Sacred System: Nagual Site

by Bret LoveSlightly more traditional in its approach than much of bassist/producer Bill Laswell's fusionary world music outings, the mesmerizing Nagual Site was one of the first releases from head Chieftan Paddy Maloney's eclectic label, Wicklow. A breathtakingly original Indian/ambient music fusion, the lushly-textured album prominently features the vocal talents of Gulam Mohammed Khan and Sussan Deyhim, as well as more subtle contributions from frequent Laswell co-conspirators like guitarist Nicky Skopelitis, bassist Jah Wobble, Indian percussion masters Badal Roy and Zakir Hussain, and former P-funk keyboardist Bernie Worrell. Remarkably seamless and organic, this is one of Laswell's most heady stylistic brews.