The 3-CD set was produced by Sony BMG Music Entertainment and includes over 100 musical selections (a combination of excerpts and complete tracks). The majority of these are drawn from high-quality, professional recordings by the likes of Ravi Shankar, Tito Puente, Santana, Shakti, Angélique Kidjo, Hossam Ramzy, John Coltrane, The Chieftains, Eileen Ivers, and Yo-Yo Ma. The CD tracks are closely integrated with the text through Guided Listening Experience narratives, Guided Listening Quick Summaries, Musical Guided Tours, Music Making Exercises, and visual illustrations.