I have recently discovered Jean-Pierre Garattoni, and I am glad that he helped me discover Asian sound in his three-part combo titled Moods of Asia. The project is just a tiny capture of what the continent offer musically, but it is perfect to begin the quest with.
Art of Asian Meditation.
Inspiring combination of chill sounds, onomatopeas and traditional Asian instrumentals tricks you into thinking that Asia is all about balance and peace. At first, I was confused with the authors idea to combine sounds from different parts of the continent that have completely different culture. Eight songs dedicated to meditation are not musically related, and the European influence is dominant both in titles and instruments. Then I have realized that the chilling effect is what the richness of instruments was supposed to provide. Sounds collected from the nature are what defines sonic expression of Asia.
Sensual Asian Club Sounds.
The second disc is all about the equillibrium and soothing melody, almost without any oscilations. Balanced rhythym leads to potential boredom and monotony, but background vocals make this compilation appropriate for tea drinking in a lounge bar. You don’t need to think about your thoughts while you are listening to Sensual Asian Club Sounds, rather indulge in abstract existence. Still, I was not convinced that this is the music for the club, since it sounds like a soundtrack for the afternoon yoga class. So far, my biggest remark is that three discs may not be differentiated thematically as good as the titles suggest.
Finest Asian Tea Lounge
After the focus on China and Japan, the third part takes you to the stronger sound of Indian subcontinent. Finest Asian Tea Lounge does not miss the opportunity to heal with sounds of flora and fauna. The transition to the Indian sonic experience is subtle and beautiful. Here, the vocal steps forward from the background, but it is still in harmony with the instrumental. Budhism is in its zenith.
The compilation aspires to releases the tension of everyday stress we all succumb to while living on The West. In my opinion, this music is a suitable antidote to materialism and capitalistic obsessions. Personal favorite – Dreamtime – erases the boundary between the dream and the reality and takes you to the hypnotic land. Don’t think this is psychedelic number. On the contrary. It’s all about the emancipation of spirit, not the mind.
Despite its conceptual flaws, the compilation brings us closer to the Asia. Mission accomplished.
