Sansura

From www.lemongrassmusic.de A world music project in every extent, “Sansura” the project and its self-titled first album European debut, blends urban and spiritual sound landscapes. Quite fascinatingly, this vision is not only aimed at the mind and soul but also moves the body. Imagine Thievery Corporation and Fatboy Slim on a psychedelic trip and you have some idea of where “Sansura” may take you. Creative mastermind Kira, world artist recently moved from London to Japan, provided the track concept, basic music themes and ethnics. His London based partner, Lerner has been in charge of most the electronic side including the overall sound engineering and production. Kira recorded with many guest musicians and also played a lot of traditional instruments himself. A special credit must be given to Gab sitar player, for his invaluable and unique contribution, sound and writing wise, providing also flute, oud and percussion. Although the track list suggests mainly Indian influences, the actual inspiration is somewhat different. As project creator Kira points out: “The reason why the Indian sound is there, is not because of Indian music itself, which I love anyway, but because of what happened in the late 1960s. Back then, Indian music has been the first ever major “world music” import, a worldwide new concept, and was naturally integrated into psychedelic music. Therefore the music on “Sansura” is rather psychedelic-influenced where sitar appears as solo instrument” To put it right, on “Sansura” electronic and vintage beats meet sound and atmosphere of India, Japan, Middle East and China. Included in the production process are instruments like Sitar, Biwa, Tablas, Ehru, Tonkori, Oud, Charango, Quena and many other traditional instruments from almost all over the world. The fascinating aspect is how well these multifarious sources blend with each other and all the electronic elements. The radio friendly and multicultural anthem “This is India” features the collaboration and production by recording artist Gaudi. Cool beats, sound snippets, sitar solo, voices add to a compelling mixture which is as unique as danceable. “Radio Pamir” may remind listeners to Thievery Corporation and classic progressive but this imaginary journey takes advantage by its natural feel and authentic instrumentation. To explore the whole range of “Sansura” you best tune in to the opening track “Takebayashi” also “Auratrance” and “Shiv Shiv Beat” as those tracks exert some wicked hypnotizing power but come as diverse and therefore entertaining as you may hope for. Another prestigious collaboration includes Tu Shan Xiang, acclaimed as one of the best Pipa (Chinese traditional instrument) who provides themes, flute and narration to the slowly building “Shimalaya” players worldwide. Possibly one of the rare contaminations of this kind, North-Japanese Ainu culture influence dominates “Musicainu” by incorporating also authorized vocal samples of the late Ainu singer Umeko Ando. The concluding track “New Chant Underground” (vocal by a Tokyo street chanting monk) demonstrates once more on how wonderful a journey this blend of traditional sounds and electronic engineering can take you. A truly versatile, deep and powerful offering. Please note that Kira is an ONE.org member and supports various non-profit charities and organizations such as: SaveDarfur.org, (Peter Gabriel’s) HUB.witness.org, Avaaz.org (among others). Please DO keep talking and get involved! All tracks by Sansura. Recorded in London UK and Japan. Mixed and Mastered at Firefly Studios London UK. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.