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Imagine. Ultra indigo and violet rays of light shimmer past a glimmer on the dancefloor as ambience and smoke fill the air… the sultry sounds of Ananda Project's latest production have seeped in as the original pulsating house sound embraces its future relative in the sexiest project to infiltrate this underground paradise. Extremely sensual vocals in every way imaginable coupled with the needed beat pulsation and key-tickling to create a place far away – any where you can imagine.


This is "Night Blossom," a collaboration release including a special double CD from Ananda Project..

Like many fine pieces of music, I enjoyed the progressive increase in listening euphoria as I explored multiple sessions, trying to "put a finger on" the elusive smooth sounds that made these two discs so appealing and downright sexy. The right amount of obligatory "cheesy house beats" along with the contemporary deluxe sound textures made possible by today's synthesized sound banks kept me entranced and engulfed on each occasion. At times I questioned which decade I was sensing from these remarkably unique pieces!

Sassy sounds and sultry mixing come from Ananda Project, made up of a multi-talented group including Chris Brann (keys/DJ), Julius Speed (rhodes/keys), Alex Lattimore (vocals), Tim DeLaney (bass), Kebbi Williams (sax/flute), and Special Guest Heidi Levo (London, UK)} who seem to specialize in the sounds of such styles as Future Jazz, Neo-Soul, Deep House, Ambient, R&B, Broken Beat, Salsa, & Funk.

Brann has created a collection of re-workings from 2007's "Fire Flower" and has thereby exposed listeners to a new side of that album. Essentially reinterpreting the album, disc one showcases help from Grammy Award nominated J-Jay, Pasta Boys, Frankie Feliciano, and previously unreleased remixes from Joe Claussell and UK remixers Idjut Boys.

The prettier of the two stepsisters has got to be the fully-mixed disc two, with highlights by King Britt, Aquanote, and Kyoto Jazz Massive. Chris Brann incorporates this mix in such a vibrant fashion that, with time, deeper and deeper numbers are threaded together. He accomplishes this by including all the classics continuously remixed in their original glory. For example, sweet vocals inspire us on "Into The Sunrise," featuring an almost 70's disco flavor. Then the blend serves up King Britt's "Sunset Mix of Secrets" allowing the power of lyrics to relax our cares. Next is the magical 'Moment Before Dreaming" with a trance inducing harmony and rhythm. All these impressive tracks, and we still haven't heard the peak in this emotional journey, "Where The Music Takes You."

The remainder of the mix portion is inspired by jazz instruments & highlighted by an absolutely gorgeous female vocal track, "Kiss, Kiss, Kiss." If this song won't rededicate a romantic relationship, then hope may have abandoned us. In a climatic fashion, the familiar-to-some "Cascades of Colour" bumps us with some spine tingling basslines and lyrics.

Because the CDs on "Night Blossom" highlight strong vocals and multidimensional sound, the album may be best enjoyed with a pair of good headphones. Even with its emphasis on remixes, this release includes a few untouched classics as way to introduce newcomers to the fine group, Ananda Project.