There are 17 artists and what seems to be nearly a hundred different instruments scattered throughout this album, but the effect is never overpowering. In fact, there’s a strong emphasis on Western pop beats and fusion-style synthesizer melodies with some jazzy trumpet solos. The ethnic influences are primarily rhythmic in nature and often quite subtle, making this music accessible to a wide variety of listeners. Some nice keyboard textures add to the appeal of these familiar-sounding yet well-crafted originals. – Linda Kohanov