Angel Tears

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You could call it "cross-cultural chill-out music." Or you may prefer to use terms like "ambient," "fusion" or "lounge." But one thing is certain-the music of Angel Tears is nothing if not innovative. The group, now celebrating their fourth release, creates intriguing music where elements of various genres meld in one big pot of rhythmic groove. You can't help but get lost in the soundscapes of trippy beats, ethnic instrumentation and synthesizer soul.

Based out of Tel Aviv, Israel, Angel Tears is the joint project of Momi Ochion (right) and Sebastian James Taylor (left). Ochion, whose roots lie in Israeli pop and world fusion music, is the melody man of the duo-the brain behind the compositional aspects of the album and a lot of the studio work.

Sebastian James Taylor, who composes and performs much of the material, hails from London and is known for his work with the electronic groups KAYA PROJECT, Shakta and Digitalis. Other members include the group's producer, DJ Srulik Einhorn, and a variety of vocalists whose intoxicating vocals and chants lend the music its exotic flair.

So . what exactly can you expect when you pop an Angel Tears album into your CD player? For starters, beats-lots of 'em. From electronic beats to the earthy thump of the Bedouin dharbouka and other indigenous drums, the music ranges from clubby to tribal and all points in between. Asian and Middle Eastern vocals lend a spiritual quality to many of the tunes, and instrumentation literally covers the whole spectrum, with Tibetan flutes, Indian sitar, Arabian violin, Middle Eastern horns, grand piano and electric guitar all sharing the same space. Mellow synthesizers swirl amidst the elements, bringing everything together into a cohesive package.

Angel Tears' four releases to date include Way of the Music (Vol. 1), Harmony (Vol. 2), The Dreaming (Vol. 3), and their new CD, Vision (Vol. 4). Each is similar yet unique. The group's music can be found on many global fusion compilations, including Buddha Bar 2, and has also been heard on popular TV shows including Sex in the City, Third Watch and The West Wing. Perfect for everything from yoga to fitness to lounging on the couch, when you listen to Angel Tears, you can expect to be moved-physically and mentally.