Description

Rhythms Of Paradise – Daniel Paul

Rhythms Of Paradise by Daniel Paul is an expressive New Age and world music album that brings together the ancient traditions of Indian percussion with Western instrumentation and contemporary musical influences. At the heart of this recording is Daniel Paul’s remarkable use of the tabla tarong, a melodic arrangement of tabla drums that allows rhythm and melody to become one.

Originally released in 1996, Rhythms Of Paradise features 12 tracks and approximately 53 minutes of music. Current music databases classify the album within New Age and electronic/world-oriented styles, while Daniel Paul’s own music information describes the recording as his first solo debut centered around the tabla tarong.

With contributions from Dean Evenson, Singh Kaur (Lorellei), Bruce BecVar, Glenno Falkenberg, Raphael, Jai Uttal and other musicians, Rhythms Of Paradise creates a rich musical environment where Indian percussion, flute, harp, guitar, vocals, keyboards and other instruments interact naturally.

About Rhythms Of Paradise

Rhythms Of Paradise offers a musical window into the influences and experiences of the remarkably talented Daniel Paul. The album features the work of many of Daniel Paul’s respected musical friends and mentors.

Fulbright Award-winning drummer Daniel Paul developed a distinctive musical approach through the tabla tarong, blending classical and modern Indian drumming traditions with Western music, instrumentation and influences.

Rather than using the tabla simply as a conventional rhythm instrument, Daniel Paul uses the tabla tarong to create melodic phrases. The result is an unusual combination of rhythm, melody and texture that gives Rhythms Of Paradise its distinctive character.

AllMusic describes the tabla tarong as the focal point of the recording and notes how its ancient drums become melodic elements within the compositions. The album combines these sounds with flute, harp, guitar, keyboards, violin, percussion and other instruments to create a vibrant world music atmosphere.

What Is Tabla Tarong Music?

The tabla tarong is one of the defining features of Rhythms Of Paradise.

The traditional tabla developed in North India and consists of tuned treble and bass drums. Daniel Paul’s tabla tarong takes this concept further by arranging multiple treble tabla drums around the performer and tuning them to specific musical pitches.

This arrangement allows the drums to function almost like a melodic instrument.

Daniel Paul explains that the word tarong refers to waves and describes the flowing, almost underwater quality produced when multiple tuned drums are played rapidly.

That unique sound is what makes Daniel Paul instrumental music particularly interesting for listeners who enjoy world percussion, New Age music and unusual acoustic instruments.

Indian Musical Tradition Meets Western Instrumentation

One of the most interesting aspects of Rhythms Of Paradise is its combination of musical traditions.

Daniel Paul draws from Indian classical percussion while incorporating Western instruments and contemporary arrangements.

The album features:

• Tabla and tabla tarong
• Percussion
• Flute
• Guitar
• Harp
• Keyboards
• Vocals
• Dotar
• Violin
• Additional world percussion

AllMusic notes that the tabla tarong compositions were arranged with instruments including dotar, sarod, tabla, Celtic harp, hammered dulcimer, African drums, flute, violin and keyboards.

This combination gives the recording a broad musical palette while keeping Daniel Paul’s melodic percussion at the center.

Inspired by the Hawaiian Islands

Although the musical foundation draws heavily from Indian percussion traditions, Rhythms Of Paradise was also inspired by the natural beauty of Hawaii.

Daniel Paul created many of the compositions while living in the Hawaiian Islands, and the album reflects this environment through its imagery and musical atmosphere.

The songs evoke oceans, islands, moonlight, waves and tropical landscapes.

Tracks such as Oceania, Song of the Sea, Magic Island, and Wave Runner reinforce this connection to the sea and island environment.

Daniel Paul’s own description of the album highlights inspiration from whale songs, jungle parrots and the natural beauty of his island surroundings.

Featured Artists

The collaborative nature of Rhythms Of Paradise is another important part of the album.

The supplied album credits include:

• Daniel Paul – Tabla, Tabla Tarong, Percussion
• Singh Kaur (Lorellei) – Vocals
• Dean Evenson – Flute
• Bruce BecVar – Guitar
• Glenno Falkenberg – Harp
• Raphael – Keyboards
• Jai Uttal – Dotar

Additional current music databases identify a broader group of performers contributing instruments including violin, flute, keyboards, harp, guitar, African percussion and other world instruments.

This variety helps create the full, layered sound that distinguishes the album from a straightforward percussion recording.

A Rich New Age and World Music Experience

Rhythms Of Paradise occupies an interesting space between New Age music, world music, Indian percussion and contemporary instrumental music.

Apple Music classifies the album as New Age, while AllMusic describes its sound through New Age, electronic and ambient-oriented styles.

The recording can appeal to listeners who enjoy:

• New Age music
• World music
• Indian percussion
• Tabla music
• Instrumental music
• Ambient music
• Global fusion music
• Relaxing background music
• Meditative instrumental sounds
• Exotic acoustic instruments

Rather than relying on a single musical tradition, the album allows different cultural influences to interact throughout the recording.

Track Listing

Rhythms Of Paradise contains 12 tracks:

1. Neptune’s Court – 4:21
2. Dream Walker – 4:49
3. Oceania – 5:47
4. Song of the Sea – 6:55
5. Rapture – 4:14
6. Moroccan Moon – 5:19
7. Rhythms of Paradise (Prelude) – 3:15
8. Rhythms of Paradise – 3:43
9. Magic Island – 4:19
10. Forty Thousand Leagues – 2:26
11. Tales of the Golden Age – 3:28
12. Wave Runner – 4:45

Total Time: Approximately 53 minutes

The track sequence is confirmed by current music databases and retail listings, with minor timing differences between sources.

Neptune’s Court

The opening track, Neptune’s Court, immediately introduces the album’s aquatic and atmospheric character.

Its title establishes the oceanic imagery that appears throughout the recording.

Dream Walker

Dream Walker moves into a more imaginative soundscape, combining the album’s rhythmic foundation with its broader New Age atmosphere.

Oceania

Oceania draws directly on the island inspiration behind the project, creating a natural connection between Daniel Paul’s Hawaiian experience and the album’s world music sound.

Song of the Sea

At nearly seven minutes, Song of the Sea is one of the longer pieces on the recording. The title and musical setting reinforce the recurring ocean imagery throughout the album.

Rapture and Moroccan Moon

Rapture and Moroccan Moon continue the album’s exploration of different musical landscapes.

Together they demonstrate the variety of cultural and atmospheric influences present in the recording.

Rhythms of Paradise

The title sequence includes both Rhythms of Paradise (Prelude) and Rhythms of Paradise.

These tracks provide a central statement of the album’s identity, bringing Daniel Paul’s melodic percussion concept together with the broader ensemble sound.

Magic Island and Wave Runner

Magic Island and Wave Runner return to the tropical and ocean-inspired themes that helped shape the recording.

The album’s Hawaiian influence becomes especially apparent through these evocative titles.

A CD for World Music Collectors

For collectors of classic New Age CDs, world music CDs, Indian percussion recordings and Soundings of the Planet releases, Rhythms Of Paradise is a distinctive addition.

The album was released in 1996 through Soundings of the Planet and is available in both CD and cassette listings in archival music databases.

Daniel Paul’s own music history also identifies Rhythms Of Paradise as one of his principal recordings featuring the tabla tarong.

Who Is Daniel Paul?

Daniel Paul is a Fulbright Award-winning tabla drummer, composer and recording artist with extensive experience in Indian classical music and world music.

His musical background includes study at the Ali Akbar College of Music, where he spent years immersed in the traditions of Indian classical music. He has performed and recorded with a diverse range of artists and has continued exploring the tabla’s possibilities in contemporary world music.

His use of the tabla tarong is a defining part of his musical identity.

Why Choose Rhythms Of Paradise?

Rhythms Of Paradise is an excellent choice for listeners who want something beyond conventional instrumental music.

Its combination of melodic tabla, world percussion, flute, harp, guitar, vocals and keyboards creates a distinctive sound that bridges cultures and musical traditions.

Choose Rhythms Of Paradise if you enjoy:

• Daniel Paul music
• Tabla tarong
• Indian percussion
• New Age world music
• Relaxing instrumental music
• World fusion
• Ambient instrumental music
• Hawaiian-inspired music
• Soundings of the Planet recordings
• Classic New Age CDs

The album’s 53-minute running time also makes it an easy addition to a longer listening session.

Product Details

Product Name: Rhythms Of Paradise
Artist: Daniel Paul
Format: CD
Catalog Number: SP-7165CD
UPC: 096507716520
Release Year: 1996
Genre: New Age / World Music
Number of Tracks: 12
Total Playing Time: Approximately 53 minutes
Label: Soundings of the Planet
Primary Instrument: Tabla / Tabla Tarong

Current retail and music listings confirm the 1996 release, 12-track format, approximately 53-minute duration, Soundings of the Planet association and UPC 096507716520.

Rhythms Of Paradise at CBS Beauty Supply

If you are building a collection of relaxing and culturally diverse music, Rhythms Of Paradise offers a distinctive combination of Indian percussion traditions, New Age atmosphere and tropical inspiration.

At CBS Beauty Supply, this CD fits naturally alongside other Soundings of the Planet and relaxation-focused music titles. You can also explore related selections such as Peace Dance for another world-oriented instrumental listening experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rhythms Of Paradise?

Rhythms Of Paradise is a 1996 New Age and world music album by Daniel Paul, centered around his unique use of the tabla tarong.

Who created Rhythms Of Paradise?

The primary artist is Daniel Paul, with contributions from musicians including Dean Evenson, Singh Kaur (Lorellei), Bruce BecVar, Glenno Falkenberg, Raphael and Jai Uttal.

What is tabla tarong?

Tabla tarong is a melodic arrangement of tuned tabla drums. Daniel Paul uses this unusual percussion setup to create both rhythmic and melodic musical passages.

How many tracks are on Rhythms Of Paradise?

The album contains 12 tracks.

How long is Rhythms Of Paradise?

The album has approximately 53 minutes of music. Apple Music lists 12 songs and 53 minutes.

What type of music is Rhythms Of Paradise?

It combines New Age, world music, Indian percussion, ambient textures and contemporary instrumental music.

Is Rhythms Of Paradise a CD?

Yes. The product is the physical CD edition, identified by catalog number SP-7165CD and UPC 096507716520.

Who would enjoy Rhythms Of Paradise?

It is a good choice for listeners interested in Daniel Paul, tabla music, Indian percussion, New Age music, world music, relaxing instrumental recordings and classic Soundings of the Planet CDs.

Is Rhythms Of Paradise inspired by Hawaii?

Yes. Daniel Paul drew inspiration from the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, including ocean and tropical imagery reflected in several compositions.

Where can I explore another related album?

You can internally link this product to Peace Dance from your related Soundings of the Planet collection:

Peace Dance – CBS Beauty Supply