1 Giant Leap

This "visual album" from Jamie Catto and Duncan Bridgeman (who directed, produced, and composed the project) combines vivid colorful imagery, provocative spoken word, and pulsating music featuring more than a dozen artists. From Senegal to London, the duo traveled around the globe and persuaded Ram Dass, Brian Eno, Dennis Hopper, Anita Roddick, Gabrielle Roth, Kurt Vonnegut, and others to open up their souls on age-old topics related to the human condition, such as time, money, death, sex, and God. Still, the comments and the striking, lingering visuals--while thought-provoking and captivating--are secondary to the real star of the show: world music. Weaving together voices from Baaba Maal to Neneh Cherry and instruments from the electric mandolin to the dudak, the 12 short films on the DVD version of this audio album spotlight rhythms and beats that are both harmonious and eclectic. A standout performance is "The Way You Dream," with vocals from a melodious trio that includes R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe. The DVD also includes a juke box mode, the option to explore "making-of" material, two bonus "singles," and a thick, informative booklet with quotes, synopses about the contributors, and travel notes. Although clearly intended for adults (the program features candid language and a cremation scene), the "suitable only for persons 18 years and over" notice on the back cover seems overstated. A stunning, culturally rich program melding aural and visual enchantment that celebrates diversity while underscoring commonality, 1 Giant Leap is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: C, P. (J. Williams)