CD Review: Hassan Hakmoun's 'Unity'

Hassan Hakmoun
Unity
Healing Records

Based in Brooklyn, NY and born in Morocco, Gnawa musician and sintir player, Hassan Hakmoun, brings us an energetic release steeped in cultural brilliance and trance-inducing beats. The instrumental arrangements of "Balili" are nothing short of a miracle. The opener, "Zidokan," is a gritty, steady beat of a song. The rock elements of "Hamadiyi" showcase a more rock instrumental medley without squealing guitars. However, the instrumentation is rather alternative and grunge-like in a world fusion sort of manner. Anyone familiar with gnawa music will recognize the sintir instrument, but the musical melodies also give it away. This is also the most cohesive album to date. Consequently, the beats are tight, memorable, and full of organic, soul-stirring, trance-inductive qualities that stick with the listener long after the tracks end. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Club d'Elf's 'Electric Moroccoland' and 'So Below'

Club d'Elf

Electric Moroccoland/So Below [2 CD]

Face Pelt Records

Boston is a long way from Morocco...and it isn't. Just listen to Club d'Elf's latest 2-CD set of Moroccan trance, dub, rock, and improvisational roots music. The Club assembles nearly two-dozen musicians with special guest star and sintir icon, Hassan Hakmoun. Nearly two-and-a-half hours of music and twenty-five songs span the entire collection. The Moroccan and North African percussion and rhythms are mainly the driving force behind Electric Moroccoland. So Below is more of a contemporary vision with a little more electronica, dance, dub, and techno than the other disc. In effect, the title connotation suggests an underground beat or music. Of course, anytime dance or club trance music is recorded it is not too far from the bellows of the underground scene. Thankfully, this music is enjoyed top-side for everyone to hear. The largely instrumental compositions encompass a range of tones, colours, and melodies -- all of them good. If you want to experience the trance, jazz, improvisational, and dreamy sounds of North Africa via Boston, then Club d'Elf is the place to be. ~ Matthew Forss