CD Review: Solvguttene and Kudsi Erguner's 'Pervane'

Solvguttene with Kudsi Erguner
Pervane: Floyet fra Guds Hand
KKV

The music of Solvguttene is steeped in the rich, classic melodies and instrumentation of Turkey with some lyrics by Norway's Henrik Wergeland and Hans Nielsen Hauge. The symphonic choral pieces represent a seemingly unlikely connection between Norway's religious choral constructions and Turkey's Sufi poetry. However, the result works with flying colors and effervescent flutes. Flute legend, Kudsi Erguner, vocalist Bora Uymaz, qanun player Serkan Halili, percussionist Hamdi Akatay, pianist Andreas Utnem, and double bass player, Jo Fougner Skaansar, round out the musical repertoire. The music is dreamy, Middle Eastern, angelic, and new age all wrapped into one indelible package. The swirling, dervish rhythms and instrumentation is somewhat Renaissance-themed, but that is just the old nature of the instruments and cross-cultural influences throughout Central Asia and Europe. At any rate, Solvguttene and Kudsi Erguner bring us a lively instrumental and vocal medley of world music with sauntering melodies that are mature and unforgettable. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Rim Banna's 'Revelation Of Ecstasy And Rebellion'

Rim Banna
Revelation Of Ecstasy And Rebellion
KKV

Palestine's gifted vocalist, Rim Banna, brings us a poetic display of musicianship with guests: Eivind Aarseth, Bugge Wesseltoft, Jihed Khmiri, Kays Zorrouk, Mohamed Ben Salha, Ossama Bishara, Ramsis Kassis, Mr. Kaz, and Shrikant Shriram. The entire project is rather laid-back with sounds emanating from guitars, piano, keyboards, percussion, oriental cello, flute, qanun, oud, and bass. The result is a vocal and instrumental album that represents a Pan-Arabic approach with new age nuances that are not as electric as Azam Ali. Each track flutters with rich melodies and transient sounds that are contemplative, cultural, and nostalgic. There are twelve tracks in all that reveal something new and fresh with each repeated listen. It is no secret there are beautiful revelations contained throughout. The light percussion, wafting vocals, and emotive deliveries are remarkable and represent a pinnacle, career achievement--thus far. Anyone familiar with Rim should check this out. All others will not be disappointed. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Syriana's 'The Road To Damascus'

Syriana
The Road To Damascus
Real World

Syriana is a group headed by Nick "Dubulah" Page with songs written by Abdullah Chhadeh, Bernard O'Neill, and Nick "Dubulah" Page. The album is not to be confused with the 2005 film Syriana. Instead, The Road To Damascus paints a colorful picture of lush Middle Eastern melodies, rhythms, and instrumentation. For example, the oud, qanun, double bass, guitars, piano, keyboards, percussion, and a few vocals round out the musical repertoire. The violins are added by the Pan Arab Strings of Damascus. The album is mostly instrumental, which allows the tracks to shine beyond borders. The thirteen tracks do contain some cinematic tendencies, but the majority of songs are steeped in roots, folk, and classical music. Fans of Middle Eastern music will love the sultry nuances of Syriana's music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Istiklal Trio's Self-Titled Release From Israel

Istiklal Trio
Istiklal Trio
High Fidelity
 
The instrumental music of Istiklal Trio is appealing, energetic, and contemplative--all at the same time. The trio is Yaniv Taichman (oud, guitar), Ariel Qassis (kanun), and Noa Vax (percussion). The modern trio does not incorporate dance-club tunes or electronic compositions notable in the trance world. Instead, the Trio performs renditions of classical pieces with up-to-date song structures perfect for fans of improvisational music, world music, folk music, instrumental music, and percussion. The scintillating rhythms reflect a South Asian, South American, and Central Asian sensibility with the charm of the Middle East thrown in for good measure. The fourteen tracks contain a few taqsims--Arabic maqams--and one rendition of the Godfather movie theme. The Trio makes instrumental music interesting and lively enough without resorting to banal rhythms and mindless melodies. Each instrument is given plenty of air-time throughout. Let Istiklal Trio ignite the musical passion in all of us. ~ Matthew Forss