Kaya Project - Walking Through

First I must comment on the cover. a handmade organic fibrous fabric with two souls walking through a mystical ring, their inner cores shine with metallic resonance, they are joined together on their journey. the inside photos show images of far off lands, hinting at the mystical journey you are about to embark upon. Nice.

1. walking through - a warm and mysterious opening, strings and woodwinds, raised up by a piano and more long strings. the percussions flow into the song like a breeze, the acoustic guitar enters, and the beat gets just plain fat. the bassline grooves and the vocals come in, all forces joining to create a bliss anthem that sends this album straight up and up into the multicolored sunrise of a new dawn.

2. slide - more warmth and depth here, the big cymbal washes feel like rain splashing on my ears. some classy delay over a dubby break that forms the backbone. a xylophone-ish melody and a whispery voice loop make for a comfortably lazy groove. reminds me of older kruder and dorfmeister. the guitar comes in with a slide edge, adding another layer on top of the foundation.

3. labess - now we enter the more ethnic style movement that forms a large portion of the middle of this album. a flute and breathy sound combine to warm the space. the standup bassline just rules. the gorgeous female vocals sing volumes without words. tells a tale of long lost loves and the wonders of life. the strings and flute combine to give a very 3-d effect. very striking tune, lots of space resonating in the background.

4. olelo - great drum variety, neat metallic sounds far in the back, a male voice arrives to sing as the rhythm section does its thing quite effectively. after a bit, the voice gets a chorus, and some effects. a slow dance tune sure to fit in any lounge. a story is being told, secrets being revealed… the xylophoney sound comes back. this has an african feel. seems the whole world is being travelled.

5. twin soul - this was one of the gems on "arabian travels 2" on six degrees. hearing it in this context makes it that much more magical. its dubby, its ethnic, its thick! and oh my goodness, that voice! what language is that!?! she is most certainly sending chills up and down my spine. brings a tear to my eye… makes me slow down and breathe to soak it in. makes me want to jump up and down! bellydancers love this. the guitar provides a strong direction. the flute comes in with a flutter and the delay is used just right, makes for a very impressive tune, sure to last for a lifetime, the depth of intention is staggering.

6. Nightflower (kaya rmx) - the voice of irina mikhailova is now heard in many places, it comes like a poem, glowing and flowing. the flute and drumming create swinging hips and deep thoughts. classic arabian string flourishes make a striking theme. and her voice, spiralling away into the night, and the effects are again, just right. we are left with the sounds of myriad insects.

7. kanzaman breaks - street sounds and voice phase from left to right, a vivid sound picture. a great combination of breaks and ethnic instrumentation (i wish i knew the names of all the instruments)… an acidy synth line grooves with the bass. a male voice emerges with a mission, its well effected, and tells an epic tale. again the strings and flute combination groove along with much class.

8. tribal shift - another top track, female vocal heats up the heartspace, the drumming comes in heavy and laid back at the same time. definitely comes across as a tribal ritual, put thru a funk filter. it reaches a crescendo, the guitar comes in to bring melody and prove the mastery unfolding.

9. stone turns black - has the feeling of a casbah in my imagination, the many instruments are being played as the veil is lifted briefly, the dancers tease. whispers tell secrets of mystery and fantasy. nice use of effects makes the end fly away into the breeze.

10. only the brave - big strings and a watery guitar, a more pensive piece, slower and more dreamy. great chimes! they give me tingles. again, we are blessed with a wonderful mix of instrumentation, vocals and effects, giving a deep sound story, a very emotive track.

11. resolve - acidy goo slides around in the back ground as the guitar is given the front of stage, the rest of the band chills, satisfyingly offering melodic support. a short interlude, it allows a bit of rest.

12. rise above - a whispery, slow exit, yet opening further into warmth. the guitar is played gently with heart and soul. we are sent off into blissful relaxation as the album comes to a close, leaving us with memories and a warm glow. and feeling a bit speechless perhaps!
overall, a wonderful disc. truly a blessing, healing my ears. providing us all with lots to think about, or an escape from thinking too much. the future blends with the past. masterful production and flawless detail. thanks.