Narada Decade Two: Evolution, 1992-2001 (2-CD Set)

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Once a contemporary instrumental/New Age label to the core, Narada Records dramatically revised its aesthetic posture during the latter half of the 1990s. Following its acquisition by Virgin Records in 1997, Narada intensified its expansion into neighboring musical genres (principally world and jazz) and, as showcased on this two-disc sampler, has become a far more diverse label--practically a whole new Narada. How much has changed? Consider: On a 29-track compilation (all previously released material) with a running time that exceeds two hours, just one solo piano track appears ("Sunrise" by Russian pianist Kostia). Longtime artists such as Eric Tingstad & Nancy Rumbel, David Arkenstone, and Michael Gettel make appearances on disc one, while disc two demonstrates--sometimes to jarring effect--just how eclectic Narada has grown. The suave flamenco guitar of Oscar Lopez, for example, is followed by a sweaty brass-and-percussion workout by the all-star ensemble Cuba L.A., which is then followed by the detailed finger-style guitar of Don Ross. Flamenco (Chuscales) later leads into funk-flavored uptown jazz ("Onward, Upward," a terrific track from Alex Bugnon), then moves into an Oriental vocal dreamscape (Sheila Chandra), smooth jazz (saxophonist Warren Hill), and then a traditional Mexican-Indian vocal piece (Lila Downs). Worthwhile stuff, just a little strangely juxtaposed in a single package. Narada Decade Two serves more as a sampler that displays the label's diversity and eclectic nature than a cohesive listening experience. Looking for a bliss fest? Maybe try Narada Decade. --Terry Wood, ISBN13: B00005LMPQ ISBN10: B00005LMPQ Material Type: audioCD