VEDIC PATH

AFRICA

BAABA MAAL

Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, Palm Pictures and critically acclaimed Island Outpost boutique resorts in the Caribbean, is pleased to announce the launch of his latest venture – Palm World Voices – the first release of the most ambitious world music series ever created. The very latest lifestyle product offering a totally new multi-media experience.

Targeted at the well-travelled, cultured and aspiring individuals, Palm World Voices is a unique and collectable series of world music beautifully gift-packaged to include a CD, DVD and accompanying book and poster map, illustrated by the National Geographic Society. The first three editions will be launched together, Vedic Path illustrating Indian music, an African edition and thirdly a Baaba Maal edition, focusing on music from the Senegalese music artist.

The deluxe package contains an audio CD with a selection of the very best ambient sound from the regions. The DVD features evocative images of the locales where the music is created and is a 60-minute visual experience from the Palm Pictures archives. Also included is a 40-page plus book with stunning photographs from celebrated photographer Adrian Boot and a fascinating history of music styles, instrumentation and culture. Completing each edition is an exclusively-designed poster map created by The National Geographic Society.

Commenting on his latest venture Blackwell says “Palm World Voices, aspires to provide, in a manner that is entertaining as it is informative, a journey, a vacation and a context for a better understanding of the music and the extraordinary beauty of the peoples and cultures of our small planet.”.

As a lifestyle product, Palm World Voices are a unique and collectable series, delivering an authentic truly multimedia experience. Available for purchase through non traditional routes such as yoga studios, wellness centres organic food shops, hotel and airport gift shops as well as traditional music retailers. Palm World Voices will retail at £24.99 per edition.

‘This is an audience that wants less processed food, less processed music, a less processed life. Palm World Voices elevates music to truly being a gift again.’

The series includes:

· Vedic Path –

Focusing on the music and culture of India, Vedic Path is both meditative and contemplative. This release showcases contemporary and traditional Indian music and chants. Indian superstars Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Ani Choying Drolma are just a few featured on this release.

· Africa –

A continent of rich musical history alongside political strife, Africa has delivered Juju, chimurenga and marabi. Africa presents a grand portrait of the music and leaders of this influential nation. A few of the superstars included on this release are Juju star King Sunny Ade, Senegal’s Baaba Maal, and Afro-pop artist Salif Keita.

· Baaba Maal –

Senegal’s shining star is considered the voice of his people and was the first artist released on Palm Pictures. Crafting a distinctive sound that fuses traditional African music with pop and reggae elements, Baaba Maal lead the way in what was to be termed ‘Afro-pop’. This compilation showcases the master in various stages of his esteemed career.