Budda Bar

Music evolves and so does Buddha-Bar. This year marks a turning point in the history of the Buddha-Bar music compilations in all aspects such as music and design. On the musical side, this change is performed by DJ Papa, resident DJ of Buddha-Bar Monte Carlo since the opening in 2010. Donato Papadia aka DJ Papa, with Italian origin, started mixing in 1973 in an atmosphere of rock, soul and funk music. Curious by nature, he moved towards new wave music and naturally evolved towards techno and house music. The arrival of ethnic sounds opened the path towards a new world where he flourished as one of the best DJ…

DJ Ravin takes the wheel behind Buddha Bar III, the namesake compilation from Paris's answer to Studio 54. Ravin forgoes the Dinner/Party division that Claude Challe opted for on previous installments of the series, and instead casts Dream versus Joy on this two-disc set. Dream, leaning on the traditional (syrupy Greek strings, Japanese bamboo flutes, Persian harmonists) and New Age Enigma/Deep Forest side of things (Oliver Shanti & Friends, Vangelis engineer Frederick Rousseau) is frankly too restless to be truly dreamy. The frenzied run through so many styles, seemingly solely for the sake of diversity alone, ultimately feels about as sincerely global as a mad dash through Disney's Epcot Center. The second CD in the set, Joy, pays a tad more attention to a general vibe, resulting in a much better overall effect…

The Buddha Bar series has become a band name by now, and Buddha Bar, Vol. 4 does nothing to break the new tradition. Compiled by David Visan, the two-CD set is divided into "Dinner" and "Drink." The former is definitely music for the consumption of comestibles, pleasant and polite with exotic touches of world music, like Nitin Sawhney's "Moonrise" or Gotan Project's revolution of the tango with "Una Musical Brutal," but they're the mildest examples of the artists' output, never pushing themselves forward, but providing a backdrop for food and civilized conversation. "Drink" fares a little better, but has traces of anonymity - Time Passing with "Party People," for example, or Chris Spheeris and "Dancing With The Muse" could both come from a modern TV ad - although its less afraid of imposing itself…

The mystique of Paris's trendy Buddha-Bar exists largely due to its enthralling background music, as exemplified by the venue's highly successful series of compilations. The two discs of this fifth installment are filled with a diverse selection of artists from around the world. The first disc is a serene session that begins with the soft guitar, piano music, and female vocals of "Nie Kantshaietsa." Then Indian and Middle-Eastern elements and slow dance beats are introduced, guiding the listener further into audio bliss. By the second disc, the pace has picked up considerably, and there are ecstatic rhythms, wild electronic concoctions, and unusual instruments scattered throughout tracks such as "Just You & I" by dZihan & Kamien, "Egyptian Disco" by DJ Disse, and "Blue" by Latour. As always, this Buddha-Bar collection delivers a sensuous and exotic outing of international music.

Buddha-Bar, the Lounge Music Founder since its opening, the Buddha-Bars musical identity has embodied an innovative and avant-garde aspect, thanks to the subtle mixture of captivating Electro-Ethnic rhythms and tribal sounds, played each evening by a resident DJ. In perfect harmony with the restaurant’s décor and atmosphere, this poignant and constantly innovative musical style enchants both the Parisian and international clientele. Deep motives and colorful overflows in a melodic sophisticated combination. Buddha-Bar XXII spatial atmospheric overflows are similar in creating a moderate and calm mood! Music has always played a major role in the Buddha-Bar universe. George V Records has been trying to recreate the magic of places in compilations that have become cult.

Paris's glitzy nightspot Buddha Bar is best known for its signature ambient environments, which are available in elaborately packaged, pricey, and popular CD compilations. This offering consists of two sections: "Buddha's Dinner," which is designed to accompany a deluxe dining experience, and "Buddha's Party," which is more groove-oriented. Although the selections are inspired by and built upon traditional music, mostly from Asia and South America, fans of club-oriented world music are advised to check out edgier electronica by Cheb I Sabbah, TransGlobal Underground, and Aisha Kandisha. But those who adore the likes of Deep Forest and Enigma will contentedly chill to these tracks.