Walkabout

And now for a world music adventure that doesn't sound like anything this side of Down Under: This six-tune collection begins with a very typical, gently exotic, and tropical synth melody that rings vaguely hypnotic. Then David Hudson chimes in with the spacey, otherworldly drone of his didgeridoo (not to mention some interesting native voices) and the experience becomes a wild adventure steeped in natural instruments but almost techno in feeling. The recording is about a sojourn into a unique time and space, and the titles reflect the itinerary — "Travelling Man," "Journey," "Dream Wanderer," "Searcher," and "Crossroads." "Travelling Man" combines the crazy tones of the didgeridoo with wild soundscape voices over a funky, hip-hop groove, blending the surreal with the grounded. The didgeridoo floating over the dance groove on "Journey" has the cool effect of DJ scratching, and Wayne McIntosh's flamenco guitar solo offers a loving, melodic touch. "Dream Wanderer" weaves the gently hypnotic keyboard melody of Mark Mannock beneath a constant drone — more new agey than worldbeat. "Searcher" is another interesting tune, blending the bright jazzy inflections of Russell Harris' flugelhorn and Mannock's Yanni-like swirling around Hudson's swaying didgeridoo bounce. Lovers of worldbeat, new age, and trance will eat up every minute of this.