If a person is interested in World Music, they should definitely take advantage of the music samples. I was particularly drawn to the last tract (Ujang Suryana) and have been trying to find more in this style .. without much luck so far. To me the last tract brings rememberances of warm and gentle rain. Most of the Indonesian CDs seem to be more of the clanging and banging on the gamelan .. So give the Samples a try before discounting an album.

There are quite a few fascinating cuts on this CD, including some very rare music from Japanese musician Oki that highlight his Ainu heritage. The Ainu are the Japanese aborigines, living on the island and anthropologically quite different from the Asiatic strain of Japanese. It's a very pretty folk song, and something you won't find on a CD every day.

My other favorite was the opening song by Zulya. She is a Tatar, that is, one of the Asiatic Russian peoples. What is interesting here is the mix of the Mali kora as an accompaniment. At first, I was a bit surprised to hear the kora (it's not from Tatarstan--it's an African instrument), but I must say it made for a lovely mix with the beautiful and mysterious-sounding song. The rest of the CD is pretty good, too, with especially nice music from Persia and Turkey.

If you ever brew a pot of tea, try serving it in those thin Turkish or Russian tea glasses instead of mugs on a cold winter day, and put on this CD. Lots of romantic atmosphere, and a great way to relax. Highly Recommended.

I loved this cd from the first listen. The opening track by Zulya is just beautiful. What a gorgeous voice she has. When I first picked up this cd I wasn't expecting to be so enthralled by it as I am. I wasn't expecting either to love the Chinese and Pakistani songs. But it truly goes to show that all music, no matter where it's from, is beautiful and can be loved and enjoyed by everyone, regardless of cultures, if given half a chance. And the Putumayo releases are perfect introductions to world music that otherwise may be passed over. They have certainly broadened my musical tastes and knowledge. The booklet contains very informative notes on each artist and song. I highly recommend this album.

When I first previewed this cd in a local Borders bookstore, I wrinkled my nose at a few of the tracks. But I must tell you it wasn't until I took the wraps off at home and paired it with my favorite incense that the overall spirituality of this cd soaked through.

It was initially "Saginou" that stole my heart, then "Kang Mandor", but gradually I was ovecome by the entire flow of the compilation. They really do work well together.

My hat's off to the compilation specialist and Putumayo for one of my favorite compilations, ever. (and I'm QUITE picky about what I choose to let in)

If you're the relaxation type who enjoys music that soothes and heals, you should definitely consider this one.

This is a nice CD to put on when you want to relax. It is by no means too mellow (no falling asleep to this one). The first 8 tracks are especially good, and the last 2 are mediocre. But overall, it is good, typical of Putumayo's collections of World Music.

There really is not one unified style of all of these selections. There is something for everyone, from Turkey to China... My favorite was the Turkic verses of the soft and tinny sounding "Saginou" Zulya from Tartarstan. I really did not like the last two tracks. The music seemed too saccharin sweet, and way too repetitive.