CD Review: Nazaket Teymurova's 'Mugham'

Nazaket Teymurova
Mugham
Felmay

The traditional music of Azerbaijan has been a popular Caucasus mainstay throughout Central Asia and around the world. Mugham is form of classical poetry and improvisational musical arrangements following an Iranian-Arabic-Turkish melody continuum, or maqam. In this case, Nazaket brings us four long compositions in the mugham style: (1) Dastgah Kharidj Segah, (2) Mugham Bayati Shira, (3) Tasnif and Chahargah, and (4) Ashiqam and Mugham Hijaz. The music is traditional overall and features the great vocal style of Nazaket Teymurova, but she is accompanied by various musicians on tar, kamancha, balaban, naqara, drone naqara, qosha naqara, kanun, and oud. The first song is the longest at nearly thirty-eight-minutes. Fans of Arabic maqam, mugham, Central Asian music, and Azeri music will definitely love Nazaket's album. Liner notes are in English, French, and Azeri. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Beatriz Aguiar's 'Nomade'

Beatriz Aguiar
Nomade
Felmay

The smooth and sultry voice of Uruguay's Beatriz Aguiar is romantic and unforgettable. In the same manner, the instrumental hooks are equally enthralling. Her voice is accompanied by strings, piano, guitar, accordion, percussion, and bass. The classical, string sounds are breezy and contemplative. The militaristic "Manzanilla," contains a nice drum-beat and moving vocals. This is familiar music to fans of South American session or jam music. Think Ruben Blades meets Bach. However, this is fairly unique overall, as Beatriz' voice is fluid, dynamic, and supple. The music is classical, jazzy, and pop standard all the way. Fans of Beatriz will rejoice with this one. Others unfamiliar with Beatriz' work will quickly find out how much they've been missing. ~ Matthew Forss