Naked Rhythm is a LA duo, Avi Sills and Alex Spurkel, that plays world electronica, ranging from Middle-Eastern techno to lounge to dance. They describe their music as “an innovative and accessible form of World electronica”, which seems to be apt. If you’re familiar with world electronic groups such as Deep Forest, Naked Rhythm is in the same general territory.

Naked Rhythm’s debut CD, Frequency, is a combination of dance remixes of traditional music and original tracks. They are joined on the CD by respected world music artists Djivan Gasparian, a master doudouk player from Armenia; Abhiman Kaushal, Indian tabla that has played with Ravi Shankar; Brutha Los, the Oakland-based rapper known for his work with Omar Sosa and the Company of Prophets; Tony Khalife, Lebanese spiritual singer; and R&B singer, CC White.

The tracks on Frequency vary from world electronica on tracks like Deep Lotus, to Middle-Eastern/Rap mashups like Babylon to India-influenced downtempo numbers like Sari Sky. Gypsy Lounge is an interesting combination of lounge and house with a dash of Gypsy guitar thrown in. Throughout, the music is seasoned with lots of tasty percussion work.

The music is not demanding music, but music that is about groove and vibe. For listeners into dance-friendly world electronica, Naked Rhythms’ debut CD, Frequency, is worth checking out.

At the Naked Rhythm site, there are videos that provide a taste of the group’s sound.

Tracks:

• Deep Lotus
• Babylon
• Gypsy Lounge
• Shisha
• Samba Bionic
• Sandstorm
• Sari Sky
• Sundinaya
• Moon Over Ala Nar
• Mirage
• Gypsy Majik