Mars Lasar 'Karma' (Paras Group International PGI/AR 8002) I've been a big fan of Mars Lasar since his first release, 'Olympus' in the 1992. All his work reveals an earthy presence that resonates long after the music is over, and 'Karma', his new release is no exception. It is a wonderful blend of Eastern scales and musical influences, acoustic music samples, electronic music, and a fusion of Eastern and Western musical cultures.Karma is a rich hybrid of world sound fusion travelling from India to China, Africa to the Middle East. Joined by Kelly Hansen on guitars, and Omar Faruk on middle eastern instruments,Lasar performs with electronics and keyboards, percussion, and a large number of sampled instruments and voices. Mars set out to make a recording that evoked a variety of emotions, visuals and sounds, and succeeded on all levels. Featuring eleven original contemporary instrumental compositions, the album showcases the history of Laser's unique musical character. He blends traditional world music influences into his own distinctive style, but he has also mastered playing and editing samples of each of these exotic instruments using authentic techniques and rhythms that are native to their respective cultures. The highlight of the album is the opus, 'Inseperable Universe"comprised of several interconnected movements, creating an intensity of feeling, combining technical mastery with sharp improvisational skills and compelling melodies.Omar Faruk adds a delicate haunting solo on 'The Holiness'. The album is beautifully recorded and magnificently performed, a collection of warm and wonderful music. Review by Ben Kettlewell information: http://www.marslasar.com/

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