1. "Devotion"
Rasa
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It's amazing what two artists can do when highly
inspired. Fans of Enya, Vas, and Krishna Das will love
Rasa's "Devotion," a dreamy CD that dips into a well of
ancient Indian chant for soft, bewitching music. Vocalist
Kim Waters brings Sanskrit praise to life, while Hans
Christian works his magic on the sarangi and tabla as Asian
drums beat on. The No. 1 New Age CD of 2000.
2. "Sanctuary: Music from a Zen Garden"
Riley Lee
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Riley Lee is one of the few Americans to be named a grand
master of the shakuhachi flute, and his expertise shines on
"Sanctuary: Music from a Zen Garden." Following up the
lovely "Oriental Sunrise," "Sanctuary" calms with its quiet
singing while reducing stress and connecting the soul to
spiritual origins. Amazing for its virtuosity and stunning
for its lean compositions, "Sanctuary" creates the perfect
meditative experience.
3. "Niya Yesh"
Axiom of Choice
~ more...
Axiom of Choice took their name from the mathematical
principle of free choice, and that's exactly what this
world-music chamber ensemble accomplishes on "Niya Yesh."
Freely using such exotic instruments as the kamancheh (spike
fiddle) and ney flute, they re-create the sounds of ancient
Persia in inspired, hipped-out grooves. The result is a
multilayered, Middle Eastern music that blossoms with
memorable melodies, exotic, emotive tones, and some
wonderfully inspired jamming.
4. "Black Sand"
Led Kaapana
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Following up "Waltz of the Wind," a collaboration with
country music stars Ricky Skaggs and Alison Krauss, Hawaiian
slack-key guitarist Led Kaapana offers "Black Sand," an
enchanting solo collection of instrumentals. This album
flows with the warmth of traditional slack-key guitar and
Kaapana's centered touch, which evokes an island paradise.
5. "Paradise"
Tingstad and Rumbel
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Guitarist Eric Tingstad and oboist Nancy Rumbel have been a
duo for decades. They're best known for their languid, Paul
Winteresque melodies, and their new album, "Paradise," is no
exception. In fact, it's one of their most powerful albums
yet as it leaves their experimental days behind and draws on
the two's travels throughout America for
inspiration. "Paradise" meanders from English folk
influences to a touch of the Middle East for a music as cozy
as your favorite sweater.
6. "Midnight Moon"
Steve Roach
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Keyboardist Steve Roach picked up the guitar and recorded
the stunning "Midnight Moon," a sparse CD with dark tones
and expansive ambient colors. Roach bends textures while
layering tonalities to create serene, slow-moving
soundscapes. Roach likened the experience of making this
album to journeying into a cave, where the soul searches
deeper and deeper into realms of the unconscious self. It's
a haunting and evocative work.
7. "A Day Without Rain"
Enya
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Five years have passed since Enya's last album of original
material, but her new collection, "A Day Without Rain,"
confirms the wait was well worth it. With her graceful,
downy synth and delicate breathy voice, the Celtic artist
takes you away to the windy moors of Ireland with an
ethereal selection of hymnlike songs that prove her reign as
a New Age goddess isn't over yet.
8. "Mirage of the East"
Sorma
~ more...
Japanese visual and electronics artists, self-named Sorma,
mixed the sounds of Bali, India, and Mongolia into a techno
landscape for the unique "Mirage of the East." Trip-hop
grooves float into sensuous beats as Japanese shakuhachi
flute flies into sitar, harp, and enticing vocal chant for a
mystical journey into Eastern Asia.
9. "The Room"
Harold Budd
~ more...
With "The Room," ambient master Harold Budd proves he can
still create the same sort of low-key, intimate music that
brought him recognition in the mid-1980s. On this album,
Budd and his synth, organ, and piano, create a dark,
contemplative atmosphere that helps the aching mind unwind
as on a solitary rainy day.
10. "Musical Massage: Resonance"
Jorge Alfano
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There's profound beauty in vibrating sounds and this is what
the collection "Resonance" is all about. Using bells,
digeridoo, and other exotic instruments, Jorge Alfano
highlighted the "is-ness" of music, letting instruments ring
and resonate with deep, brilliant sound just as they were
designed to do. You may never listen to music the same way
again.
BEST OF 2000
Explore the year's best music from across all genres by
visiting our Best of 2000 page. You'll find our
customers' favorite CDs, our editors' favorite CDs, artists
of the year, and more.
Visit our page at:
~ more...
NEW AND NOTABLE
***************
"Peacemaker's Journey"
Joanne Shenandoah
ON Sale
On "Peacemaker's Journey," singer Joanne Shenandoah traces
the story of Skennenrahowi, or "the Peacemaker," who brought
the five nations of the Iroquois together to live in
harmony. This quiet album, sung in Shenandoah's native
tongue, spotlights her silken voice and signature reposed
style, with accompaniment from violin, cello, various world
instruments, and her daughter. Soothing and spiritual.
"Meav"
Meav
ON Sale
Singer Meav first earned recognition when singing in
American productions of "Riverdance." Now she debuts her
clear, chiming voice on a self-titled disc that features
traditional Irish sounds and orchestral romance. Her
rendition of "Ailein Duinn" from the "Rob Roy" soundtrack
particularly showcases her charisma and talent.
"Highland Cathedral"
Phil Coulter
ON Sale
With nearly 25 years of songwriting under his belt, Phil
Coulter is both respected and revered in his homeland of
Ireland. On "Highland Cathedral" Coulter steps into his own
with this full-length debut, creating a lush, Celtic piano
sound that recalls the sweetness of Jim Brickman and the
aura of Enya.
"Heaven's Dust"
Ekova
ON Sale
With an American singer, Iranian percussionist, and Algerian
lute player all based in Paris, Ekova were bound to mix
cultural and musical styles. The trio creates an enticing,
modern sound with such opposing instruments as tabla and
Irish bouzouki. In the tradition of the Cocteau Twins,
singer Dierdre Dubois leaves the language of her lyrics to
her muse, creating faux words through sound and inspiration.
"Ancient Journeys"
Cusco
ON Sale
Fans of Cusco's panpipe sonic journeys will enjoy this new
release, full of spiritual musings and otherworldly
charm. Celebrating ancient explorations around the world,
the group incorporates Spanish flamenco, tribal drumming,
and their breathy panpipes for an airy music that's both
uplifting and soothing.
LANZSCAPE
*********
Pianist David Lanz has released nearly 20 albums of
engaging, plaintive solo piano work. This year he returns
with "East of the Moon," a challenging collection that
boasts Lanz's inspired playing and a large, orchestral work
that reflects its title, a "World at Peace." Amazon.com
writer Terry Wood chats with Lanz about his new album, his
musical inspiration, and civilization on earth.
ON Sale
EDITOR'S CHOICE
***************
"Approaching Silence"
David Sylvian
ON Sale
David Sylvian returns to his ambient, all-instrumental ways
on his latest album, "Approaching Silence." With the help of
guitarist Robert Fripp and percussionist Frank Perry,
Sylvian creates a dark, tingling atmosphere reminiscent of
Brian Eno and early Tangerine Dream. Highly recommended.
"Sacred Treasures III: Choral Masterworks from Russia & Beyond"
Anonymous, Rachmaninoff, et al.
ON Sale
Lovers of the choral masterworks compilation "Sacred
Treasures" will delight in "Sacred Treasures III," a
collection of medieval sacred liturgies sung by renowned
Russian choirs. This beautiful recording creates a dark,
ominous atmosphere that carries the listener beyond earthly
cares into a sanctuary of blessed chant. Not to be missed.
ARTIST ESSENTIALS: GEORGE WINSTON
*********************************
George Winston first enchanted listeners with a gentle,
melancholy piano style wrought with poetic tension yet
surprisingly lacking in sentimentality. No other album
epitomizes Winston's beautiful, introspective musings more
than "Winter Into Spring," an album that at once awakes from
the dark slumber of a cold season while grabbing onto the
sudden blooming of nature. You can learn more about George
Winston's work in our Artist Essentials.
by George Winston
ON Sale
CUSTOMER FAVORITES
******************
Enya
"Watermark"
ON Sale
A music fan raves about Enya's debut CD "Watermark": "Like
images or memories you will always recall, this music
infects your soul. I bought it over 10 years ago, and every
time I play it, it washes over me like those waves Enya
sings about. This music reaches down inside your gut,
and stays there. The artistry of Enya's gifts is
overwhelming; her total immersion in a sound, a melody, a
synth orchestration pays off in spades. This music has the
ring of beauty and truth. Indispensable to anyone who loves
life and loves music."
"Screen Behind the Mirror"
Enigma
ON Sale
Few groups can simultaneously move the body and soul as well
as Enigma, the groundbreaking Spanish ambient dance-pop
act. Subtly fusing sounds from world and classical music
with shimmering melodies and supple grooves, "Screen Behind
the Mirror" is the soundtrack to a life well-lived--perfect
for yoga or any activity in need of inspiration.
"Hui Aloha"
Hui Aloha
Sale Price here!
The guitar ensemble Hui Aloha (Martin Pahinui and members of
the Sons of Hawaii) fingerpick their way through an
impressive self-titled debut, remembering the slack-key
tradition while adding their own contemporary inspiration
for a gentle, romantic album that's as warm as a Hawaiian
sunset. Enchanting.
"East of the Moon"
David Lanz
Sale Price here!
Pianist David Lanz returns with his most ambitious work to
date. "East of the Moon," is a thematic suite that travels
to intimate, subdued spaces before sweeping out into
expansive dreams. This new collection features a 35-piece
orchestra led by an inspired Lanz and his signature piano.
"The Journey: The Best of Adiemus"
Adiemus
Sale Price here!
Karl Jenkins's project, Adiemus, wrapped world music sounds
and the childlike choir of singer Miriam Stockley in bold
orchestral arrangements that raised the spirits of listeners
worldwide. Now the best of the Adiemus projects are brought
together on "The Journey," the perfect introduction to this
charming music that first became famous through a Delta
Airlines television ad.
"Quiet"
Sheila Chandra
Sale Price here!
British-Indian singer Sheila Chandra gained recognition for
vocal acrobatics that tap-danced across ancient Indian ragas
and ambient New Age sounds. This reissue was her first
departure from the pop-dance work of her band Monsoon, and
it lays the groundwork for the sublime vocal work the singer
would later achieve.
GRAMMY SPOTLIGHT: R. CARLOS NAKAI
*********************************
Flutist R. Carlos Nakai has been nominated for two Grammys
this year for Best New Age Album of the Year: "Inner Voices"
sings with traditional Navajo flute amidst understated
string accompaniment, while "Inside Monument Valley" finds
Nakai collaborating with beloved sax player Paul Horn. Their
improvised musings of flutes and soprano sax echo in
blissful spirituality against this famous landmark's desert
walls.
"Inner Voices"
Sale Price here!
"Inside Monument Valley"
Sale Price here!
UPCOMING RELEASES
*****************
"Ancient Journeys"
Cusco
Sale Price here!
Fans of Cusco's panpipe sonic journeys will enjoy this new
release, full of ethereal musings and otherworldly charm.
"Meav"
Meav
Sale Price here!
Singer Meav first earned recognition when singing in
American productions of "Riverdance." Now she debuts her
clear, chiming voice on a self-titled disc that features
traditional Irish sounds and orchestral romance.
"Breathing: Master Key to Self-Healing"
Andrew Weil, M.D.
Sale Price here!
This spoken-word CD by Dr. Andrew Weil educates listeners on
breathing techniques as means to boosting energy, reducing
anxiety, and leading a healthy, centered life.
Latest New Age:
New Titles
Wendy Carlos "Switched On Box Set"
Check it out!
Malcolm Dalglish & Ooolites "Pleasure"
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Kitaro "Thinking Of You"
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John Mills "Hallowed Moon"
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Jocelyn Pook "Flood"
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Govinda "Entwined & Entranced"
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Phil Thornton "Solstice"
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Tracy Scott Silverman "Trip To The Sun"
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Nicholas Gunn "Return To The Grand Canyon"
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Llewellyn Swain & Marina "Aromatherapy"
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Tangerine Dream "Architecture In Motion"
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Phil Thornton "Solstice"
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Tracy Scott Silverman "Trip To The Sun"
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Ceredwen "Golden Land"
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Levi Chen "Liquid Gardens"
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John Doan "Wayfarer"
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John Boswell "Love"
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Steve Roach "Light Fantastic"
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John Boswell "Love"
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David Helpling "Sleeping On The Edge Of The Wo"
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John Doan "Wayfarer"
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Kurt Bestor "Dance"
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Kevin Kern "In My Life"
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Micon "Song For Reiki"
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Ayman/Hisham/Lasar "Whisper Across The Sand"
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Dean Evenson "Healing Waters"
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Mannheim Steamroller "25 Years"
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Ah-Kin "Ring Of Gold"
Check it out here...
Uman "Purple Passage"
Check it out here...
Clara Ponty "Embrace"
Check it out here...
