Miles_Gurtu [Import]

1. Allow time. Listen to the recording straight from the beginning to the end without interruption. Its 42:19 should tolerate you to take the break.
2. Be open-minded. Imagine. Some may hear a train approaching and passing by, others may picture a starship. This much depends whether you enjoy the current moment or are up to the future.
3. Second half of the recording is a bit too over-electronics'ed which you may like or don't..
4. The recording is not well-rounded at the end and stops neither with a question nor with an open end.
5. This recording will definitely not be background music. It can also hardly be listened to in a random mode.
6. You are lucky if you listen to Miles_Gurtu on an advanced audio as you will be able to grasp all those small details that add to the music and create its atmosphere.
7. What kind of music is Miles_Gurtu by genre? That is not another blend of Anglo- sax (Roberto Concina is from Italy) and Indian music (Trilok Gurtu is a famous percussionist originating from Indian).It is nicely put in the linear notes: "Improvised? Partly. A new kind of jazz? Maybe. The sound of surprise? Most definitely." To me, the recording is a logically developed creative nu-muzik.
8. Sit in your chair and enjoy.

First track "Golden Rust" eases the listener in with deep cello grooves and a sensual keyboard arrangement, not unlike something that'd be heard in a smoky late night live jazz club. It's late night feel and seductive jazz tones feels more akin to Gurtu's multicultural arrangements, and although it doesn't sound like a radical electronic/ Percussion crossover, its still highly accomplished nonetheless, that bodes incredibly well for the rest of the album.

"Wearing Masks" is more relative to the work of Robert Miles, and his trance-like melodic passages are given ample room to morph into something more electronic and expansive sounding, negating thudding beats in favour of something more organic and contemplative, with a prominent piano arrangement the focal instrument in this track. Gurtu's percussion is subdued and understated, and focuses more on Miles' contribution to the track. And thus it's a strangely earthy sound that feels like a loose electronic arrangement, but stunningly beautiful in composition.

"Languages of Conscious Thought" is something that could have been lifted directly from Trilok's own "Glimpse" album, it's the rhythmic tabla that he made his name by, with the improvisational & Worldbeat influence jazz that earmarks his best albums. Complex tabla and clay pot rhythms are the order of the day here, and its hard not to be impressed, at how proficiently Trilok makes the execution of his playing, so superbly compelling. Miles' contribution here, is to subtly texture the music with keyboard hums & gentle samples, and appears to be helped with an additional musician that lends slight bass guitar.

"Inductive" is interesting for it use of warm synthesizers & samples, that evoke memories of prime era 'Brian Eno'. Its a lush melodic effort that impresses with beautifully integrating the electronic and percussive elements of the two main artists involved, which has that balance of beautiful tension and organic percussion, all in one, that although nothing new, is brilliantly implemented and essentially taken the rich and time-honoured tradition of the tabla, and fused it with contemporary electronic studio wizardry, which feels like an reinterpretation of hypnotic Indian classical music, and more than justifies the (slightly unexpected) collaboration between these two artists.

It should also be noted that between the majority of these incredibly worthwhile tracks, these are punctuated with some truly gorgeous instrumental pieces that range from neo-classical, to soothingly detached ambient moments that are so good that it's feels incredibly short sighted not the flesh these interludes into full compositions. (Think: "Harold Budd/Brain Eno's - The Pearl").

This is a record that although having the cross over appeal to incite fans of both musicians is neither entrenched firmly with either musician. Instead its more of a even contribution from both artists, so those expecting an album or just electronica or India fusion persuccion will be disappointed, as it has its foot in both camps and makes no concession to either. What you should realise is this is an album of beautifully realised compositions and songs of undulating space and sophistication, its an album that in theory isn't restricted to musical trends, and therefore has the potential for substantial longevity. (provided you give ample time between listens), it works as elegant mood/seductive chilli music to have playing whilst you work or study. Or music that you can really lose yourself in, whilst listened to uninterrupted. Fans familiar with both artists should seek this out immediately, and those that aren't, should be aware that this is geared towards an eclectic listening audience, although it has to power to seduce new audiences.

First things first though. This is not a Robert Miles album per se. Trilok Gurtu plays a big role here in terms of his presence and influence. His favoured percussive instruments and musical style have coloured Miles often simplistic but intense melodies.

In the end it is much more a jazz style with Indian/Asian flavour. The electronic component is well buried within the mix and works mainly to support the percussion and double bass which form the backbone of the tracks. Samples are almost absent from this album but when they're used they're far from intrusive.

At times very musical, at other times quite jarring and discordant, even at times quite laid back (even sleepy, perhaps a bit boring)it is an album that might not appeal to many especially Miles fans from way back. If you couldn't get "Organik" then forget about this one and if you don't favour jazz styles then walk away.

But for the rest of us, this is a quiet triumph for variety by a pair of established artists