Eye On The World
Brothers of the Baladi
Produced by Michael Shrieve
BLD 005 7 86426-0005-2
April 1995
Eye on the World is the fifth recording from Brothers of the Baladi and the group's first foray into the world of music beyond the Middle East. The Brothers are already known both nationally and internationally for their traditional Middle Eastern/Belly Dance music. Now this recording signals a move towards new spots on the globe.
This CD was produced by Santana original Michael Shrieve, who also lends hands and sticks to several tunes. His direction takes this recording from the Middle East to the ethereal rock of the Rolling Stones and back to the Celtic roots of some of the American members of the band.
They begin with " Mastoom Mastoom " a hauntingly beautiful Persian folk/love song. This launches an international journey that includes an instrumental of The Rolling Stones " Paint if Black " in a 7/8 Greek/Turkish rhythm. This song has been featured on NPR's All Things Considered. The CD ends with " Twa Corbies " a traditonal Scottish tune sung in Gaelic. It is is an anti-war song from the perspective of two ravens sitting on a fence post - surveying a battlefield in search of a meal. It works thanks to MIchael Shrieve, rhythmically astute percussion and solid string players. Tariq Banzi's oud definitely gives ethnic fuel to the journey.
Most of the music is Middle Eastern however. It is sung in Arabic, Turkish and Farsi by Michael Beach. Beach is the Leader/Founder/Lead Vocalist/Drummer/Percussionist of the band.
The Beat Magazine says " The epithet ' world beat ' can mean alot of things these days, including sythn-generated polyrhythms. " Eye on the World " and the Baladi are the real deal though - a fresh take on an ancient idea ".
In addition to Michael Beach and Michael Shrieve, the CD features band mates J. Michael Kearsey [vocals, bass, percussion], Tariq Banzi [vocals, oud, bouzouki, riq, tar, tabla and percussion] and Attilio [vocals and multi keyboards].
Modern Drummer says " The Brothers of the Baladi convincingly weave Middle Eastern and Rock styles highlighted by unusually deep grooves by Michael Shrieve, Michael Beach & Tariq Banzi "
Burnside Distribution Co. 503/231-0876
www.bdcdistribution.com
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.baladi.comTrack List:
1. Mastoom Mastoom
2. Ah ya Zein
3. Oud Taqsim
4. Lamma Bada
5. Voyage
6. Bouzouki Taqsim
7. Paint it Black
8. Backbeat
9. Gole Sangiem
10. Dere Dere
11. Twa Corbies
Other Genres:
