Search - Robert Black, Mark Stewart, Blake Newman :: Evan Ziporyn / Gamelan Galak Tika: Amok!, Tire Fire

RUN, don't WALK!

K. Doles | 07/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We frequently hear about the development of a "world music culture" in which elements of Western (Euro-American) and non-Western (everything that isn't 'Western') coexist peacefully Unfortunately, a good portion of the evidence we are given of this musical 'evolution' consists of either sophomoric pop-tune noodling using 'exotic' modes or instruments, or at worst complete and shameless misappropriation of the music of another culture in an attempt to gain some sort of artistic credibility. Thankfully, this recording represents the complete opposite end of the spectrum. With these two works, Evan Ziporyn sets a new standard by which all other cross-cultural musical experiments should be judged. I have never before heard such seamless integration of Western and Balinese instruments and ideas. Both _Amok!_ and _Tire Fire_ should appeal to gamelan enthusiasts, lovers of contemporary music, and rock afficionados alike. Bravo!"

Six Stars.

Clark Battle | Seattle, WA United States | 04/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have not written a review in over a year but for this my silence will be broken. Usually, it takes a couple of listens for me to decide an album is good enough to put on my short desert island list. This disc made it by the end of the first track!



The Gamelan Galak Tika engages me on every level: polyrhythmic, harmonic, emotional, cultural, intellectual, micro tonal, physical, and just plain being in awe of the composer and especially the musicians. After listening to decades of extremely challenging music i have finally found something that stretches my ears in completely unexpected directions.



The above reviewer is right, run, dont walk! Not buying this CD is not an option. You dont need any more input. Its worth full price. Just get it.

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