If you haven’t heard of the composer and multi-instrumentalist Arnaud FILLION-ROBIN aka Arnito it's time to get on board. I was first introduced to Arnito when I reviewed THÉBAÏDE at the end of 2014. At any rate Arnito seems to have an unending supply of music within the banks of his mind. He just released Musiques de mon monde, vol.2 which is a diverse collection of songs that infuse different styles from jazz to flamenco to name a few. At the center of these songs are string instruments but there is also some fantastic percussive elements spread throughout.
If I was going to classify Musiques de mon monde, vol.2 I would call it world music but in my opinion that phrase has some negative connotations with it. World music often gets associated with a new age aesthetic and sometimes their paths cross. At its worst world music can be hokey, generic and something your yoga teacher might put on to instill a sense of inner peace. Musiques de mon monde, vol.2 is the opposite of that. It feels authentic, pure and vibrant with festive energy. I would say it’s a lot like visiting the different countries at Epcot except you aren’t confronted with over-priced souvenirs and a young cashier who has a bad case of acne. The album starts off with “Une île” which contains exceptional string and organic percussion. I have to say the recording quality and production really makes this song (and other songs) such a pleasure to listen to. The instruments sound like that are being played about two feet away you and you can hear every nuance which makes the technical ability even more enjoyable to listen to. The second track “Little Hearts” is a highlight. It contains eastern instrumentation such as tablas and is also one of the few songs that contain vocals. There is really fantastic string work once again but that can really be said about all the songs. After “Little Hearts” we take our ears west to places like Turkey, Czech and Spain where Romani music is still popular. It’s upbeat, fun and if any song will make you put on your dancing shoes it is “En Badrouille.” Speaking of dancing that's what the strings do on “Aubade en mi mineur” while we visit the streets of Brazil with the festive “Ao Longo do Caminho.” For you the journey is just getting started. There are plenty of more styles you get to visit before Musiques de mon monde, vol.2 comes to a close. So you want to be world traveler but can’t afford the time or money? Maybe one day it will become a reality but in the meantime it doesn’t mean you ears can’t visit different parts of the world thanks to Arnito
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