Further Journeys
Brothers of the Baladi
BLD 4 6 - 19981 09142 - 8
October 1994
Further Journeys proves that Brothers of the Baladi are still [since 1975] one of the most popular and best sellers of Middle Eastern/Belly Dance music both nationally and internationally. This CD features all acoustic traditional Middle Eastern instruments.
Bandleader Michael Beach again leads his troupes with lead vocals, tabla/darbuka, def, riq, mezhar, tabl beledi, mizmars and kaciklar but this time the band spotlights the infamous master kanoon player Ishamel - who also lends lead vocals, baglama sa and kemenche to the mix. The kanoon is the ancient Middle Eastern predecessor of the harp and the hammered dulcimer. Then from Morocco is the incredibly multi-talented Boujemaa Razgui on oud, nay, violin/kemengeh and bass. J. Michael Kearsey [bass], Stephen Skaggs [oud & Turkish/Armenian clarinet] and Peter Helfand round out the band.
Cuts 1 - 5 are a complete Arabic Belly Dance routine. The classic Arabic Ma Zamir is full of rhythm and melodic changes. Cheftetelli features Ishmael and Razgui's improvisational solos on kanoon, nay and violin. Beach's Darbuka Solo demonstrates his love and mastery of Middle Eastern drums and rhythms. Razgui's soulful nay [Arabic cane flute] shines on Al Ann. The well known Ya Shaqli Khooly Jamil is the finale.
The 6/8 groove of Olmaz Olmaz is rendered with qualities that made Izzet Altinmese's version famous in Turkey. Even if you do not understand what the lyrics are about, Beach's Turkish vocals shine on one of the most beautiful Middle Eastern songs ever written - Bir Demet Yasemen [a dozen jasmine flowers for you]. Then Michael's improvises on the Turkish/Armenian 10/8 Drum Solo. Rarely recorded, it is an unusual yet exciting rhythm. Ishmael's Assyrian roots shine as he sings and plays kanoon on the Turkish folk tune Shisheler. Beach then completes the CD with a full Tribal/Folk piece called Jewnoon al Mizmar [the crazy mizmar]. Mizmars [double reeded folk horn] wail Arabic melodies and traditional rhythms surge ahead changing several times to take the dancer/listener on a unique journey in this last piece of Further Journeys.
Distribution: Burnside Distribution 503/231-0876 www.bdcdistribution.com
Brothers of the Baladi 503/288-4684 www.baladi.com
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.baladi.comTrack List:
1. Ma Zamir
2. Chefetelli
3. Darbuka Solo
4. Al Ann
5. Ya Shaqli Khooly Jamil
6. Olmaz
7. Bir Demet
8. 10/8 Drum Solo
9. Sisheler
10. Shimdi
11. Jewnoon al Mizmar
Other Genres:
