Ethnicity Yanni Views

General Goods

Ethnicity, is Yanni's 13th studio album, released in 2003, (see 2003 in music) extending his One World, One People philosophy.[1] It peaked at #27 on Billboard's Top Internet Albums chart and at #27 on the Billboard 200 chart in 2003. It also peaked at #1 on the Top New Age Albums chart in 2004.[2] This release sparked what would become the 4th largest concert tour of 2003, ranked by Billboard Magazine.

One element distinguishing Ethnicity from previous albums is the extensive use of human voices, not only solo arias and group chants, but also bona fide lyrics, a rare departure for the artist. The Promise, for example, is an adaptation of an earlier composition, Secret Vows, featuring lyrics from longtime friend Pamela McNeill and soulfully sung by Alfreda Gerald, a member of Yanni's Tribute tour. The album's final track reflects his own cultural heritage with a traditional Greek island folk song, Jivaeri .

(2003-05-20) Yanni, an alum of the University of Minnesota and the 1980s Twin Cities hair-rock band Chameleon, has elevated instrumental music to new heights. Equal parts showman and maestro, the keyboard icon, who has done command performances at the Taj Mahal and Acropolis, returns to his old stomping grounds with former Chameleon drummer Charlie Adams and keyboardist Bradley Joseph. Expect more singing this time from Alfreda Gerald, whose mostly wordless vocalizing is featured on the new CD Ethnicity.[5]

Yanni's 13th album, Ethnicity, explores its multi-cultural theme in classic Yanni fashion. Layering delicate vocals, exotic instrumental sounds, world beats, and the Greek idol's signature keyboard style, Yanni conjures an optimistic musical tapestry with a global reach. From the anthem-like Rites of Passage to the upbeat For All Seasons to the poignant Almost a Whisper the album moves through a variety of moods. Vocals are a prominent ingredient -- singing out full force ( The Promise ), adding an ethereal touch ( Written on the Wind ), or evoking primeval chant ( Rainmaker ). Colorful instruments, too, like the didgeridoo on Rainmaker, add to the album's international feel. But, ultimately, it's Yanni's eloquently lyrical melodies that captivate most on this album in celebration of universal harmony. EJ Johnson, Barnes & Noble