Nandu’s Dance (Free Spirit/Discowkrs, 1999)
This is a superb Indo-Swedish fusion band, not quite in the league of Shakti, but with a more diverse range of sounds. The album begins in fine style with the energetic title track, which sets the tone for the album.
Some pieces are reminiscent of the ‘Call of the Valley’ classical instrumentals, such as Tove, Kamala and Emma. Check out the sizzling percussion solos in the track ‘Sounds,’ and the funky rendition of Tarana.
Nearly every track on this album is good, right down to the sax work on the closing track Faroe Islands.
Author: Madanmohan Rao
Madanmohan Rao is an author and media consultant from Bangalore, and global correspondent for world music and jazz for World Music Central and Jazzuality. He has written over 15 books on media, management and culture, and is research director for YourStory Media. Madan was formerly World Music Editor at Rave magazine and RJ at WorldSpace, and can be followed on Twitter at @MadanRao.
