Re-Orient
have been going for two full decades now with their jazz-Indian hybrid, refining it over the course of several albums to the point where it's most definitely natural, and works very well, both rhythmically and melodically. It's adventurous at times, as with the lengthy "Portrait of a Swan," and can also be lulling and loving, as they prove on "Dangerous Ground," revisiting the first song they recorded together, taking it into bossa nova ground -- but even there they manage to put in something edgy. That they're accomplished is beyond question, with a deep knowledge and love of Indian music -- the konnakol mouth percussion of "Celebration" shows much of that, embedded into a sprightly, happy piece. On the tunes where they do stretch out, like "Tides," they create some gorgeous textures, and have a chance to exploit the possibilities of the instruments and fusion. Let's hope they have another 20 years together. ~ Chris Nickson