Globalarium
by Backroads Music/HeartbeatsGlobalarium is a musical portrait of a unified and harmonious world through a multiplicity of ethnic musical styles. Just as Asher's previous, The Great Wheel, covered a lot of ground, his new Globalarium travels far and wide in gathering its musical influences, such as didgeridoo, classical flute, trumpet, shakuhachi, recorder, steel drum and a large selection of sampled and electronic sounds. Adding to the mix are guest performers such as Hossam Ramsy on percussion (has played with Peter Gabriel), Tim Wheater on flute, Joji Hirota (of Trisan trio), and, of course, Asher himself who plays keyboards in addition to being composer, producer and arranger on Globalarium. The ingenious combinations and multitextured pieces command attention and invite lots of in-depth exploration for rewarding listening all the way.