Ethnicity

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Ethnicity finds Yanni exploring familiar thematic territory (diversity + harmony = international brotherhood) in search of fresh musical ideas. The result is career recording No. 13 (minus all those redundant compilations), which is likable though maybe a star shy of exceptional. While ethnicity is the theme, the prevailing sound is contemporary and attractively rhythmic with modest world music and classical accents. Notable are Yanni’s extensive use of female voices (heard on 10 of the 12 tracks; two selections, in fact, feature straightforward lyrics) and the disc’s vivid, sparkling production. Yanni offers an assortment of moods, from the celebratory, planetary-choir sound (think Adiemus) on “Rites of Passage” to pulsing, Deep Forest-like tribal chants, which sometimes click (“Tribal Dream”) and sometimes seem forced, a little Yanni-come-lately (“Never Too Late”). High points are the didgeridoo-driven “Rainmaker” and the ethereal “At First Sight.” Overall, the disc’s sound tilts more toward the heroic than the romantic (a good trend), though some pieces (particularly his mini-operettas) seem overly polite and a little starched. Even so, Ethnicity is a compelling effort that indicates Yanni is, happily, keeping in touch with his more adventurous musical instincts. –Terry Wood