Foti, Gino - Orbis Terrarum

Year of Release: 2006
Label: self-released/Net Dot Music
Catalog Number: NDM WFM 01
Format: CD
Total Time: 66:35:00

Shortly before I got set to do my first round of yoga - with my girlfriend as the sensei to this spiritual practice, Orbis Terrarum caught my eye. It stated that it was music for prayer, wisdom, and meditation. I could not find a better fit to this medicinally-minded stretching than an album that provides this sort of holistic guarantee. Not to mention, the planetary eclipse ingrained in the artwork is enough to send you to another world. With these selling points, Gino Foti's instrumental exercise had to be tried out.

As it played, I could not help but think that it is overly vibrant for something that's supposed to help you ease into a happy trance. Initially, I fought it. After awhile, I was deep in thought doing vigorous twists in order to outflank this album's undulant rhythms.

While a lot of passages (especially towards the beginning) were as active as a volcanic eruption; many were substantially softer. It seemed to gauge along with the mystical program I was engaged in. When it was light as a feather, I found myself focused on that third eye planted between my eyebrows. As I came in and out of poses, its energy reminded me of the reality around me. At times, it was joyously lackadaisical. Whence this occurred, I was lost in a litany of limbering notes. Like my celestial training, this album alternated from fully awake to calm unconsciousness as it comforted and soothed.

As I exhaled in the waning moments of corpse pose (also known as savasana), the last song finished. This conclusive mood was called "Modes of Consciousness: Part II ? Apollonian Stream." I had to wonder if Foti had planned for this coincidental timing. It made me think of the various scenes from a Tim Burton movie where the hero works ceaselessly to complete his or her sculpture.

As these thoughts raced through my mind, my instructor reminded me to clear my psyche. I acknowledged these images and then sent them away. As the music ceased to flow, these nagging impulses flapped their wings. I felt the weight of my head supported by the wood beneath the carpet whilst my muscles sank into the floor. That's how this song made me feel, and if you were paying attention; it'd be apparent that the final cut of the album was also my favorite.

By the way, to better understand why Foti's most connected to this song; it's been dedicated to his father. To make it official, this has been sanctified with a trailing disclaimer in the liner notes.

Believe it or not, this artist has produced two other albums in the same year: Bhavachakra & Vedic Mantras.

I was fortunate to pick these three up for free with my purchase of Progression Magazine, and I used the other two in subsequent routines. When I did, I found that Bhavachakra was tamer and better suited for conducting self-healing affirmations. Specifically, the tune named "Phassa (Contact)" is one of the best tracks out of his entire repertoire. It greatly helped me to focus my inner chi.

As for the third album, it's my daemon's guide since it's somewhat disconnected. [Refer to the Philip Pullman's Dark Materials trilogy to understand this allusion.] With the holiest of chants, his guest Sri Sastry extols wisdom and enlightenment. Beyond the dreamlike state it helps to catalyze, my partner and I agree that Vedic Mantras is our least favorite of the batch. Still, I argue that it's a great option to play in the background when doing cataleptic tasks.

What's interesting is that Foti gives credit to likes of John McLaughlin, Tangerine Dream, and Ozric Tentacles for inspiring the accompanying music to his mantras.

Aside from that, there's not much more for me to report on this artist.

If you see John Collinge's booth at a future concert or festival, be sure to sign up. It's a great rag by itself and essential for anybody who trolls the annuls of Progressive Rock. Also, if you find Collinge in a generous mood - or you prove to have rudimentary negotiation skills like me - maybe you can score a worthy bonus, too.

I cannot say Orbis Terrarum will keep me on my toes like jazz, but the next time I plan to perform upward dog or sun salutations, Gino Foti's discs will be there. For these activities, his music is my cup of Darjeeling tea. With each sip, they?re a conduit into an invigorating world that can only found with candles, aromatherapy, bubble baths, and lest we fail to forget, yoga.

Tracklisting:
Modes Of Consciousness: Part 1 - Dionysian Stream (4:21) / Kujichagulia (4:05) / Privilege Of The Strong (4:26) / Essence Of A Noble Soul (6:25) / Ultradian Rhythms (5:44) / A Bridge Between Time & Eternity (5:09) / Credo (4:12) / Wan Wu: Part 1 - Disciples of Life (5:20) / Wan Wu: Part II - Disciples Of Death (4:21) / A Brief Eclipse (4:17) / Vivir En Alegria (3:39) / Panta Rhei (4:55) / A Smile For Every Tear (3:54) / Modes Of Consciousness: Part II - Apollonian Stream (5:22)

Musicians:
Gino Foti - bass, MIDI bass, keyboards, loops, samples, African ''talking'' drums (adondo, atumpan, dondo, gan gan), timbales (Cuban kettle drums/timpani), xylophone, berimbau, kalele drones, doumbeks, saghat, classical guitars, fretted and fretless bass guitar, acoustic piano, Latin percussion (congas, bongos, claves, and Cajun triangle), zills, glass bowls, ceramic bells, gourds, lom bak (Javanese hand drum), clappers, hand drums, cymbals, gongs, singing bells, shakers, scrapers, slap bass guitar, electric violin, riq, tar, def, synth strings...
Dave Kulju - guitar (1)
Chris Rossi - piano (10)

Discography:
Orbis Terrarum (2006)
Sphere Of Influence (2006)
Bhavachakra (2006)
Vedic Mantras (2006)

Genre: Other

Origin US

Added: December 29th 2008
Reviewer: Joshua "Prawg Dawg" Turner
Score:
Artist website: www.ginofoti.com
Hits: 3659
Language: english