Kronos Caravan
The Kronos Quartet--apparently tired of performing some of the most riveting Western classical works composed in the last century--decided to take a vacation withCaravan. Where did they go? As evidenced by this globetrotting disc, seemingly everywhere. Music from the Middle East, South America, India, Portugal, and California (to name just a few) find their way onto this genre-blurring disc, along with a few surprises. They do a dizzying take on Dick Dale's "Miserlou," which we learn was originally written by Nicholas Roubanis in the '30s; perform a tune from India's bustling "Bollywood" film music industry; and tackle Terry Riley's inventive "Corgeo Funebre en el Monte Diablo"--the second movement of hisRequiem for Adam(written for the late son of Kronos leader David Harrington). These are disparate but enthralling works that run the gamut from frenetic to reflective. Even thoughCaravansounds less cohesive than Kronos'sotherworld music foray,Pieces of Africa, this is still an enthralling collection and a must for Kronos fans.--Jason Verlinde