahn Trio
Sony BMG Music Entertainment
550 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022-3211
c/o The Creative Company (publicity)
123 South Broad Street, Mankato, MN 56001
88697-27208-2, $16.97, 1-800-445-6209 www (dot) sonybmgmasterworks
(dot) com
The Korean-born, Julliard-trained Ahn sisters (violinist Angella,
pianist Lucia and cellist Marcia) present Lullaby for my Favorite
Insomniac, an album that revitalizes common conceptions 21st century
classical music with its unique blend of old and new. Incorporating
elements of new age, jazz, pop, folk, minimalism, lounge, hip-hop and
more into traditional styles, their latest album Lullaby for my
Favorite Insomniac transcends barriers as a refreshingly unique
creation. The track list (including eight brand-new recordings) is
"Dies Irie", "Magic Hour", "My Funny Valentine", "Lullaby for my
Favorite Insomniac", "Big My Secret", "All I Want", "Heart Asks
Pleasure First", "Dream", "Oblivion", "Song on the Land", "This Is Not
America", "Solitary Singer", "Lullaby for My Favorite Insomniac (Tao
of Sound Remix)", "Song on the Land (DJ Spooky Remix)", "This Is Not
America (Superdrive - This Is America Mix)", and "My Funny Valentine
(Ra.D - My Funny Baby Mix)". The club remix tracks especially stand
out since they are the result of international sound designers working
their magic with some of the Ahn sisters' most popular tunes. A
rousing tour de force of classical music like never heard before.
Long Way Home
Don Immel
Elemental Music
c/o The Creative Company (publicity)
123 South Broad Street, Mankato, MN 56001
DTI 1001, $15.00, 1-800-445-6209
Don Immel's debut solo album Long Way Home reveals his talent as one
of the best trombonists in the world, equally at home playing jazz,
classical, pop and more. In Long Way Home, the trombone is brought
back into the foreground as a lead instrument, whether in smooth jazz
or soft techno complemented by electronica (now known as the chill
music genre). The soul-stirring tracks are "Long Way Home" (3:57),
"Fool's Full Quiver" (4:29), "See the Memo" (5:05), "Whole
Lotta" (5:21), "Still in Love" (4:46), "Lemonade Alchemy" (4:45),
"Leaving Paradise" (4:18), "Dualife" (6:08), "Charm Offensive" (3:46),
and "Last Dance" (3:01). A joyful music experience especially
recommended for anyone interested in discovering the full soundscape
capabilities of the trombone for themselves.
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James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review