artist: Peter Gabriel country of origin: UK style(s): Ambient rock, world music, ethno ambient essential releases: Passion (1989, Real World)

As well as forging a successful career in the mainstream since the 1970's with his visionary, adventurous rock albums - check out So (1986) and Us (1992) for the highlights - Peter Gabriel has long held an interest in ethnic music. Setting up the Real World label was the fulfillment of his long-held wish to bring the music of Third World artists to Western audiences.

Real World's first release was one of Gabriel's own efforts, the magnificent Passion. It's the soundtrack for the Martin Scorcese's film The Last Temptation Of Christ on which Gabriel fully realises the integration of ethnic music into his own contemporary framework. The core ensemble plays guitar, synthesiser and double violin and is joined by a host of native percussionists, vocalists and other musicians from North Africa and the Middle East. And the result is stunning - a potent brew of exotic, atmospheric music ranging from intense high-energy dances to dark, ethereal atmospheres with spine-tingling Mid-Eastern wails.

Despite hundreds of imitations, age has not wearied Passion and it remains one of the best albums of ethno-ambient/world fusion music ever made.

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