Sublime Cross-Border Fusion
3rdeadly3rd | Brisbane, Queensland Australia | 10/10/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album, even before the music is considered, has to warrant some coverage for its concept. Two British musicians/producers travelled the globe armed with a laptop and some recording gear to record the sounds and words of...well, anyone really. The concept can be described as "reliant on serendipity at best" and clearly was a major risk. Nonetheless, every track scores a hit in some way or another.The general mood of the disc can be described as "mellow", with only "Ma' Africa" and "Passion" really pushing into "danceable" territory. That said, the focus of the album seems to be one of finding a common language through music rather than raising a sweat on the dancefloor. The spacious backing tracks give the listener time to appreciate the talents on show here and also time to understand that the country of origin really doesn't impact on the quality of recorded music.The talent level of the performers is incredible. From rappers Maxi Jazz (of Faithless), Speech (formerly of Arrested Development) and the incomparable Michael Franti (Disposable Heroes and Spearhead) we hear three of the most insightful raps in recent history. Franti, in fact, is so insightful that he's credited with a poem on "Passion" rather than a rap. In addition we manage to pick up a verse or two from Robbie Williams. Now, I am by no means a Robbie Williams fan and had previously viewed his appearance here as merely a case of things looking good on his CV, should he want a bigger contract. His appearance on "My Culture" (one of the standout cuts and a natural choice for a single) dispelled that belief very rapidly. Somehow he managed not to be dwarfed by Maxi Jazz, his duet partner, and he also managed to deliver a very original take on what Maxi was talking about in his rap.As a world music fan, I was also very pleased to see some of the big non-western names getting a run here. From Baaba Maal (who gets considerable plaudits for his spell-binding vocals on "Dunya Salam") through to South Africa's Mahotella Queens. As an added bonus for pop culture students, Asha Bhosle makes an appearance as well. Asha who? Only the famous Bollywood singer who Cornershop name-checked in the catchy-as-all-get-out "Brimful Of Asha" a few years ago. India's "Mandolin" U Srinivas also makes a few appearances here, doing - as the name suggests - his trademark mandolin work.Both producers have trip-hop backgrounds, and this is hinted at by their recording of Horace Andy - Massive Attack's sometime co-writer and co-singer. Andy, in tandem with Grant Lee Phillips, delivers another of his mellow reflections on life.One of the great hidden performers on the album is a group of drummers from Africa who provide the beat of "Passion". The liner notes give - in very British style - a description of a performance by these drummers, and that coupled with "Passion" is enough to make any listner wonder where they can possibly get more of this kind of stuff.As I've previously mentioned, every track here is very strong indeed. My favourites would include "My Culture", "Braided Hair", "Passion" and "All Alone (On Eilean Shona)". The latter is one of the most moving tracks I have had the privilege to listen to in many years.One slight drawback to this album is that, unless you're really taking notice, the tracks have the ability to merge with one another. That said, this isn't neccessarily a bad thing, as it only heightens the "one world" message. It also provides the added bonus of this CD being useful as a chillout album following a long night.I have heard this CD described as "preaching to the choir". While it is true that those more inclined to buy it are those for whom world music - or world fusion, as this is - is familiar territory, this is far from the only audience for which this album should be thought of as being intended. Anyone who has appreciated quality music by any of the big names involved with this project - western, eastern, african or anything else - is well-advised to broaden their horizons by purchasing "One Giant Leap". The music is moving, the talent is superb and the money is well-spent.In today's world, the "one world" message seems to be more needed than ever. "One Giant Leap" is one of the best albums currently espousing that philosophy. A definite "best of 2002"."
AWESOME, just give it a listen
Robert E. Hughes | Spartanburg, SC United States | 02/14/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this in Johannesburg, as the single was playing on the radio and was getting some press! The previous review states it all so well, I only want to add one thing. Ta Moko, track 6 is worth the price of the disc itself. This disc is a pure joy, pick it up, and enjoy it!!"
The World Dreams in Music
Rebecca Johnson | Washington State | 02/09/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born. ~Anais Nin (1903-1977)
The first time I listened to this CD, I listened to "All Alone" obsessively. I became so intoxicated with a feeling of immense completeness as every sadness in my soul dissolved into pure love.
The world could have disappeared and I would have been standing in the middle of a field of crimson roses all blooming to the sound of Duncan Bridgeman singing: "If you stay or if you go."
The friend who sent me the CD said to listen to the track before I went to bed and I've never experienced such a healing gift. In life, you often meet people who will give you gifts your soul needs and then at times friends can work together to heal the world.
When Jamie Catto met Duncan Bridgeman it was a random moment in time. Like most creative friendships they found they had so much in common. Once they started talking they realized they had similar beliefs about the state of modern music. Jamie was the singer and keyboardist in the UK band Faithless and Duncan Bridgeman had been mixing albums for big-name artists. Together they have created a CD I can hardly believe exists.
I had no idea the impact it would make on me. I also didn't realize you could fall madly "in love" with a CD. ;) Once "My Culture" takes off, you are going to understand the meaning of "primal high on a soul level."
"I'm what I feel, what I'm feeling is surreal
I'm a mass of spinning wheels
Always digging in my heels
Now I've got the faith to
Fall back again
Crawl from the warm waters
Don't ever forget
You're on your feet again
Your feet again" ~My Culture
This CD is a spiritual journey into a land where you can escape from ordinary consciousness. You will feel you connect instantly with the universal wisdom in the lyrics. There is a richness of culture in the freeing dance of philosophy and world music. Multicultural voices mingle with beautiful intellectual tangents. Visual images dance through your mind as the music creates a deep soothing soul vibration that radiates through you like the most comforting feeling you have ever experienced.
"The Way You Dream" is one of my favorite songs as it blends the mysterious voice of Indian star Asha Bhosle with the completely intoxicating voice of Michael Stipe.
This CD also features Dennis Hopper, Kurt Vonnegut, Robbie Williams, Tom Robbins, Senegal's Baaba Maal, Ram Dass, Gabrielle Roth, the South African Mahotella Queens, Neneh Cherry, New Zealand's Whiri Mako Black, Revetti Sakalar and Eddi Reader.
1 Giant Leap is a fusion of sound and word captured through travels in Senegal, Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Bombay, New Delhi, Calcutta, Bangkok, South East Asia, Los Angeles, New York, India, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. This CD is the result of recordings from 25 countries.
Jamie Catto and Duncan Bridgeman literally spent six months traveling across the globe with a mobile studio and crew. Together they recorded storytellers, shopkeepers, authors, artists, philosophers and even cabdrivers. Each song contains a mixture of sounds and lyrics from various parts of the globe.
The chants, ethereal cries and primal rhythms will at times send chills up your spine. When Michael Franti sings "We are alive with the spirit of our passion" you can't help wanting to live, and live for a long, long time so you can see all your dreams become a reality.
The entire CD really represents a unity humanity could strive for if they could find peaceful resolutions to the issues haunting us all. The themes of the album are death, confrontation, sex, money, blasphemy, faith, happiness, inspiration, time, masks and unity.
Healing, loving, intoxicatingly spiritual and poetic beyond words. Perhaps the most beautiful music I've ever heard. 1 Giant Leap shows our humanity, the wide diversity of cultures and the beauty of unity through music.
~The Rebecca Review"
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1