Beggars and Saints

by Steven McDonaldFolklore meets science on the computer-manipulated cover of this latest release from Jai Uttal; the music behind the cover reveals more of the modern world meeting folklore and tradition head on, with Uttal putting traditional chants to new music and mixing together western and oriental instruments along with the traditional and the contemporary in instrumentation. The result is a heady, muscular mixture that carves its own niche in as distinctive a way as anything from Bill Laswell's corner. There's a range of vocal and instrumental tones mixed into Beggars and Saints that goes beyond any easy description -- think of swaying willows in a light wind and you'll be more on target. While it has its roots in the street music of India, Beggars and Saints is really more about spirit, wood and water.