This 1998 soundtrack to the movie Salaam Bombay is a jazz fusion or, more appropriately, world fusion mix that on certain songs complements the film with its mix of jazz and more traditional Indian instruments. However, the film’s composer, L. Subramaniam (a pioneering fusion artist), walks a fine line and in many of these pieces ends up sounding more like Kenny G visiting India and less like the authentic jazz fusion that he has shown with previous efforts. Where Subramaniam does succeed is on songs such as “Chaipau’s Theme,” with its dominant bassline, “Chillum’s Theme,” which successfully highlights his remarkable violin skills, and “Escape From the Chiller Room,” a haunting ethereal song that perfectly matches its title with a mournful tone. Ironically, the most compelling moments on this soundtrack come from the songs such as “Mera Naam Chin Chin Choo” and “Street Children Sing a Ballad of Lost Promises,” raw acoustic songs recorded during the filming of the movie that Subramaniam had nothing to do with. With their utter simplicity and charm, these songs stand in stark contrast to the over-produced efforts that make up most of the CD. There are some beautiful moments contained here, but overall it is a mixed bag. – Simon Cantlon