A mix of jazz, Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers and National Geographic takes place as Oran Etkin plays clarinet, bass clarinet and serves as a musical travel agent with his various friends from all over the world. He tells stories and then takes you to various cultures such as The Czech Republic, Russia, Turkey, Zimbabwe, China and Japan as he mixes and matches musicians and moods.
A childlike openness permeates the album, with Etkin whimsically bringing in an upbeat “Chaye Shukariye,” a hip electric bass on “Kariga Mombe” swinging djembe on “Tumbalaika” and rich sonorities during “Sakura.” Etkins’ clarinet and attitude work with each setting, playful and filled with joyful inquisitiveness. The mix of traditional sounds with Etkins’ ecumenical approach is a musical breath of fresh air. A treat for kids and a reminder for adults the innocent joy of sounds from afar.