Illumination

(Paras)

If you don't usually dip into the new age/world beat bins, Los Angeles-based modern pop flamenco ensemble Incendio may broaden your shopping radius. Illumination blends "global excitement with urban sensibilities" and is good for both contemplating the poems of Wordsworth and getting your groove on. Composed of three Spanish guitarists, a drummer and a wide variety of ethnic influences from Middle Eastern and Latin music to African fusion - Incendio has a lot to offer.

Each song on the disc conveys a story. The mesmerizing sitar and flamenco guitar-laden first track "Prjapati" is named and inspired by the Hindu creation god of the same name and is reminiscent of India's colorful, throbbing "Bollywood"(think Indian Hollywood) pop ballads. "Caipirinha" was named after the famed Brazilian drink and pays tribute to the music and culture of the country. "Dancing with the Dead" closes the disc with a beautiful, dusky and slow, strumming lullaby of three acoustic guitars.

Incendio may not be at the level of either the legendary sitar master Ravi Shankar or the popular Gypsy Kings - both tough acts to follow. But the recently formed group stands out in the world music genre as having created an album that embraces and goes beyond the "new flamenco style" pioneered by Ottmar Liebert, among others.

At moments, hints of New-Age cheesiness creep in around the edges of the disc. That being said, the bottom line is that you will want to dance (and if necessary, cram for that impending final in equal parts) while listening to this CD. Break out the bindi and the castanets - this double-duty disc is worthy of the cheapest of cheapskates' tight budget.