This mostly acoustic compilation of 13 cuts by such Windham Hill artists as William Ackerman and Michael Hedges mesh well for a soothing, even-paced (although sometimes a bit busy) musical experience that's excellent as accompaniment to a yoga routine. With a slow, steady rhythm, "The White Spirit" from French duo Uman unfolds the collection splendidly, transporting the listener to an exotic, rhythmic place perfect for focusing the mind and stretching the body. Other standouts include "Bridges" from Celtic-folk artists Nightnoise, featuring a lyrical acoustic guitar and plaintive violin; Philip Aaberg's poetic "Crying Smile"; and Patrick O'Hearn's electronic "87 Dreams of a Lifetime," whose cadences are just spirited enough to keep your body moving while still laid-back in delivery and meter. Yoga Zone is a solid collection whose only weakness lies in its demand to be listened to rather than used to underscore physical movement. --Karen Karleski

Subtitled "Six Daily Meditations from Around the World," this compilation from the venerable Lyrichord label, a serious world- and early-music specialist, presents an interesting concept: an hour-long sampler that, in 10-minute increments, showcases six traditional approaches to audible enhancements for a meditative state. Five of the pieces are culled from Lyrichord's archives and the sixth, an unhurried cycle of slow rhythmic patterns coaxed from a Celtic bodhran by percussionist-therapist Randy Crafton, is an original work. World Meditation opens with a spacious, resonant Gregorian chant, followed by the somewhat quicker cadence of chants from Greek Orthodox liturgy. The selection of ancient Japanese flute music that follows, played on a bamboo shakuhachi, may strike Occidental ears as shrill; "Meditation Five," featuring the deep, reverberating growl of Tibetan monastic chanting, is both fascinating and otherworldly. The affecting assortment of Buddhist flutes, drums, and bells on "Meditation Four" was recorded during a temple service in Japan. Overall, a nice find for a niche audience, particularly reflective souls who profess a broad interest in ancient musical forms. --Terry Wood