The Whole Music Experience

World  The Idan Raichel Project Quarter to Six Cumbancha Israeli peacemaker and musician Idan Raichal returns with his musical collective of emerging and established musicians on his latest release, Quarter to Six .   Signifying the moment before darkness falls (early evening) and based on a quote he overheard, the songs possess a soberness and gravity.   The album includes 16 tracks divided into two sections, Part A and Part B and represeningt various styles from world pop to classical ( In a Quiet Night featuring the German counter-tenor Andreas Scholl). I have mixed feelings about the songs.   On one hand, each of the songs features strong melodies, stunning vocals (especially the guest appearance of Ana Moura on God Knows ), and some beautiful acoustic arrangements.   On the other hand, I’m not fond of programming or world pop since my preferences lead towards classical and folkloric music performed on acoustic instruments.   So ...

The Touré-Raichel Collective The Tel Aviv Session Cumbancha With so many Malian-music collaborations to choose from these days, it is still not a cliché to introduce yet another.  Malian blues guitarist Vieux Farka Touré teams up with Israeli pianist Idan Raichel.  From what I can tell from the press notes, neither musician has collaborated on an acoustic jam session previously that combines the earthiness of Malian music with Middle Eastern modes.  In fact, these musicians are superstars of world pop and rock, but The Tel Aviv Session , sounds more new age than anything else (new age in a good way).  I find this album deeply relaxing alternating with invigorating. On the opening track Azawade, Raichel’s piano arcs over Touré’s bluesy chord progressions, reminding me of angels descending to the red earth.  Backed by Yossi Fine on bass, and Souleymane Kane on calabash, the only other musician that comes to mind is Taj Mahal, who also weds the tr...