Traveler ’02 is Six Degrees Records latest dispatch from the front lines of innovation in music from around the world. Karsh Kale, Bob Holroyd, dj Cheb i Sabbah, Michael Franti & Spearhead and Hawke are among the artists contributing exclusive tracks and new remixes unique to this collection.
Batidos – Tengo Sed
(The Batidos Song)
From the Six Degrees release Olájopé
This year’s Traveler collection begins with the sounds of a Latin street party. Groove Collective reedman Jay Rodriguez and DJ/producer Ron Trent come together as Batidos to create an irresistible mix of jazzy, Latin-tinged grooves. "Tengo Sed" features guest appearances from Cuban piano great Chucho Valdés and Latin percussion all-star Eddie Bobé.
Bob Holroyd – Rafiki
(Hi Life Remix) Bob constructed this remix of "Rafiki" from his upcoming release, Shift, exclusively for Traveler ’02. This joyous track borrows flavors from both African Hi-Life and the modern dance floor, providing an exciting glimpse into what’s to come from Holroyd’s next project.
Bobi Céspedes – Yambu Rock
From her upcoming 2002 release on the Six Degrees Travel Series.
Singer, dancer and percussionist Bobi Céspedes has been gathering acclaim both with her former twelve-piece ensemble Conjunto Céspedes and as a featured vocalist with Mickey Hart’s Planet Drum band. "Yambu Rock" is a sneak preview of her upcoming Six Degrees Travel Series solo debut. Produced by Greg Landau (Susanna Baca and Patato), Bobi’s forthcoming project will mix deep Afro-Cuban grooves with modern beats, all anchored by one of the most distinctive and compelling voices in world music.
Issa Bagayogo – Dama
From the Six Degrees Travel Series release Timbuktu. Issa Bagayogo is at the forefront of African musical innovators, melding the sounds of electronic dance music with the roots music of his homeland, Mali. The ingenious hybrid of Afro-electro sounds created by Issa and producer/engineer Yves Wernert is evidence of a new direction for African music in the 21st century.
dj Cheb i Sabbah – Gulshan Paak
Vocals - Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan, Sitar - Ustad Habib Khan, Tabla - Ustad Tari Khan
Produced exclusively for this compilation, "Gulshan Paak" once again shows dj Cheb i Sabbah’s mastery at seamlessly bringing together the worlds of classical Indian music and "DJ Science." Cheb i’s upcoming Six Degrees Travel Series release Krishna Lila will explore the worlds of Hindustani and Carnatic devotional music with Sabbah adding his unique perspective to Khrishna bhajans.
Los Mocosos – Soy Callejero
(Mark Pistel Remix)
Original version from the Six Degrees release Shades of Brown
San Francisco’s barrio rock band has been following in the tradition of great bands like War, Santana and Malo with their mix of Latin rock, funk and ska. On this exclusive remix of "Soy Callejero," former Consolidated mastermind, Mark Pistel adds an electronic edge to the party.
Hawke – Le Le Lengwe (Unogabisela Nabagudli Mix)
Original version from the Six Degrees release Heatstroke
One of the infamous Hardkiss "brothers", Gavin Hardkiss a.k.a. Hawke, has a uniquely, lush and psychedelic take on left coast dance music. Gavin went back to his South African roots to bring a township flavor to this exclusive remix of "Le Le Lengwe."
Karsh Kale – Jah Has Kool Girl (featuring Nadia & Yamina Nid El Mourid from Lo'Jo)
Written, arranged and produced by Karsh Kale
French vocals composed by Nadia & Yamina Nid El Mourid from Lo'Jo
Karsh Kale has firmly established himself as the leading American figure in the growing Asian massive movement. Kale’s Six Degrees Travel Series debut, Realize, weaves together strands of Indian ragas, trance, drum n’ bass and electronica to form a distinctive new sound. On "Jah Has Kool Girl," Kale created a new exclusive track around the vocals of the French troubadours, Lo ’Jo.
dZihan & Kamien – Smile (Aromabar Remix)
Original version from the Six Degrees release Freaks & Icons
Previously only available on the U.S. single of "Smile," Aromabar’s remix of the track turns the tune into a twisted, digital dub work out. Six Degrees will be releasing dZihan & Kamien’s studio follow-up to the masterful, Freaks & Icons in April of 2002.
Michael Franti & Spearhead – Stay Human (Stereo Steambath Remix)
Original version from the Six Degrees release Stay Human
Billboard’s Editor in Chief (and one of our most respected rock journalists), Timothy White declared in his column, "Stay Human is a landmark listening experience likely to be deemed one of the best releases of 2001- if not the entire uncertain decade looming before us." Michael Franti’s remix of "Stay Human" appears here for the first time.
