A Lover's Touch Grow's Cold.... "Flamenco Arabe 2" by Hossam Ramzy & Jose Luis Monton CD review by Surreyya My love affair with the music of Hossam Ramzy began when I was but a curious teen seeking out music from far away places with which I could connect. His rhythms made a foggy dance student in a 9:00 a.m. dance class a little more awake.often rudely so! Ramzy's beats seemed to me similar to that strange boy that threw stones or did something awkward and silly to really get your attention. It wasn't until the film the "Last Temptation of Christ" was produced that his music stirred me so emotionally. Coming from a strict Christian household, I was shocked at my mother's appreciation of the film, and even more so her openness to let me view it. The music, the rhythms, the haunting sonic landscape whisked me away to a place I had never been, yet I felt somehow that I had experienced in another lifetime. It was strong, spiritual, erotic, exotic all in the same movement.
Years later, I had gone to see Robert Plant and Jimmy Page in concert at the Shoreline in Mountain View. One of my most favorite songs ever, "Kashmir," began with a cool dark eastern vocal solo, quiet and empty stage and seemed suspended with anticipation. The powerful orchestra entered in a big moment with power and light, foreshadowing moments to come. Then much to everyone's surprise the lights lit an area to the far right of the stage, awakening Hossam Ramzy's Pharaoh's Egyptian Orchestra.
Don't be shy, we all have at least one! That certain musician, that certain ensemble, that certain performer that stirs us in a way like no other. Fanatically, I had collected most of his works up to Flamenco Arabe 1, and was thrilled at the idea of reviewing Flamenco Arabe 2. The Album begins with an engaging but all too short Ney solo, and then jumps to a very Gypsy/Latin "A Caballo" (On Horseback).
Compared to Flamenco Arabe1, this album falls short. While the musicians are proficient, and the concept seems heartfelt, it is often difficult to recapture the magic of a once successful effort.
I don't hear the daring and whimsical rhythm combinations of Ramzy's that I have come to love over the years. I hear an album that Ramzy likely intended to be "safe." While this is a listenable and somewhat likeable album, it misses the oomph needed to be dance music with impact. You will find little other than an album to play at a dinner party, and, with that said, this goes nicely with a glass of wine and hors de'ouvres.
Sadly,
over time, the honeymoon can wear off and routine sets in.
I hope this won't be the case with Hossam Ramzy. Drums and rhythms
are so personal in many ways-to many people-the essence, the
heartbeat, the pulse that keeps us moving, living and breathing.
A sonic foundation where upon minstrels can build dreams is
a rare thing. I dream his thundering drums and creative
arrangements will come stir my soul once again, but until then,
I'll savor my old recordings like looking through old picture
books of fond memories. Have
a comment? Send us a
letter! Ready
for more? 9-13-06
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"Awtar
W' Haneen" (Strings and Longing) features lovely qanun playing,
and it includes cleverly off-timed stops and starts that could
make for a cute dance number. Further down the play list,
the songs blend together and lose their individuality.
It isn't until "El Hombre y El Saidi" (The Macho Man, The Saidi)
that I was actually moved to dance. The introduction features
call and answer form between the El Hombre and El Saidi instrumentally
and is very cinematic. The Saidi rhythm is engaging, and
by far, this is the song with the most feeling on the album.
"Amil" definitely pulls ones heartstrings. I've always
had a soft spot for fretless bass, and the sad but proud melody
conjures up a slideshow of emotion. A performance of note is
the sad and sultry vocals of Maria Toledo on
"Pensado en Ti" (Thinking of You). 
