Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman
What do Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, an Indian composer of timeless melodies, a virtuosic South African flutist, and over 120 spirited musicians from five continents all have in common? Winds of Samsara, of course. A truly global effort, Winds of Samsara is the dream of Wouter Kellerman and Ricky Kej, an unlikely but brilliant collaborative duo. Drawing from the disparate cultures of Kellerman’s South Africa and Kej’s India, the pair has melded their creative influences into a wonderful sonic gumbo. Winds of Samsara speaks to themes of peace and positivity a la Gandhi and Mandela, spinning together harmony, progressive composition, and technical prowess with an unparalleled verve and passion.
This stunning CD was just nominated for a Grammy in the New Age category. Kellerman is a masterful winds player, sensitive to every last nuance, with a wealth of well-thought-out choices and inflections. Kej, on the other hand, is a painter of sonic murals, a weaver of landscapes, his imagery rich and deep, seemingly many hands all at once. Winds of Samsara is so rich with sonic detail and magnificent interplay—including cover art, packaging, and liner notes—that repeated listening compels the listener to dig deep beyond the surface of these incredible musical worlds into a musical experience not to be missed. RickyKej.com
—LLOYD BARDE (LLOYDBARDE.COM)