JOSEPH BALDASSARE
Buddha-Bar Presents Living
Theather Vol. 1 (Kunduru)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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This is exotic music riding the fence between world music and new age, and although it covers a handful of styles there is a common vibe that is soothing and trancey. This could be listed as a various artists CD, as each track was recorded by someone different, but the star of the show is Joseph Baldassare, who wrote, arranged and produced all the music. The subtitle of the album is Modern Music From The Mediterranean and Beyond, and although most of the singing is in English, there certainly are a few other languages being spoken, chanted, whispered and sung here, though I don't know what they are. I don't need to, to be honest. I only need the vibe to erase the stresses of the day and let me float for a while, and the truth is I get happily lost in this music. Brigid Boden's sexy, hypnotic voice on "Innocence Is Not A Crime" sends my tranced-out mind into a sensitive area (do they have confessionals in trance-worlds?). Anaida's "Good Day To Die" doesn't help, either, but it does deepen the trance via ricochet synth-shots streaking across a subtle soundscape built on deep bass, congas and other percussion instruments, and a droning sitar-like tone. Like Joseph Baldassare's previous work, this album is recommended for those who like at least a few in their collection designed to calm the nerves. This is presented by the French label/dance club, Buddha-Bar, but it's released on Kunduru, a label run by Baldassare and his brother, Frank, a massage therapist in New York. Their mission statement is to create music that promotes healing. I'm no doctor, but as a layman I can say it promotes peace and meditation, and is two or three rungs above the average release in this genre.

© 2002 - DJ Johnson