Search - Various Artists, DJ Matt Consola :: Circuit Grooves 11.1

Ascending Beyond the Realm of Trance

James Calamera | Sebastopol, CA United States | 08/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When you think about it, what makes great art - or great entertainment for that matter? I believe it's that moment that lets us know, almost in a humorous way, that the artist knows what they're doing so well that we are at their mercy while observing them. They're taking us for a ride, and we love it. There are moments like that in DJ Matt Consola's 2001 CD release, Circuit Grooves 11.1 I'll admit this CD is not for everyone - it's definitely more for those who enjoy trance and modern club music. But if you do, you will recognize upon first playing that this is a fabulous trance journey that you released from that shrink-wrapping, like a genie from a bottle. This album describes itself as a vocal trance journey - and that's right on the mark. It's peppered throughout with sweet female vocals, beginning with an immediately likeable tune by Diana Fox, Running On Empty. This tune could easily be a Top 40 hit - and it should be. With a compelling voice, reflective lyrics, and a terrific musical hook reminiscent of ATB (Andre Tanneberger), you may find yourself, like me, hitting the repeat button. Her voice carries you along, invitingly. Go ahead and join her. Soon you'll be steeped in the jazzy, sax-flavored The Message by Milano & Jamie Prince. This track has a different feel, like we've gradually shifted up a gear. The lovely saxophone intro keeps our interest as more trance-inspired elements take over. On we ride across the musical landscape, as if crossing fields in a hot air balloon. Around Track Four the disc hits it's stride with two real gems. There's an outstanding mix of You Take My Breath Away by Sureal which exemplifies best what many of these tracks contain: sweet voices accompanied by interesting and ever-changing musical elements. Then there's Smile by Future Breeze -- a great re-working of Darude's influential club sensation Sandstorm.The final song, however, is worth the price of admission alone. "Mirage" by Sauna is one of the very best examples of artistic, acoustic trance you can find. The longest track here, at over 8 minutes, you'll wish it were longer. If you are familiar with the club version of last year's hit by Sting, Desert Rose with background vocals by Cheb Mami, you probably appreciate the beauty of hearing an exotic, middle-eastern melody spread out across an expansive dance landscape. Like the final movement from Scheherazade (Rimsky-Korsakov), you'll feel the magic and emotion that reside between power and tenderness. Here, it's a play between a haunting phrase, a dramatic female vocal performance, and a tender, flamenco-styled guitar. This is a deluxe CD from a popular DJ that makes a strong musical statement; that truly inspired music transcends all boundaries."