Vas Albums (4)
What The Critics Say
Feast of Silence is the fourth album from world fusion duo Vas (vocalist Azam Ali and percussionist Greg Ellis). The range of instrumentation as well as vocal technique have been expanded thoroughly since their previous albums. On the vocal end, the first things one will notice are the new use of English lyrics here and there, and more importantly, a sudden reliance on Eastern European stylings. The polyphony is decidedly Bulgarian through portions of most of the songs, alternating with a collection of other styles. Indian and Middle Eastern sounds flow easily and beautifully from Ali, often with some pattering accompaniment on what sounds like an udu or a ghatam, perhaps. Touches of guitar and bass are also new to the sound of the duo, but stay largely in the background, giving Ellis the ability to stand at the forefront with an array of percussion. African drums can be heard from time to time, but the bulk of his work appears to be in the Middle East and the subcontinent, with some cymbals heard here and there. While there's a wealth of sounds here, the palette is almost overused at times, running dangerously close to falling into pure new age, rather than ambient world fusion. Regardless, it's an enjoyable listen, just be careful for Ali's long notes. ~ Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide
'In the Garden of Souls'
Release Date 5/9/2000
Tracks 11
Label Narada
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
In the Garden of Souls is the third CD from Vas -- Azam Ali and Greg Ellis. Cameron Stone is a guest cellist. This is a grand-scale project. Ali's Farsi vocals tell tales of unknown splendor, triumph, sorrow, and pain. The dark passages and light passages weave throughout the soundscape effortlessly. Ellis is a superb multi-instrumentalist; his percussion surrounds ethereal atmospheres. Stone's cello provides a drone to splay the soundscape. This is consistent with the first two Vas albums. It is an excellent cross-cultural hybrid. It will appeal to fans of Sheila Chandra, Natacha Atlas, and Loreena McKennitt. ~ Jim Brenholts, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Vas is Greg Ellis and Azam Ali. Offerings is their second CD and in many ways it is stronger than their first. They use no MIDI or sequencing in the creation of this Middle Eastern-flavored soundscape. Ellis' percussion carries the sound while Ali's Farsi vocals create vast atmospheres. The music flows directly at and around deep listeners. Ellis has arranged and mixed the sounds perfectly -- there are no gaps or missing pieces. The ethnic acoustics have a full and lush sound. Fans of Sheila Chandra, Natacha Atlas, Rasa, and Loreena McKennitt will appreciate this disc. It is essential world music. ~ Jim Brenholts, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Sunyata is the stylish debut from Vas -- Greg Ellis and Azam Ali. It is an ethnic treasure. Ali's vocal style, in an invented language, is the feature instrument. Ellis' percussion and recording techniques are right on the edge. Bells and gentle strings complete the soundscape. This is a great CD and one of the best debuts of all time. It will appeal to fans of Natacha Atlas and Sheila Chandra. ~ Jim Brenholts, All Music Guide
