Diaspora Soul

Diaspora Soul

ASIN: B00000JWFJ

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The word "eclectic" is thrown around a lot, but seldom does a record in this post-everything era live up to that billing. Judging by its title, Diaspora Soul would seem to be another klezmer record--in fact, its raison d'être is as one of a series of albums foisted by John Zorn as part of his "Radical Jewish Culture" series. But apparently, Steve Bernstein--who's logged time in the Lounge Lizards--was doing some radical cultural-thinking of his own. This album came about as a result of Bernstein's desire to combine what he described as "the Gulf Coast sound, encompassing Texas and Cuba" with traditional Hebrew music. The result is a totally twisted and brilliant affair that pairs greasy organ with Cuban percussion (think Willie Bobo or Mongo Santamaria) and bears little resemblance to the rock-influenced experiments of sometime collaborator Marc Ribot. Bernstein's own trumpet leads the way on most of the compositions--which are principally made up of traditional Hebrew tunes like "Shalom Bimramov" and "Manishtana"--and it's a lot closer tone-wise to the clarity of a Booker Little than, say, the muted wheeze of Miles Davis. A great example of the genuine eclecticism displayed here by Bernstein and his cohorts can be heard on "Roumania, Roumania"; Brian Mitchell's whirring Wurlitzer organ, which is suitably smoldering throughout, provides much of the ride, beginning with a sustained sizzle that actually, for about 10 seconds, evokes the pyrotechnic pomp of organ-laden bands like Deep Purple before slinking into a sleazy groove. What's even more amazing is that this song was recorded. On five tracks, Bernstein expands the lineup to include a big band of sorts featuring the underrated Briggan Krauss, who plays baritone sax here and duels it out to good effect with tenor man Peter Apfelbaum on "Mazinka" before Bernstein gets that Cuban thing going once more. Jews with the blues or urban toreadors, take your pick. Who said it couldn't happen here? --Joe S. Harrington

Tracks:

Manishtana
L'Chaim
Shalom Bimromav
Roumania, Roumania
Cha
Rock Of Ages
Chusen Kalah Mazel Tov
Mazinka
Let My People Go
Ani Mamin
Habet Mishomayim
Dybbuk Dub

Amazon.com

The word "eclectic" is thrown around a lot, but seldom does a record in this post-everything era live up to that billing. Judging by its title, Diaspora Soul would seem to be another klezmer record--in fact, its raison d'être is as one of a series of albums foisted by John Zorn as part of his "Radical Jewish Culture" series. But apparently, Steve Bernstein--who's logged time in the Lounge Lizards--was doing some radical cultural-thinking of his own. This album came about as a result of Bernstein's desire to combine what he described as "the Gulf Coast sound, encompassing Texas and Cuba" with traditional Hebrew music. The result is a totally twisted and brilliant affair that pairs greasy organ with Cuban percussion (think Willie Bobo or Mongo Santamaria) and bears little resemblance to the rock-influenced experiments of sometime collaborator Marc Ribot. Bernstein's own trumpet leads the way on most of the compositions--which are principally made up of traditional Hebrew tunes like "Shalom Bimramov" and "Manishtana"--and it's a lot closer tone-wise to the clarity of a Booker Little than, say, the muted wheeze of Miles Davis. A great example of the genuine eclecticism displayed here by Bernstein and his cohorts can be heard on "Roumania, Roumania"; Brian Mitchell's whirring Wurlitzer organ, which is suitably smoldering throughout, provides much of the ride, beginning with a sustained sizzle that actually, for about 10 seconds, evokes the pyrotechnic pomp of organ-laden bands like Deep Purple before slinking into a sleazy groove. What's even more amazing is that this song was recorded. On five tracks, Bernstein expands the lineup to include a big band of sorts featuring the underrated Briggan Krauss, who plays baritone sax here and duels it out to good effect with tenor man Peter Apfelbaum on "Mazinka" before Bernstein gets that Cuban thing going once more. Jews with the blues or urban toreadors, take your pick. Who said it couldn't happen here? --Joe S. Harrington

Customer Reviews:

Music For The New Orleans Diaspora.......2007-05-18

I only recently came across this album and am I glad I did -- it has given me great joy and comfort during the continuing New Orleans diaspora following Hurricane Katrina. Bernstein and company have fully captured the heart and soul of New Orleans jazz and taken it to a new level. Despite that this album was created for totally unrelated purposes, it came to me at the perfect time. You don't have to have experienced Katrina -- or be Jewish (which I'm not)-- to fully appreciate this album. It speaks to anyone who loves jazz, regardless the source material. It's funky and fun and above all, very accessible (unlike Berstein's Sexotica debacle). This is a kind of album you don't have to listen to 10 times before you appreciate it -- one play and you're hooked.

Klesmer with Collards and Salsa.......2004-12-04

Virtuoso, staid and classy brass led by a wonderfully laconic trumpet. There's that sharp aroma of collards boiling with some ham in a dark bluesy corner diner with slow and ultra-cool salsa rhythm. The rays of the Wurlitzer in the dim distance suddenly shine gloriously through a late fall cloud bank. There are fedoras, and sunglasses and gold teeth in this music, with dreadlocks, brylcreem, and overcoats.

All topped off with my favorite cut,the last one, that takes the whole show into an underwater grotto where big fish glide noiselessly past in the shadows.

Definitely Out of the Box.......2002-02-22

As a photographer, I'm always looking for new ways to portray the "same old thing." Steven Bernstein has definitely succeeded in bringing a fresh look to Klezmer and other ethnic favorites. I knew that I would like the disk after hearing an interview with him on "Fresh Air"; Bernstein's musical resume and approach were intriguing.

This is a fun album to enjoy when you need a little something different. Also, try Sex Mob's "Sex Mob Does Bond" for the same bizarre look at traditional music.

new, mellow music came to my ears........2000-08-24

this cd was a love at first sight! the first time i listened to steven bernsteins tunes (the kind of sound he's creating by playing his trumpet is incredible) i knew i had to buy this cd.

it contains not only a never-heard kind of jazz, it is a menu of different kind of sounds without one loosing its quality being mixed with the others. if you like to have relaxed, sometimes melancolic, melodious jazz you have to have this.

Mannequin warehouse klezmer.......2000-06-13

There's a spooky otherworldly quality to these recordings. Songs like Mishtana reminded me of the Dummy album by Portishead. Other cuts are impossible to categorize (thus mannequin warehouse klezmer). Thanks for the great experiment. I find it very enjoyable listening to on long drives.

Average customer rating:

Bally Sagoo
Bally at his best. . .

Bollywood Flashback
Bally Sagoo
Manufacturer: Tristar
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music

General | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Hanji
Monsoon Wedding (Score)
The Best of Bollywood
Introducing A.R. Rahman (2 CD SET)
Bhangra Beatz

ASIN: B0000020FL
Release Date: 1996-08-06

Tracks:

Chura Liya - Debashish Das Gupta, Reema Das Gupta, Bally Sagoo
Yeh Sama Hai Pyar Ka - Ranjana Joglekar, Bally Sagoo
O Saathi Re - Irene Perveen, Bally Sagoo
Quarbani Quarbani - Debashish Das Gupta, Anand Kumar, Bally Sagoo, Mohammed Yunus
Mehbooba Mehbooba - Bally Sagoo, Mohammed Yunus
Roop Tera Mastana - Bally Sagoo, Mohammed Yunus
Jab Hum Jawan Honge - Ranjana Joglekar, Bally Sagoo
Waada Na Tod - Ranjana Joglekar, Bally Sagoo
Choli Ke Peeche - Vandana Prohra, Bally Sagoo, Bela Sulakhe

Customer Reviews:

Bally Sagoo.......2002-06-21

The CD is great. I am familiar with all the songs as I have watched all the videos before on the telly. Having your own CD is a different story altogether which I now have. Bally Sagoo is a great Music Composer and I am his fan!

Bally at his best. . ........2000-11-05

I am a big fan of Bally Sagoo and the firt time i heard this collection of re-mixes i fell in love with his work all over again. As you can hear in the little tracks they offer on this site, the mixes havent been overdosed with cheap additions nor are they too much like their original version. Bally Sagoo is truley the father of all re-mixes and always shows his colors in his work.

Average customer rating:

Well worth the wait
This album needs major help!!!
Just Fine... just fine...
Contagious fun
Terrible

Bollywood Flashback, Pt. II
Bally Sagoo
Manufacturer: Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music

General | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00004SUU0
Release Date: 2001-06-05

Tracks:

Noorie - Gunjan
Main Naiyon Bolna - Ram Shanker
Yeh Reshmi Zulfein - Saud Khan
Sajna Kahe Bhool Gaye - Echo Ranks, Gunjan,
Hai Hai Yeh Majboori - Depali Somaiya
Aja Aai - Gunjan
Aaj Phir Jenne Ki - Gunjan
Lal Lal Gal - Saud Khan
Noorie Instrumental [Instrumental] - Bally Sagoo
Yeah Reshmi Zulfein [Instrumental] - Bally Sagoo
Sajna Kahe Bhool Gaye [Without Rap] - Bally Sagoo
Aaj Phir Jeene Ki [Instrumental] - Bally Sagoo

Customer Reviews:

Well worth the wait.......2001-08-26

The second volume to Bollywood Flashback has been well worth the wait. A perfect marriage of A. Hindi film vocals and B. Blockrockin' dance beats. The downtempo tracks like Noorie and Yeh Resmi Zulfein are sooo beautiful and make you want to pack up for a trip beginning in Morocco and ending up in Jaipur! The uptempo Aja Aai Bahar starts with a New-Orderesque euro-beat before going into full throttle again with THAT gorgeous vocal. The ragga-inflected Sajna Kahe Bhool Gaye and rock n' roller Lal Lal Gal are gems too. The instrumentals make you want to sing along, altogether now: "Ajaa....

This album needs major help!!!.......2000-09-29

Back in the day Bally was good but this a sad attempt at recapturing what he once was as a remixer...time to hang it up and hit the private party circuit chap.

Just Fine... just fine..........2000-08-21

I guess sooner or later Bally Sagoo had to come up with a follow up to Bolly. Flashback. What I like about his remixes compared to the millions in the market is that he picks songs that are not obvious candidates. Who would have thought Haye Haye Yeh Majboori could have a techno beat to it! Although the thought of a lower middle class Indian housewife singing a discotheque-savvy song to her husband is kinda funny. And then he re-interprets the song completely with new vocalists and gives the song a whole new feel. Its NOT patchwork! If I'm not mistaken he has sort of distanced himself from the 'ragamuffin rap' thing which is just fine with me...

Contagious fun.......2000-08-10

I stumbled upon this in a record shop in Toronto. I listened to about two tracks and bought it on the spot. The entire album is so much fun...In truth, I'd have to give Ballywood II 4 stars, but because the other reviewer was so extreme in his assessment, I'm awarding 5 stars. Bally Sagoo is much fun. For those who don't know, Bhangra is a hybrid of traditional Indian music and house music. Or something close to that. It's a smile.

Terrible.......2000-07-05

Ok, this album is one of those one-song good, the rest bad. Nothing on this album is worth the cost. The only good song is Noorie, currently rocking the charts back home in India, the song is a great remix. The rest of the songs are just pure plain trash. Download the MP3 of Noorie, and save some hard-earned money! Long live Napster!

Average customer rating:

Achas Shoalti- One Thing I Ask

Manufacturer: Seth Nadel
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAD6E0
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Average customer rating:

Heritage

Manufacturer: Heritage O.P.Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Africa | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAF2UQ
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Average customer rating:

Diaspora
Ronald Muldrow
Manufacturer: Enja
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000005CB3
Release Date: 1995-03-21

Tracks:

Diaspora
Twai-Like
Stella By Starlight
I Want To Talk About you
A Minor Mention
Senzeni
Harris me
If I Knew
Hittin' The Jug
Ambidextrous
A Child Is Born

Average customer rating:

Diaspora Pulse
Anne H. Pollack
Manufacturer: Magica Axe Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAE9OQ
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music