CD Review: MWE's 'Second Wind'

MWE
Second Wind
Self-Release

Hailing from San Francisco, MWE brings together Balkan brass and Turkish rhythms with heady, instrumental arrangements for a lively good time. Paul Bertin on alto sax, Gregory Jenkins on clarinet, Calvin Lai on zurna, Morgan Nilsen on clarinet, Sean Tergis on davul, darbuka, daf and riqq, Marco Peris on tupan, and special vocal guest, Eva Salina Primack, round out the ensemble. The rhythmic and punchy opener, "Ashkhabad," is pure Balkan brass with a side of Turkish folk and Middle Eastern deliciousness. Eva provides vocals on one tune, "Kara Gozlu Cingenem," which sounds like a traditional Turkish tune. "Tea High" resounds with the loud, clear tones of the zurna, which is quickly accompanied by rhythmic percussion. The buzzing and swishy tones are very punctual and slightly classical. "Agresia" incorporates a variety of skittish tunes, Balkan brass, and Turkish percussion that cannot be ignored. Fans of Balkan brass, Turkish music, world fusion, and instrumental music will love its beautiful charm. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Michel Sajrawy's 'Arabop'

Michel Sajrawy
Arabop
Dasam Studio

Nazareth-based, Palestinian-guitarist, Michel Sajrawy, offers a glimpse into a new world of Arab maqam and Western improvisation on his latest album, Arabop. The jazzy, experimental sounds are rich with Middle Eastern and North Africa melodies, but familiar to all. The instrumental repertoire is well-balanced with Michel on guitar and keyboards, Amiram Granot on sax, Maali Klar on soprano sax, Samir Makhoul on oud and vocals, Valeri Lipets on contra bass, Wisam Sajrawy on darbuka and shakers, Stas Zilberman on drums, Nehaya Damouni on chants, and Adnan Haddad on speech. The wildly-played guitar stylings are equivalent to Hossam Ramzy on the drums. At any rate, the songs are up-tempo, but reflective in a similar manner. The energized darbuka and electric guitars thunder with delight on "Tojann." "1 Count Before 40" is a more meditative, lounge jazz tune that is wholly instrumental. "Arabop" reflects a more jazzy side to the music with a jaunty sax line and playful melody overall. The highly-energize "Batumi" is a guitar lovers dream with an equal amount of percussive embellishments throughout. There is a slight klezmer undertone. Overall, Michel succeeds wildly with a stunning set of mostly instrumental music that is both jazzy, Arabic, and improvisational. This is maqam music for future generations. ~ Matthew Forss