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: Niyaz' 'Sumud'

Niyaz
Sumud
Six Degrees

The modern arrangements of the Persian group Niyaz are steeped in Persian, Kurdish, Afghani, Palestinian, and Turkish folk songs. The contemporary arrangements on keyboards, electronics, drums, and percussion are due to the talented Carmen Rizzo. Azam Ali is the vocalist, but she also plays the santoor and assorted percussion. Loga Ramin Torkian plays saz, robab, kamaan, djumbush, lafta, guitar, and viol. The stunning compositions are modernized, but not so much they are diluted with boring or cheap embellishments. Instead, the result is a catchy, moving, and ear-friendly approach to folk music. The popularized result is not devoid of folkish charm. Sumud, which means 'steadfastness' in Arabic, is appropriately-titled. Sumud will astound, amaze, and awe-inspire all who listen to it. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Azam Ali's 'From Night To The Edge Of Day'

Azam Ali

From Night To The Edge Of Day

Six Degrees

Iranian-born and US-based, Azam Ali, presents a multicultural recording of lullabies from around the Middle East. The spacious and subtle instrumentation are as vast as the regions the songs originate from. For instance, Azam incorporates lullabies from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran and Iraq. Azam's voice is steeped in tradition with a warm and tender sensibility that eschews a mystical or transcendental quality. In a similar manner, the instrumentation includes a variety of indigenous strings, percussion, and plucked instruments. Inspired by the birth of her son, From Night To The Edge Of Day is an inward journey of a calming peace and charisma that leaves every listener in awe. Ten songs and fifty-minutes of music provide a good deal of entertainment. Fans of Middle Eastern music, lullabies, New Age, and world fusion will find Azam Ali's latest release heartwarmingly appealing. ~ Matthew Forss