Zen-sation

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Thierry David's debut album for Real Music, "Zen World," is full of cool yin energy and smooth sounds. Primary sounds come from piano, guitar and electronic rhythms that dance on a background of synthesizer support that knits it together beautifully.

Tracks include a soft breeze of an opening with "Close to Heaven" followed by "Asian Rhapsody." Track three, "I Miss You So," has a slightly stronger edge to it provided by lower-range female vocals. "Walking on Skies" has a more haunting quality, especially after the stronger percussion in the three previous tracks. "Mahal Kita" ("I Love You") keeps that haunting beauty to it but brings back the stronger rhythms. "Deep Inside" was my personal favorite: It had a distinctly Middle Eastern feel to it throughout. Track seven, "Mystic Trip," is pleasant and reminiscent of the first and second tracks. Track eight, "Forgive Me," would have a more melancholy feel if it weren't for the clever use of vocals which lifts it to a more sensual place. "Song of Freedom" and "Babel" are deeper and a hair darker; an excellent contrast to the next two tracks "Sometimes" and "Peaceful Dreams," which return us to the breezier beginning. Beyond Sadness is a surprise ending to the CD almost like a bonus track added that sits alone. It is much more haunting and serious than the other tracks.

"Zen World" is great for listening in the car while in traffic: It is relaxing but not soporific. It's also perfect for sitting back on the front porch with a cool drink on an early-autumn evening.

Run time is about 58 minutes. Manufacturer's retail price is $14.95.

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