Fareed Haque & The Flat Earth Ensemble - Flat Planet Owl Studios OWL00133 Format: CD Released: 2008 by Shannon Holliday shannonh@soundstage.com Musical Performance Recording Quality Overall Enjoyment

With the release of Flat Planet, guitarist Fareed Haque and his Flat Earth Ensemble unveil a groovy disc of Punjabi folk-fusion that is as innovatively progressive as it is reflective of its ancient heritage. Combining the traditional sounds of tabla, sitar, and Hindustani violin with jazz-inspired guitar and bass, as well as electric piano, the Ensemble bends tradition to the will of creativity, letting the music take on a life of its own.

The beats are undeniably funky, with grooves that recall John McLaughlin’s Shakti sessions (especially "Blue Hindu") but modernized in an East-meets-West rendering. Percussive fills spill forth from shakers, bells, chimes, tabla chants and a multitude of hand drums, lending rhythmic depth to each piece. Opener "Big Bhangra" barrels out of the gate with the jolt of a fine Darjeeling, and instantly you’re attuned to the elevated vibe that permeates this disc. The 11 tracks average 8-10 minutes each, allowing ample space for the musicians to craft truly complex and complete instrumental narratives.

Haque is a noted master of jazz- and classical-guitar styles and teaches both at Northern Illinois University. In addition to the Ensemble project, he tours with jam band Garaj Mahal, and he has played with legends such as Zakir Hussain and Sting. Here, however, his playing takes center stage, and he steers the ship with a deft, creative vision. Tracks like "Bengali Bud" and "32 Taxis" were written spontaneously in the studio and reflect an obvious lightheartedness that shines forth throughout the disc. You can tell the musicians had fun making this music, so it isn’t any wonder the finished product makes for such a joyful listen.

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