The second track, “Ai ya Haiya” (or “Intro,” as the name is given on the website), brings the tempo down. It’s a beautiful track, slow and tender, ripe with feeling. Interestingly, it seems that some of the same notes from “Mandala” are included here, only much more subdued. “Zhok” most clearly shows the Oriental influence. It’s mystical and undulating and eminently romantic.
The band, the music, simply gels – that “total attention to each other” shines through. They each understand where the other is going and the direction of the song as well. The sense of humor that Kireyev spoke of manifests itself in the light-hearted feel of each track. Mandala is a masterfully balanced recording - clean, bright, and ingenuous. It leaves you feeling triumphant.
And if you listen to it at work, you can imagine yourself on some kind of magical Oriental adventure instead of sitting at a desk. Plus, you'll love the odd looks you receive from co-workers as they hear the saxophone wafting from your speakers.
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