The Rough Guide to Bhangra (CD - 2000)

This is a continuous in-the-mix CD compiled and mixed by DJ Ritu.

Producer: World Music Network.

Compilation producer: Phil Stanton.

Includes liner notes by DJ Ritu.

This is World Music Network's Rough Guide Series.

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.

Liner Note Author: DJ Ritu.

Arranger: Bally Sagoo.

A 13-track release that starts out with an example of traditional bhangra, dips a toe into the beginnings of its cross-cultural metamorphosis, and then dives headfirst into some examples of bhangra as sound system devotees know it best, with walloping beats, reggae riddims, and rap amongst the elements swirled into the folk elements. This Rough Guide sampler provides a very limited look at the style and its practitioners, unfortunately, and there is a sense that they needed to produce a rather more extensive release to give potential fans a better idea of what bhangra represents, and just how many countries and communities it connects with. That said, this is a record that is both listenable and danceable, and a lot of fun to boot. Also, most will learn something from the liner notes. ~ Steven McDonald minimize