'GOD MADE A SONG WHEN THE WORLD WAS NEW...
Larry L. Looney | Austin, Texas USA | 01/21/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...water's laughter sings it true.' That line, from 'Water song' by the Incredible String Band, could easily be applied to this beautiful collaboration recording between Italian loop maestro Stefano Musso (aka Alio Die) and dhrupad singer Amelia Cuni. The album's title, APSARAS, refers to mythical nymphs, capricious and seductive, who had their origins in water. The six pieces presented here are some of the most compelling examples I've ever heard of 'constructed' or 'ambient' music [God, how I hate labels!]. It may seem like an easy choice to call this music 'flowing', but it fits. It is also extremely spiritual -- dhrupad singing is an ancient musical form originating in India, a vocal expression of the singer's experience of the Divine. Cuni's soaring, from-the-soul voice, coupled with Musso's loops of drones and natural sounds [flowing water, birdsong, crickets, wind, &c] make for a very transporting sonic experience.I have two other cds of music by Alio Die -- INCANTAMENTO [rec. 1999] and THE DOOR OF POSSIBILITIES {a collaboration with Ora, rec. 1994]. They are both stunning This is an artist whose work I can securely buy without hearing first. Everything I have heard by him has exceeded my expectations -- and each recording has its own unique personality and beauty."
Dawning Of The Day
Gordon Danis | Eastchester, New York United States | 06/25/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Stefano Musso, who goes under the "nom de ambient" of Alio Die (which translates roughly into "Dawn Of A New Day")has juxtaposed his "flowing" samples of nature sounds, and the voice of Italian singer Amelia Cuni performing Indian "dhurupad" singing, in a most enchanting aural voyage for the serious or casual listener.
This is one ambient record that deserves, and will assuredly receive, many spins on your CD transport. Each listening session will reveal new details, and further beauty. Cliched, but true.
The early 21st Century is a wonderful time for ambient music from Italy. Some musicians have pointed to the social and political upheaval as a catalyst for the production of otherwordly, soothing sounds. Whatever his inspiration, Stefano Musso a/k/a Alio Die is clearly in the forefront of Italian ambient artists. His catalogue is wide, but there are very few recordings that are not 4 or 5 star recordings. "Asparas" clearly deserves the highest honor."
Good Music
tomaso68 | Fairfax, Virginia United States | 07/24/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Alie Die is a little known instrumental (new age) music performer. The first track on this Cd is a very nice instrumental piece, similar to music of Patrick O'Hearn or Kitaro, vibrant with nice guitar motives. Track 4 is also good, other tracks contain vocal parts, which I liked less. Overall it is worth listening to."
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1