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by Alexandria and Latifa Having danced to Arabic
Music for more years than either of us wish to admit, we found it refreshing
to run across a new CD produced by Jalilah's
that felt inspirational to us. The music on the CD is arranged as a
series of pieces illustrating various genres of music from Lebanon.
Track 1 is an update, a remake of an old arrangement of "Aziza" that Latifa once choreographed as a dance titled "Chocolate As A Spiritual Path." It starts with a grand opening. There are a delightful variety of rhythm changes from malfuf, maksoum and back to belledi which will undoubtedly lead to that applause that comes with something everyone finds familiar. There is even some Saidi rhythm which brings the folklore touch. The nay player contributes some exquisite classical riffs. Tony Anka and Bassam Yazbek on tabla and Arabic percussion are precise, clear and perfectly measured.
We highly recommend
Track 2, Beirut Rhythms, for it's diversity
and rhythmic complexity. It inspires and drives a dancer's interpretation,
whether choreographed or improvised.
Track 5 titled 'Lebanese Bouquet"
consists of typical folklore that one might find at a Lebanese wedding.
IshanAl-Mounzer has arranged it so that they can be
danced in Raks Sharki style. "Rakset Banat
Baladi" in Track 6 features a conversation between
an accordion and tabla which typifies Egyptian Baladi style dance. The
accordion is at once sophisticated and soulful. The riffs are familiar
but with a slight hint of urban blues. The tabla is precise and clear.
However the entrance of the def adds depth and complexity to the percussion
in this piece. Track 7 features a kanoun solo, which weaves
a truly magic web of sound that inspires a meditative state or, perhaps,
a veil performance coming from deep inside one's own conciousness.
Please shimmy, don't walk, to get
this CD! Have
a comment? Send us a letter! Ready
for more? More
from Latifa- 12-8-02
Oriental Dance: Myth
and Reality, The Harem Slaves By Jalilah Lorraine Chamas 3-3-04 Belly
Dancing with Snakes by Neferteri 3-3-04 Bert
and Amaya Workshop Photos by Ed Lampo and Report by Monica |
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