Shri Durga - DJ Cheb I Sabbah - Electronic 1999

Most Asian-European dance fusion of the '90s has come from London's Asian Underground scene, and has drawn primarily on bhangra sources for its Asian content. DJ Cheb i Sabbah's project, on the other hand, is based on classical traditions, specifically the Hindustani music of northern India; perhaps not surprisingly, the music is accordingly less dancehall-oriented, though DJ Cheb (with the help of bassist Bill Laswell and drummer Kevin Carnes, among others) does indeed lay on the funky beats in most cases. But all of the compositions are based on traditional ragas, and the beats often come after prolonged and contemplative preludes, during which the raga is stated in its traditional vocal or traditional setting.