artist: Between country of origin: Germany style(s): World music, ambient jazz essential releases: And The Waters Opened (1973, Wergo) Hesse Between Music (1974, Wergo) Dharana (1977, Wergo)

In these days of ethno-techno and exotic dub with its extensive digital sampling of non-Western melodies and tribal beats, its worth remembering that once upon a time Western musicians exploring world music had no choice but to learn how to actually play the instruments. Between was one of the first generation of "world music" ensembles and to this day remains one of the greatest. In its 1970’s heyday this wonderful German-based group fashioned a mystical kind of fusion music, drawing on elements of minimalism, jazz, ethnic and classical. The core group was keyboard player Peter Michael Hamel, Brazilian guitarist Roberto Detree and American oboe player Robert Eliscu. At best their chemistry created some truly memorable records - intelligent, accessible and showcasing the group's ability to cross musical boundaries with absolute ease. Of their five original albums, the above three have been re-released on CD and are highly recommended.

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