Daniel Masson - Magic Carpet

Daniel Masson

Magic Carpet
​self-released; 2020

4.1 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Matt Jensen

I first became acquainted with Daniel Masson back in 2013. The artist back then already had been releasing music for a long time and had first started to develop his passion in the mid ’70s. Masson has traveled the globe grabbing inspiration from various cultures that create symbiotic relationships with his own unique style. Magic Carpet is his latest release and Masson went to Bangladesh, India, Syria, Egypt and Morocco to record the songs.

The songs are instrumental but on occasion do use vocals but it’s never a lead. I felt like there was a lot to explore which is something that I often expect in his music. Suffice it to say headphones are my preferred way of listening but this is also music that defines a mood. In my opinion I found the groove very relaxing and tranquil. It’s very easy just to submerge in a river of frequencies that Masson creates which are fluid and seamless but also dynamic.

The album begins with “Elsewhere” and there was a mix of illuminated pads, synth bass and electronic percussion but also the Eastern instrumentation that Masson went to record. It’s easy to not know where one instrument begins and where the other ends and I think that's the point.

“Escape” fuses elements of jungle, electronics and more to create a lush yet exciting groove. Some melodies reminded me of Bjork but the ever changing textures, tones and colors are uniquely Masson. The title track “Magic Carpet'' fuses together what sounds like sitar and multiple vocals against more contemporary club worthy rhythms. 

“Medina Course'' had a slightly different quality. The guitar reminded me more of music from Brazil or Argentina. “On The Road'' goes back into somewhat classic Masson territory. “Pondi NIght” had a visual effect because I felt like I was in the middle of the forest. It’s hard to pinpoint but the song felt related to nature in some way and seemed to brim with life.

Last up is “Voyage towards the Impossible” which is the arguable highlight. It might be the most experimental and ambitious song. There are some abrupt changes that come at you fast but also some super slick grooves such as the one around the two-minute mark. 

​Masson has a singular sound and you can hear it on all of his albums. This is something I always push for artists to strive for. In this case he beautifully mixed his own unique style with a specific geographic region which truly makes it a world album. Recommended.

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