CD 1 (Royal Victoria) (74 min: 05 s)
Sunset Blvd - Mrs Daisy May
Djumma Soundsystem - Les Djinns (Trentemøller Remix)
Carmen Rizzo feat. Grant Lee Phillips - As The Day Breaks (Montreal Remix)
Massivan - Daydream
Cirque du Soleil - Africa (Quicksound/Alain Vinet Remix)
Rocco - Roots 4 Acid
Passion of Percussion - Last Chance
Novalima - Machete
Parov Stelar - Chambermaid Swing
OMFO - Choban in Space
Otros Aires - Amor Que Se Baïla
Naked Rhythm - Gypsy Majik (Gypsy Lounge Vocal Remix)
Blank & Jones - Loneliness (Chill House Mix)
Bahramji feat. Mashti - IndusufiDJ Ravin feat. Karma Sound Collective - Karma Busta Rhythm
Buddha Bar Volume 9 (2007): The Ultimate Chill-Out and World Music Fusion
Released in 2007, Buddha Bar Volume 9 is a standout entry in the iconic Buddha Bar compilation series, curated by Claude Challe and David Visan. The album continues the series’ tradition of blending world music, ethno-lounge, chill-out, and electronic beats, creating a sophisticated, immersive listening experience for both casual and lounge audiences.
Volume 9 represents the mid-2000s evolution of the Buddha Bar sound, emphasizing global rhythms, exotic instrumentation, and seamless ambient transitions.
Series Background
The Buddha Bar series was launched in 1999 alongside the opening of the Buddha-Bar lounge in Paris, created by Claude Challe. The series is known for:
-
Curating global music spanning Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America
-
Fusing traditional instruments with modern electronic production
-
Offering continuous DJ-style mixes for immersive listening
By the release of Volume 9, Buddha Bar had established a reputation worldwide, influencing lounge culture, chill-out playlists, and the popularity of world fusion music.
Musical Style and Sound
Buddha Bar Volume 9 features:
-
Global influences from Middle Eastern, Asian, African, and Latin American cultures
-
Downtempo, chill-out, and ambient electronic beats suitable for relaxation, meditation, or upscale environments
-
Traditional instruments including sitar, oud, darbuka, bamboo flute, and ethnic percussion
-
Subtle vocals, chants, and sampled textures to create mystical, atmospheric soundscapes
-
Continuous DJ-style mixing for a seamless, immersive journey
The album delivers a cosmopolitan listening experience, fusing ethnic authenticity with modern lounge sophistication.
Tracklist Overview
Buddha Bar Volume 9 features a selection of tracks from international artists, spanning two discs, blending ethno-lounge, chill-out, and world fusion styles.
Disc 1 Highlights:
-
Cheb i Sabbah – Beyond the Veil
-
Natacha Atlas – Eye of the Heart
-
Talvin Singh – Raga Lounge
-
Mercan Dede – Mystic Rhythms
-
Deep & Sexy – Oriental Groove
Disc 2 Highlights:
-
Karsh Kale – Nomadic Raga
-
Balkan Beat Box – Desert Groove
-
Ottmar Liebert – Luna Roja
-
Liquid Soul – Desert Dreams
-
DJ Cheb i Sabbah – Marrakesh Nights
The compilation showcases global melodies, rhythmic percussion, and ambient electronic textures, creating the signature Buddha-Bar experience.
Standout Tracks
“Beyond the Veil” – Cheb i Sabbah
A hypnotic blend of Middle Eastern vocals, ambient textures, and electronic beats, exemplifying the ethno-lounge sound of Buddha Bar.
“Eye of the Heart” – Natacha Atlas
Fuses Arabic-inspired vocals with ambient lounge production, delivering a mystical and immersive listening experience.
“Nomadic Raga” – Karsh Kale
A creative combination of Indian classical instruments and electronic downtempo rhythms, highlighting Buddha Bar’s cross-cultural musical exploration.
Lyrical/Thematic Elements
Buddha Bar Volume 9, while largely instrumental or featuring sampled vocals, conveys themes of:
-
Spirituality and meditation (Mystic Rhythms, Raga Lounge)
-
Exotic journeys and cultural exploration (Desert Groove, Marrakesh Nights)
-
Relaxation, introspection, and ambient immersion (Eye of the Heart, Luna Roja)
-
Fusion of ancient musical traditions with contemporary electronic production
The album is designed to transport listeners across cultures, offering both emotional and meditative depth.
Fun Facts & Trivia
-
Volume 9 was curated by Claude Challe, founder of the Parisian Buddha-Bar lounge, ensuring a cohesive and immersive listening experience.
-
Several tracks were exclusive edits or remixes, specifically produced for this compilation.
-
The Buddha Bar series is credited with popularizing ethno-lounge and chill-out music internationally, influencing DJs, ambient playlists, and world fusion artists.
-
Artists on this volume come from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, reflecting the compilation’s global perspective.
-
Buddha Bar albums are widely played in luxury hotels, spas, upscale restaurants, and lounges, creating a signature ambient atmosphere.
Did You Know?
-
Buddha Bar Volume 9 continues the series’ global fusion approach, blending traditional ethnic instruments with modern chill-out beats.
-
Claude Challe’s curation emphasizes cultural authenticity and ambient sophistication, ensuring a unique listening journey.
-
Tracks like “Raga Lounge” and “Mystic Rhythms” influenced a generation of chill-out and world fusion musicians.
-
The album’s continuous DJ-style mixing allows it to be enjoyed as a seamless musical journey from start to finish.
-
Buddha Bar Volume 9 maintains the Buddha-Bar ethos of meditation, sophistication, and exotic cultural exploration.
Commercial Performance and Cultural Impact
Buddha Bar Volume 9 achieved success in the lounge, chill-out, and world music markets, particularly in Europe and Asia. The album helped:
-
Solidify Buddha Bar’s global reputation
-
Inspire other DJs and producers to blend ethnic music with modern lounge beats
-
Reinforce Buddha Bar as a leading lifestyle and ambient music brand
Volume 9 remains a reference point for world music and chill-out enthusiasts, celebrated for its smooth production and diverse instrumentation.
Most Famous Tracks from Buddha Bar Volume 9
-
Beyond the Veil – Cheb i Sabbah
-
Eye of the Heart – Natacha Atlas
-
Mystic Rhythms – Mercan Dede
-
Nomadic Raga – Karsh Kale
-
Luna Roja – Ottmar Liebert
These tracks exemplify the signature Buddha-Bar fusion of exotic, spiritual, and modern lounge sounds.
Series Timeline and Legacy
-
First Album: Buddha Bar (1999)
-
Volume 9 Release: 2007
-
Series Status: Ongoing, with over 20 volumes released
-
Cultural Impact: Popularized ethno-lounge and chill-out music worldwide, influenced ambient and lounge culture, and became synonymous with upscale cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Keywords
Buddha Bar Volume 9 album 2007, Buddha Bar compilation review, lounge music albums, ethno-lounge chill-out music, Claude Challe Buddha Bar, world fusion chill-out music, exotic lounge compilation, best Buddha Bar albums
