Author: Putumayo Presents

Format: Compilation

Release Date: 22-08-2000

Details: Product Description A soothing, inspirational brew of exotic music steeped in the traditions of Asia's tea lands Amazon.ca Every successful label develops its own game, and Putamayo's is to seek unexpected musical links. But while Mali to Memphis does a brilliant job in connecting desert and Mississippi blues, Music from the Tea Lands is more dubious. We all drink tea, and throughout Asia it has central social significance: these 10 tracks are designed to give a taste of the tea lands' diverse cultures. More's the pity, then, that five should represent bland musical internationalism. Why represent the Volga by a singer--good though she may be--whose long sojourn in Australia has taken all edge off her style? Why present Calcutta via a sitar/guitarist whose American training has obliterated all trace of his original mode? And God knows what the synthesised oriental mishmash of the Ancient Future fusion-group has to do with tea. On the plus side, we get a lovely solo on the Chinese erhu fiddle, some tremendous tracks from Anatolia and Iran on their respective local lutes, and some oddly Fado-esque guitar-playing from the former Portuguese colony of Sumatra. Putamayo finally spices up its brew with some interesting historical notes plus a recipe for Indian chai. Great packaging, shame about some of the songs. -- Michael Church

UPC: 790248018027

EAN: 0790248018027

Languages: English

Binding: Audio CD

Item Condition: UsedVeryGood