Other Side
The earliest chroniclers of the bagpipe described it as a popular accompaniment for dancing, so it should come as no surprise that someone figured out a way to adapt the ancient instrument for the modern dance floor. José Angel Hevia Velasco, who performs under the name of Hevia, uses a unique electronic MIDI bagpipe, an instrument he invented, to play music that blends the melodies of the Asturian region of Spain where he grew up with synthesized washes of sound and drum beats. On his slow tunes like "El Saltón" and "Kyrie Eleison," the eerie drone of his pipes creates a haunting ambience that is enhanced by the subtle use of chants from Tibet, Spain, and the Middle East. But when Hevia picks up the tempo and lets loose with a flurry of notes, he brings the music a jolt that is both primal and celebratory. The selections onThe Other Sidemay have a glossy, modern surface, but Hevia's deft touch and soulful playing keep the tunes from straying too far from their ancient roots.--Michael Simmons