Laya Project (EarthSync, 2006) is a music documentary that explores the folk music traditions of communities affected by the Asian tsunami of 2004. The film’s stunningly beautiful cinematography showcases the lush landscapes and natural beauty of Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Maldives, and Myanmar, forming the backdrop for rare performances by local musicians from the affected villages and coastal communities, some documented for the first time ever.

This week, the music reaches out to us in new ways, thanks to the art of the re-mix. Four years after Laya Project was first released, we are presented with A New Day: Laya Project Re-mixed, a two-disc collection of freshly crafted tracks that celebrate the spirit of the originals, while offering us opportunities to experience the music from different perspectives. (For those interested in reading more about the process, definitions, and history of re-mixes, check out www.remixtheory.net by Eduardo Navas).

Offered as “a musical celebration of life,” A New Day re-visits the music of the tsunami-affected regions, encouraging new reflections on the fragility of our existence, and the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

Have a listen to two tracks posted on the right sidebar:

Pitch Black’s sensuous twelve-minute re-mix of the title track begins the journey. Celestial, hypnotic, and moody, the violin, tablas, flute, and vocals are layered with luscious ambient undertones that carry the instruments fluidly in and out like the tides.

Seb Taylor, one of my favourite music producers of the past decade, re-mixes “Going to Seville” with the signature Kaya Project sound – including acoustic guitar and gorgeous vocals interwoven seamlessly with the strings.