Music Reviews
by Yasmina

Visions - by Mirage
Saturn Return - by Nathan Zavalney
Mosaic - by Americanistan
Desert Roses 2 - by various artist, Ark 21 Records
Yarus - by Mirage
Bellydancing Breakbeats - by Oojami
Evocation - by Domba 
Desert Nights - by Desert Nights (winners of the
IMED best music award, 1998) 
The Best of the Sultans - produced by Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Evolution - by Oasis 

Other Sites with Music Reviews
The Art of Middle Eastern Dance (by Shira) 
Shibar Mozuna

Search Amazon for Belly Dance music



A Musical Note
by Yasmina

The CD in review this month is “Visions" by Mirage. 

1. Chem Ouzoum (4:31) 6. Makhmour Aghching (4:46)
2. Ya Sabiyeh (4:17) 7. Hayde Dour (3:26)
3. Nihavent (4:06) 8. Siseler (3:25)
4. Noubarin Boyuh (3:48) 9. Na Mi Naz Ouni (4:54)
5. Dancer’s Delight (7:13) 10. Dario Lo Lo (3:49)

Mirage has done it again a fantastic CD. If you own or have heard their first CD “Yarus” you will love “Visions”.

More great songs from the past, the classics to me. I love their mix of Armenian and Turkish music and a few Arabic songs thrown in. There version of “Habibi Ya Aini” is great; love that song I just wish it would have been longer. These songs have great rhythms to dance to especially the 6/8 and even a 10/8 to challenge your dance skills.

Mirage really brings these songs to the present with their mixture of keyboards and Kanun and the hard driving percussion sound.

I’m listening to Visions as I’m writing this review and it’s hard to sit still and concentrate on writing I want to dance!! The vocals are great I love Khatchig’s voice and the Kanun is such a beautiful sounding instrument. The dumbek and derbeki really get you moving and dancing. Mirage has such an amazing sound thanks guys for producing another CD for us to dance to.

The first song, “Chem Ouzoum”, is Armenian and is a great opening number, nice and peppy. About 2 ½ minutes into the song it slows down and picks up again to the end.

“Ya Sabiyeh”, an Arabic song, is the second song on the CD. It's another peppy song with the Kanun playing throughout and with vocals. 

One on my favorite songs on this CD is “Nihavent”. I love slow songs and this is the first one. I love getting lost in the music while I perform and this song allows you to do so. This is the first instrumental and Turkish song on the CD. 

“Noubarin Boyuh” will challenge your dancing skills. A medium tempo 10/8 Armenian song with vocals. The first time I heard this song I thought it was Greek just had that feeling for me.

If you need a dance routine that is under 8 minutes here you go. It’s called “Dancer’s Delight” and starts out with one of the most popular Arabic songs “Habibi Ya Aini” which lasts for about 1:50 and goes into a slow chiftelli for just over a minute. Hold on for the drum solo it will get you shaking!! The routine ends with quick tempo Arabic song “Yalabina”.

Another favorite song of mine that not only gave me goose bumps but also my students when I played this song in class. “Makhmour Aghchig” is another slow beautiful Armenian song in 6/8 and wonderful for veil. 

“Hayde Dour” is a nice peppy 6/8 rhythm song with vocals a real toe taper.

I really like this version of “Siseler” a great Turkish song. Another instrumental and a nice medium tempo for dancing.

Another up beat Armenian song is “Na Mi Naz Ouni” with vocals. Great to dance to.

The last song on Visions, is “Dari Lo Lo” a nice fast song to end the CD with and a dance routine. About 2 minutes into the song it goes into a nice Kanun takseem and picks up with vocals again. There is a break in the music and the song changes into a 6/8 rhythm and back into 4/4 at the end.

You can purchase Visions from CD Baby. CD’s are $15 plus shipping. 

Yarus is still available and can be purchased direct from Mirage’s website and on CD Baby.

Remember this is my opinion to this music. I try to be as objective as I can.  Just because, I may like or dislike the music that is being reviewed, you may have a different opinion. Your dance style and tastes may differ from mine. Please use this as a guideline only.

Until next time...
Yasmina

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A Musical Note
by Yasmina

Saturn Return

The CD in review is “Saturn Return" by Nathan Zavalney.  This is “a collection of original instrumental soundscapes that combine hypnotic desert rhythms with flowing melodies and improvisation”.  

1. Shiva Melody  (4:17)        6. Migration  (7:06)
2. Dream Sequence  (6:12)    7. Terra Firma  (3:35)
3. Trance Figure (3:36)          8. Romanian Hora  (3:35 )
4. Saturn Return  (3:55)         9. Lions on the Savannah                                                  (6:13)
5. Night Driving  (5:50)        10. Shiva melody Remix                                                  (3:55)

Along with the CD Nathan sent a press release and other information to help write this review.  

After receiving the CD I took it with me to listen to during my facial.  My esthetician really enjoyed it and she’s not a belly dancer.  I took the CD to class one night for my advance class to dance to and they really enjoyed it and the songs are very danceable.  Such a nice variety of sounds, styles and instruments are used in Nathan’s music.  It’s great to get music that you can just sit and listen to but also you can get lost in and dance.  

I’m listening to Saturn Return as I’m writing this review and I keep getting lost in the music.  It takes me to another place but back to reality and this review.  The entire CD is instrumental with overtone singing on the last song on the CD.  

Most of the CD was featured as the soundtrack of the Gypsy Spirit Instructional DVD  with Kelli Marie 2005.   

The first song, “Shiva Mel ody”, features a soprano saxophone.  Nice peppy song great song to open a routine with.  The saxophone and the guitar complement each other nicely in the song.  The song slows down in the middle and picks back up again with a short drum solo and back to the melody with saxophone and guitar.  

“Dream Sequence” is the second song and features a violin.  This piece is slow and would be nice for improvisation or floor work.  

“Trance Figure” is all drum.  It’s not a classic Egyptian drum solo with all the rhythm changes but it’s a nice drum piece, very peppy.  This would be great for Tribal style dancing.  When listening to this song I envisioned dancers around a camp fi re moving to the rhythm of the drums.  

I love the explanation on the CD jacket for “Saturn Return” the next song. “This is based on a 7 beat, 4 cycle pattern, rhythmically symbolizing the 28 year period which it takes Saturn to return to the location that it occupied an individual’s birth.  The time period surrounding this planetary relationship is thought to be one of the great significance in a persons’ development”.  “Saturn Return” is one of my favorite songs on the CD.  To me it had a Spanish flavor to the song; a nice skirt dance piece.  I really liked the guitar in this song.  

The next song, “Night Driving” it like its name sake.  I can envision someone driving through the night.  It has that “driving” pulse through the song.  Main instrument in the piece was the violin.  

The sixth song, “Migration” is a very moving piece; nice and slow.  I love the instrument that is used in this piece; its call a Duduk.  This instrument is Armenian and is has a double reed which gives it that haunting soulful sound.  You can feel and envision the Armenia n people migrating to another land. Another favorite piece of mine, a song you can get lost in.  

“Terra Firma” features the didgeridoo and udu drum.  

The next song, Romanian Hora” is my second favorite song.  The violin on this piece is so fiery and just makes you want to dance; very gypsy sounding.  

“Lions on the Savannah ” is the next song and is another favorite song.  I love dancing to 6/8 and this song is such a feel good song you just want to dance to it.  

The last song, “Shiva Melody Remix” as it states is a remix of the first song on the CD and uses the violin, a variety of drums and guitar.  A nice song to end your routine with.  

You can download sample songs and purchase Saturn Return from Drum Brothers website, www.drumbrothers.com. 

The CD is $16.00.  

I give this CD thumbs up I really like it and will use it in class for teaching and even use several songs in a performance.  

Remember this is my opinion to this music.  I try to be as objective as I can. Just because, I may like or dislike the music that is being reviewed, you may have a different opinion.  Your dance style and tastes may differ from mine.  Please use this as a guideline only.  

Until next time...  
Yasmina  

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A Musical Note
by Yasmina

Mosaic

The CD in review this month is “Mosaic" by Americanistan. 

1. Uskudar (4:24)        10. Razia Raks (4:15)
2. N’Etana (2:14)         11. Raks Siretzi (4:15)
3. Americano (2:29)     12. Song of Saqra (3:02))
4. Da Visa (5:01)         13. Zamara (3:03)
5. Inanna’s Veil (4:30) 14. Moroccan Trance Fusion (5:11)
6. Delilah (3:54)           15. Naia Saeeda (3:12)
7. Queen Mez (2:45)    16. Elena’s Villa (4:34)
8. Dodi Li (3:55)          17. Delilah II (6:13)
9. Rania’s Seven (3:40) 

When I went to write my review of Mosaic I went to Americanistan’s website to learn more about them. This is how they describe their music. "Americanistan performs music inspired by cultures of the Middle East and Mediterranean. Bellydance music is our specialty. Exotic sounds of ethnic instruments such as the kanun, harmonium, and ney flute, as well as the silver flute and harp, blend with the rhythms of dumbek, tambourine, and frame drum.”

Americanistan has been performing together for 13 years and is based in Eugene, Oregon. From their website: “Our goal is to create exciting, dynamic, beautiful music for each dancer we play for. We strive to tailor the music to the dancer's preference, style, and skill. We pride ourselves on our reputation as the most "dancer-friendly" band ever.”

I placed Mosaic in my CD player in my car and listened to it on my way home from the post office. I wish the drive was further so I could have heard more, I only got through the first four songs before I was home. On the way to rehearsal later that night I was able to listen to more of the CD. Needless to say by the time I reached practice I was inspired to dance and play music. I love all the mood changes this CD has to offer. It contains old classics like Uskudar, a Turkish folk song, and refreshing new music that beckons you to get up and dance.

I’m listening to Mosaic as I’m writing this review and I still love it. I really like the combination of the instruments used in Americanistan’s music. The kanun is one of my favorites, the harmonium was refreshing and works well with the kanun, I could have listened to the harp all day and my other favorite instrument the dumbek was a driving force the to music. It’s hard not to tap your feet or drum on the steering wheel when a dumbek is being played.

I enjoyed the arrangements of all the songs from this CD. The songs are all a nice length for dancing and combining them for a set to perform at a show or restaurant.

The first song, Uskudar, is a Turkish folk song that I haven’t heard in a long time. I loved the flute and kanun in this piece. This is a great opening number, nice and peppy.

N’Etana is the second song. This haunting song with the ney and frame drum just called for floor work. A dancer could really express themselves during this piece. This song is slow and moving. 

The next piece, Americano, is the first drum solo on the CD. I’ve been listening to so many Egyptian style drum solos it was nice to hear something different. Very danceable piece that you can get creative with and not worry about hitting all the pops and accents. This would be good for a troupe drum solo.

The song, Da Visa, is a nice peppy, happy piece with flute and kanun. It’s one of the longer songs on the CD. The song starts peppy and goes into a taxim and ends peppy.

Inanna’s Veil is the first song with vocals. The main instrument in this piece is the harmonium and dumbek with flute moving in and out. Nice chifitelli.

Delilah is the next song and starts with kanun and mandocello echoing each other. The song picks up to a quicker tempo. This song was written for Delilah from Seattle. 

The next piece highlights the harmonium. This song is a slower taxim. The CD cover states, Queen Mez is an original piece and “the stately melancholic Queen bears the sorrows of the world in her soul…”

I really liked the next piece, Dodi Li. It’s a traditional Israeli wedding song and the harp is beautiful in this song. Another piece you can really express yourself in your dance.

Rania’s Seven is another original piece and was inspired by Rania of California. The “seven” in the title of the song is for the time signature of the piece.

Razia Raks is the second drum solo on the CD. This is a high energy drum solo and another very danceable piece. A nice drum solo to choreograph a dance to. Out of the two drum solos this was my favorite. 

Raks Siretzi is a belly dance classical. I haven’t heard this song in awhile. Made me want to drag out my old cassette tapes and listen to them again. Nice medium tempo song. 

Song of Saqra is a moving piece with flute and vocal. It’s a slow powerful piece. Song is inspired by Saqra of Oregon.

The next song, Zamara, is an original piece inspired by Turkish gypsy music. Medium tempo with the use of the harmonium and kanun.

One of my favorite rhythms, Moroccan 6/8 drives this next song, Moroccan Trance Fusion. I really liked this piece, there’s something about the 6/8 rhythm that just moves me to dance. The flute over the drone of the bagpipe and the frame drum throughout the song was awesome.

Naia Saeeda is an original piece and the CD cover called this song saucy. The song is medium tempo and to me would be a nice tribal piece.

Elena’s Villa is an original song starting slowly with the flute and ending in a medium tempo. 

This is a Spanish flavored piece with voice in the background throughout. The song is based on a popular Spanish melody that I’ve heard before, but don’t know the title. Loved the castanets in the background.

The last song on the CD was Delilah II. This was a longer version of the earlier song entitled Delilah.

You can listen to music clips from Mosaic from Americanistan’s website.

You can purchase Mosaic and their other CD’s direct from their website. They take PayPal or any major credit cards. Mosaic is $18.00 which includes shipping. 

You can also email Americanistan for more information or  questions.

Their website also listed several stores in Eugene Oregon where you can purchase their music. 

Remember this is my opinion to this music. I try to be as objective as I can.  Just because, I may like or dislike the music that is being reviewed, you may have a different opinion. Your dance style and tastes may differ from mine. Please use this as a guideline only.

Until next time...
Yasmina

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A Musical Note
by Yasmina

Desert Roses 2 

This CD is excellent.  I love the variety of music on Desert Roses 2.  What ever your mood is, there is a song on the CD to dance to.  I love the mixture of Merengue, Hip-Hop, Latifa, Rai, Salsa and Pop with Arabic flavor and rhythms. 

The CD contains the following 14 songs:

My favorite songs were:

• Ah Ya Albi - great song, very danceable.  Loved the mixture of the two languages, Arabic and Spanish.  
• Lirrili - another great danceable song.  I really liked the sound of the Tunisian bagpipes.
• En Retard - I loved the ethnic flavor of this song.  Nice driving percussion rhythm throughout.
• Take Me I'm Yours - Great version of Squeezes' song by the same title.  This song is sung in English with a sort part in Arabic.  This would be a fun song to dance to.
• Baida - The CD jacket states that the song uses Algerian rhythms but it sounds like a wonderful Persian 6/8 to me.  This song would be a great veil piece.
• Call of the Wild - Quick temp club music sung in English.  Great Middle Eastern drumming to start the song.
• Yalla Ya Chabab - Wonderful Spanish flavor song.  The guitar is fantastic.  This song calls for dancing with your skirt.
• Istanboogie - This song is by Oojami, see my review of Bellydancing Breakbeats, the CD this song is from.  This song is an instrumental piece, club music.
• Trigue Lycee - This song has a great beat and is very danceable.  The piece is in the style of music from India.

After listening to Desert Roses 2, I will be purchasing the first one, Desert Rose & Arabian Rhythms.

To listen to some of the tracks visit Mondo Melodia website.

The CD is available on Amazon.com,

You can also purchase the CD from Ark 21 Records: 

            Ark 21 Records
            14724 Ventura Blvd., Penthouse Suite
            Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
            818-461-1700
            email: morgan@ark21.com

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A Musical Note
by Yasmina

The CD in review this month is “Yarus" by Mirage.  I hope you will be able to use my sound advice on this one.

1. Acheret  (5:19)                6. Bobik Choor Mi Era                                                 (5:49)
2. Karoun Karoun  (3:39)    7. Sareri Hovin Mernem                                                 (5:29)
3. Amen Aravod (6:13)        8. Kharperti Tamzara  (4:56)
4. Habibi  (5:22)                   9. Vart Siretzi (4:09)
5. Kanoun Taksim/Rampi Rampi  (4:53)  

After receiving my copy of Yarus I requested more information about Mirage and their music for this review.  They were very helpful and I have included the information they sent plus the notes contained on the CD covers. 

I placed Mirage’s CD in my CD player and went about doing my housework.  Well, I didn’t get much housework done I danced the entire CD.  I loved hearing the songs I danced to when I first started belly dancing.   I was so inspired by this CD when I first heard it.  I was thinking what show is coming up where I will be dancing to taped music.

I’m listening to Yarus as I’m writing this review and I still love it.  The vocals are great and I love the sound of the Kanun and oud throughout the CD.  The doumbek and derbekki are awesome, but being a doumbek player I can be a little prejudice J.

I enjoy the arrangements of all the songs from this CD.  The songs are all a nice length for dancing and combining them for a set to perform at a show or restaurant.

The first song, Acheret Siroon, ‘is a popular Armenian love song which shows the singer’s unconditional love towards his sweetheart who taunts him even in his dreams. The song is a beledi  (8/4 time signature) rhythm, which reflects its Arabic origins”.   This is a great opening number, nice and peppy.

Karoun Karoun is the second song.  It's another peppy song with the Kanun and keyboards playing throughout.  This is another song with vocals.  Mirage’s comment about this song: “without a doubt, the most well known Armenian folk tune, Karoun Karoun is a typical love song in which the singer warns his sweetheart to be careful and not listen to evil words. This song’s popularity has led to versions in Arabic (Fatoom, Fatoom), Turkish and Greek. The rhythm is in 4/4 and presented here a bit zestier than usual – making this folk tune great for belly dance”.

My favorite song on the CD is Amen Aravod.  I love slow songs, I can really get lost in the music while I’m performing and my creative juices start to flow.  I get goose bumps listening to this song.  Amen Aravod “Come to me so Our Love won’t die” is the theme of the Armenian love ballad.  This melancholy piece is a great example of the emotions presented in Armenian music.

Many of you will know this next song, Habibi.  This is another great peppy song, which would be great for either an opening or closing number.  I can’t keep my feet from tapping and my body swaying as I right this.  Habibi is a traditional Arabic dance tune in which the singer calls out to his love (habibi) saying, “ you are the light of my eye”.

The next song starts with a Kanoun taksim for about a minute and a half and goes into Rampi Rampi, a Turkish 9/8. I like the way Mirage explains what ‘taksim” means.  “The taksim is a Middle Eastern improvisational style. Each Taksim is based in a certain mode dependant on the song preceding or following it, or based on the feeling of the performer. The melody is totally improvised by the musician and follows no rhythmic pattern”.  This song is all instrumental and I enjoyed the Kanoun playing on this piece of music. 

The sixth song, Bobik Chour Me Era, is another fast song with vocals.  This is the only song on the CD I had never heard before.  I liked the rhythm of this song, very danceable.  Mirage explains this song as being a “traditional eastern Armenian village folk tune. The lyrics for songs such as this are based on a common chorus and an improvised verse (khagh). These verses change based upon where the song is sung, and who is singing”.

My second favorite song is Sareri Hovin Mernem.  This is a 6/8 rhythm and yes it’s slow.  It’s a traditional Armenian love song and it’s beautiful.  Kanoun and keyboards backing up the vocal takes my breath away.

I really like this version of Tamzara.  This is a nice medium 9/8 song with vocal. “Tamzara is a traditional Armenian folk tune/dance know throughout eastern and western Armenia. The song is sung and danced with different words and steps depending on the region. It is played in a 9/8 time signature and is most popular at various Armenian weddings and events”.

The last song on Yarus, is Vart Siretzi as an instrumental.  This is a beautiful 6/8 slow song and another favorite.  I have always enjoyed this song and I love this version of it.  It has always brought a tear to my eye and I never knew why.  After reading Mirage’s comments about the song, now I know.  Vart Siretzi is “a traditional Armenian love song and a style popular in Eastern Armenia. In the original piece, the singer talks of how his love is like a rose with a thorn. As lovely as his dear one is, she leaves him and like a thorn, pricks his finger as he longs for her love”.

You can purchase Yarus direct from The Big Drums.  Checks and money orders in the amount of $18.50 ($15.00 CD + $3.50 shipping) should be made out to Ed Karagozian and sent to:

The Big Drums 
c/o EMK
P.O. Box 279
Fowler, CA 93625

The Yarus CD is now available for purchase through most major online retail music Web sites (e.g. Amazon.com, Borders.com, CDBaby.com, etc.). Mirage recommends CDBaby.com for the quickest shipment. Yarus can be purchased also by ordering through your local Barnes & Noble Booksellers in their music section. 

Here is a link to the Online Retail Outlets and Audio Clips for Yarus CD. 

Remember this is my opinion to this music.  I try to be as objective as I can. Just because, I may like or dislike the music that is being reviewed, you may have a different opinion.  Your dance style and tastes may differ from mine.  Please use this as a guideline only. 

Until next time...
Yasmina   

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A Musical Note 
by Yasmina

The CD in review this month is “Bellydancing Breakbeats" by Oojami.  I hope you will be able to use my sound advice on this one.

1. Chicky  (5:02)                                    9. Esrar  (4:34) 
2. Fantasy  (5:03)                                 10. Zenne  (5:37)
3. Urban Dervish (5:50)                        11. Boomzaza                                                                    (5:40)
4. Desert Fish  (5:00)                            12. Boda (4:30)
5. Sitare  (4:50)                                     13. Palas  (4:42)
6. Vuslat  (5:25)                                    14. Tin Tin                                                                     (5:32)
7. Azize  (4:48)                                     15. Neyzen                                                                     (5:12)
8. Istanboogie  (5:22)

After being contacted by Ark 21 Records I requested more information about Oojami and their music for this review.  They were very helpful and I have included the information they sent plus the notes contained on the CD covers.   

Here is a press release sent by Ark 21 Records that really describes what Oojami’s music is all about.  

Necmi Cavli, the composer of Oojami (Sangey Varma, Phil Winter, Ahmed Mohammed, Nicola Taylor, Necmi Cavli) puts the phenomenon of Belly dancing onto disc with the release of Bellydancing Breakbeats.  Set for release on February 26, 2002, the 15-track disc blends electronic beats with the traditional festive sounds of Cavli’s homeland - Turkey.  All of the songs were written by Oojami and the disc features guest appearances by Najma, Akim, and Samir Bouchakara.

Well known in London for his spectacular club nights, which feature live performances by Oojami, Cavli’s music is a fitting backdrop to the whirlwind of belly dancers, fire eaters and trapeze performers that accentuate his funked up beats.  His debut CD, Bellydancing Breakbeats, captures the energy and excitement of his club nights and brings them to disc.  This CD is the perfect companion for anyone interested in bellydancing or for those just wanting to break away from their hectic lifestyle to a place of romance and mystery

Both the press release and CD jacket talk about the night club influence in the music and that is what my husband’s first comment was, “sounds like club music”.  He hadn’t read any of the material I had on this CD before saying this, so it is really evident throughout the CD.   

Necmi Cavli, the composer of Oojami, is from the sleepy Mediterranean town of Bodrum on the southern coast of Turkey.  He is the driving force behind the new Anglo-Turkish world beat outfit Oojami, doesn't really know what to call the kind of music his band plays. The name, Oojami, is a derivation of the English term 'oojamaflip', used when you can't remember something, and thus, Necmi Cavli claims, an appropriate reflection of the band's indefinable musical identity.  “Oojami’s fascination with music from different cultures has enabled him to create rich soundscapes encapsulating the energy and passion of the belly dance fused with pumping rhythms to keep you dancing all night.”  This statement was taken from the information sent to me and really sums up the their music.  

Chicky, the first song on the CD, is a quick 4/4, heavy rhythm driven song.  Once you get past the Arabic vocals in the background with English Rap melody layered over that, it’s a cool song.  The club influence is very promident in this opening number.

The second song, Fantasy, to me was more Rock ‘n Roll influenced in a 2/4 rhythm.  This song had vocals as background addition, but was an instrumental piece with a “nay” or flute melody provided by electronic means. 

Urban Dervish, another hard driving song is another instrumental piece with the use of a string instrument and vocal background.  I enjoyed this song, it is easy to dance to and had a middle eastern influenced melody. 

The next song, Desert Fish, again was a quick tempo in 4/4 song.  Middle east influenced melody with uses of a Zurna (double reed instrument) sound provided by electronics and zills and vocals in the background.  This song had a feel of a more ethnic style, something you would hear from the streets of a village in the mid east. 

This next song, Sitare, was my favorite of the entire CD.  The heavy “India” influence was so refreshing and the vocalist has a great voice.  I used this song in class during our shimmy workout and my students really enjoyed.  The song is a medium 4/4 tempo and a blast to dance to.  It’s really fun, can’t sit still when this song is playing. 

Vuslat is the next piece.  I don’t know how to describe this song.  It’s a medium tempo 4/4 with the use of some type of string instrument with a heavy base sound.  Vocals added in the background throughout, but it doesn’t remind me of anything.  You would need to be in a strange mood to dance to this one.

This next song blew me away.  I have never heard Azize in this style of arrangement before.  I was driving down the road listing to the CD and went cool I song I know, well thought I knew.   This version is very up-to-date. 

Istanboogie was another high-tech song with a mid east influence throughout.  This was a medium tempo piece. 

Esrar was the first slow song on the CD, but still with a beat.  This song reminded of the style of music from “Songs from the Victorious City”, by Anne Dudley and Jaz Coleman.    

The next song Zenne was another 4/4 medium tempo piece.  This song to me was heavy and dark. 

Boomzaza is a slow piece starting with vocal and then the music coming in.  This song has a flute sounding melody with heavy rhythm in the background.  The song had a definite Middle Eastern influence sound. 

Boda starts slow with the electronic keyboard and then comes in the drum with a rhythm we all know, baladi.  This is the first piece on the CD I heard that had a definite Middle Eastern rhythm I recognized.  Love the drum sound on this one.  This song has all the elements of a belly dance piece. 

The song, Palas, to me was kind of funky.  I liked it when the drums were playing that funky beat and the use of the violin sound.  The song started and ended slow, but was a medium/slow tempo for the majority of the time. 

Tin Tin used the dombec along with the electronic drum sound.  Also the violin sound was back in this piece.  Kind of a gypsy influenced piece.

The last song, Neyzen, starts out haunting, with the sound of water and I think I heard birds.  Vocals were in the background along with chords being played on the keyboard.  The sound of thunder and rain comes in.  The song rhythm changes with more water sounds.  The rhythm of the song reminded me of Passion by Peter Gabriel.  This was a very moving piece, slow in nature and yes there were more bird sounds.  I liked it.  This song you could really show feeling when you danced.

I enjoyed listening to Bellydancing Breakbeats, it was fresh, different to what I usually listen to and dance to.  If you are a dancer that likes hard driving music, something out of the ordinary, hip, funky, cool and all around fun at times, this CD is for you. 

You can purchase/order Bellydancing Breakbeats direct from Mondo Melodia, http://www.mondomelodia.com.  From the website you can listen to some of the songs.  The direct link is http://www.mondomelodia.com/oojami.htm.  You will need Flash 5 to view the site.  

The CD is available on Amazon.com,

You can also purchase the CD from Ark 21 Records: 

            Ark 21 Records
            14724 Ventura Blvd., Penthouse Suite
            Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
            818-461-1700
            email: morgan@ark21.com

Remember this is my opinion to this music.  I try to be as objective as I can. Just because, I may like or dislike the music that is being reviewed, you may have a different opinion.  Your dance style and tastes may differ from mine.  Please use this as a guideline only. 

Until next time...

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A Musical Note 
by Yasmina 

The CD in review this month is “Evocation" by Domba.  I hope you will be able to use my sound advice on this one.

1. Field Recording I (1:03)                8. Suhaila (3:45)
2. Sadunga (2:45)                             9. Khuyaq I (6:24)
3. Zuma Gwaza (1:50)                     10. Bidi Medley                                                              (4:30)
4. Roma Bari (4:25)                         11. Kpalogo (3:48)
5. Sephina (4:45)                             12. Khuyaq II (5:48)
6. Afoxe (1:32)                                13. Field Recording                                                               II (3:07)
7. Bascha (4:16)

After purchasing Evocation, I contacted Domba to let them know I wanted to review their new CD.  I asked for more information about their music.  I have included their notes within this article. 

The first song on the CD, Field Recording I, was recorded at the 1998 Arizona Renaissance Festival with guest musicians from Ahdab of California.  This opening number is a very peppy ayyub.  This song is a great opener for any routine.  Really grabs your attention. 

Sadunga is a very beautiful song with a European gypsy feel with the use of mandolin and vocals.  A nice slow moving song, great for veil.  This song is one of many favorites I have from this CD.

The third song, Zuma Gwaza, is an African chant sung by the entire troupe.  The song consists of vocals and percussion instruments.

Roma Bari, means the big woman of the group in Gypsy.  The song starts out with zills being played on the ground, and then the drums join in before the melody starts.  This is a very peppy song that gets the crowd going.  The group used lots of joyful vocal sounds throughout this piece.  The rhythms in this tune are Baladi and Ayubb.

The next song, Sephina, features the droyanka, which is a double fipple flute.  This instrument plays both the drone and the melody at the same time.  This song is slow and moving.  This is another good song for veil or snake, even sword.  I really enjoyed this piece, another favorite from the CD.

Afoxe, is a Brazilian rhythm from Bahia, which is the most African region of Brazil.  Great drum and percussion is used on this piece.

The seventh number on the CD has an awesome rhythm, Malfouf.  I love this beat and the use of the ney and vocal on this tune.  The song starts out slow with vocals only.  Then picks up to a quick tempo.  The song changes back to a slow break with just vocals and ends back in the faster tempo.  This is another great song for veil.  I enjoyed this song due to its medium tempo and great beat.

Suhaila of California inspired this next song.  After taking a workshop and purchasing some of her videos, this song was born.  Suhaila starts with 6/8, goes into baladi and ends in an ayyub.  The baladi and ayyub section is pure drum & zills and lots of joyful vocals.  You definitely cannot sit still during this section.  During the end of the ayyub, you hear jingles fill the air.  This was created by some of the dancers shimming in front of the microphone.

Khuyaq I is a very haunting song.  This song is great for snake dancing.  The use of the Mijwiz is awesome.  The rattles used in the background really make this song feel snakey.  This is the longest song on the CD and another favorite of mine.

The next song is the groups Belly Dance medley.  The rhythms used in this piece are dabek, masmoudi and Karachi.  Drums and zills start out this tune.  The masmoudi moves into a slower pace with the use of wind instruments for the melody.  The gong is struck and the song moves back into drums and zills for a fast pace ending.  Great little three part routine using fast, slow fast pieces.

Kpalogo is a traditional West African song and dance.  The young people, normally under the moonlight, usually perform this dance.  If you have seen Domba perform you have seen them do this number.  Wow, what a work out!

This next piece is tremendous.  It features the didjeridoo and mijwiz as the main instruments.  This song is another slow and very haunting.  I feel if you use this song in a routine you can be very creative and expressive in your dance.  Domba uses this song and Khuyaq I for their snake dance.  I like this song because the didjeridoo is so prominent throughout.  Very cool instrument.

The last song, Field Recording II, was also taped at the 1998 Arizona Renaissance Festival.  The song starts out lively with the use of wind instruments and drums.  The song gets even faster at the end.  The melody was very familiar to me and then I realized that I have heard this tune on Gypsy Caravans, Live at Berdati.  Great song, and I like Domba’s rendition.

Domba, a Sanskrit term referring to those who earn their living by singing, dancing, and making music consists of Tom Cooper, Bill Brauckman, Heidi Alexander and Jennifer Giacomelli.  Special artists that helped with the CD are Samanatha Riggs, Eric Zang and Tony Obr, plus incarnations of Domba past and present.

I really enjoyed Domba’s new CD.  Each time I listen to it I hear something new.  The variety of songs, styles and rhythms are refreshing.  Most of the songs are short, so you can mix them together to create a variety of 8 to 10 minute routines.  The CD also had a nice variety of vocal and instrumental pieces.  You can purchase/order Evocation direct from Domba at:

            Domba
            P.O. Box 2127
            Tempe, AZ 85280
            (480)894-9783
            website: http://www.domba.com
            email: domba@mindspring.com

Remember this is my opinion to this music.  I try to be as objective as I can.  Just because, I may like or dislike the music that is being reviewed, you may have a different opinion.  Your dance style and tastes may differ from mine.  Please use this as a guideline only. 

Until next time...

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A Musical Note
by Yasmina

The tape in review this month, is "Desert Nights" by Desert
Knights.

CD:

1. Desert Nights (theme song) 3:38                 
2. "Egyptian" Piece                   5:23                                
3. Acacia                                 3:39 
4. The Veil                               4:36 
5. Sahara Caravan                   5:36                                 
6. Lila                                      2:27  
7. Oasis                                  4:33
8. Serpentine                           3:52
9. Under Gaia’s Shadow        5:09
10. Lone Dove                         3:58
11. Ayoob                                2:33
12. Ay Ya Zein                         3:10

Desert Knights is a two-man group from Arizona. The members are Adam C. Burke and William Warren. All the songs on the CD, except for Ay Ya Zein were written by the group. The entire CD is instrumental. The first song, Desert Nights, is what they call their theme song. This song is a medium tempo Baladi. I really like this song; it is so easy to dance to. The song enables each player to have his solo, then play together. The main solo instruments on this piece are mandolin and guitar. The second song is "Egyptian" Piece. This is a very slow Baladi with the use of the electric guitar. You can envision a scene from Ancient Egypt while listening to this mysterious and haunting melody. Acacia is the next song. A nice lively chiftitelli. It is great for sword. You can really use the rhythm as either a slow sensuous mood or add the quickness of the melody. If you like masmoudi, you will enjoy The Veil. The main instrument in this song is the Turkish baglama-saz. It’s a medium tempo song, just right for a lively veil routine. Sahara Caravan is a short mini routine. Starting out with a lively baladi, moving into a slow baladi and ending with a fast finale. The piece evokes the moods of a long journey across the desert, with a night’s rest along the way. The next song is my favorite, its entitled Lila. I love this song. It is so happy, fast and fun. A great opening number, I just wish it was longer. I really enjoy the mandolin in this piece. Oasis is another great masmoudi song from the CD. You imagine yourself in the desert looking for that illusive oasis. My next favorite from the CD is Serpentine. Closing my eyes and listening to this chiftitelli, I see the many facets of the snake. I should know, I have four of the little creatures. When I listen to the next song, Under Gaia’s Shadow, I envision many things. Should I do Floorwork, no veil, no a song to totally get lost in. This song has no beat. There is a ringing of constant bells, with keyboard and space guitar. A very powerful, moving piece. The next song is everyone’s favorite. All the dancer’s that perform to Desert Knights music want to dance to this next selection, Lone Dove. A medium tempo baladi with the addition of the coo of the desert morning dove. I like to us veil to this song. The next song, Ayoob, is pure drum. A medium fast of pure ayoob rhythm. The last song on the CD is, Ay Ya Zein. I enjoyed Desert Nights rendition of this popular Arabic song.

I have performed with the band on several occasions. I enjoy dancing to their music. It’s new, fresh, exciting and easy to dance to.

You can purchase this CD or tape from most belly dance vendors, or direct from:

Desert Knights
P.O.Box 15051
Phoenix, AZ 85060-5051

CD’s are $15.00 and cassette tapes are $10.00.

Remember this is my opinion to this music. I try to be as objective as I can.

Just because, I may like or dislike the music that is being reviewed, you may have a different opinion. Your dance style and tastes may differ from mine. Please use this as a guideline only.

Until next time...

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A Musical Note
by Yasmina

The tape in review this month, is "The Best of the Sultans" produced by Omar Faruk Tekbilek.

CD:

1. Yollar Uzak (Routine, volume 1)      7:00
    Yarim Kalan Ask
    Yesillim
2. Nadya (Volume 2)                           3:43
3. Mastika (Volume 3)                         4:06
4. Mona
    Nay Solo
    Drum Solo, Finale (Sultans ‘90)      9:06
5. Habibi Ya Ayni (Sultans ‘90)           6:10
6. Maas-Salama (Sultans ‘90)             3:54
7. Tfarrak Al Halawah (Sultans ‘90)   3:47
8. Zennube (Volume 3)                       5:44
    Nay Solo
9. Beytus-Shabab (Routine, Amaya)  9:05
10. Dere (Volume 1)                         4:46
11. Emine (Sultans ‘90)                     3:43

The first song is a short routine consisting of a fast, slow, fast. This group of songs are Egyptian style, that are all instrumental. The first song is very peppy, which transitions into a nice rumba, then picks up for a peppy closing. So many times we are asked to dance in a show for 7 to 8 minutes; this routine is perfect for that. The next song, Nadya, I loved. I have heard this song before. It is a medium fast with the use of a zurna, which gives it that ethnic sound. Mastika, is again an ethnic song. A very up beat 9/8. This song is the first vocal on the CD. The next routine is Mona. It consists of a fast, slow, drum solo and finale. I have used this routine several times in restaurants. It is Egyptian style with all the various rhythm combinations throughout. The opening is fast, moving into a slow, moody song with the nay. You can really get lost in this slow. The drum solo is fun. If you know me, you know I don’t do drum solos. This one has a wolf whistle in the middle of it. The finale is again peppy. You hear so many versions of the next song on the CD, Habibi Ya Ayni. I enjoyed the Sultans version; it is very danceable. Maas-Salama, is a slow moving 6/8; great for veil. The next song is a very fast ethnic piece with slow mixed in. There are vocals on this song, with the main instruments being drum, nay and zurna. The next song Zennube, is an old classic. It starts out fast and is an instrumental. Very ethnic sounding song with the use of the zurna and nay. The song changes into a nay solo rather suddenly. The next series of songs is a great ethnic mini routine. I have performed to this routine on several occasions. It starts out with a nice bouncy baladi. It’s almost like your right there in the market place dancing to music. The fast stops and you are transported into a slow moving chifetelli with the zurna taking over. The routine is ended with another classic, Haddouni, which is a vocal. This is a great routine to use a cane as an opening number. Dere, is another ethnic piece and a karshlimar. Another old favorite and also a vocal. The last song on the CD is Emine. This is an ethnic sounding song and a vocal. Most of you will recognize it; it’s an old Turkish song.

I love this CD. I really like the combination of both ethnic and Egyptian music together. I recognized most of the music on the CD. I have either heard it from watching other dancers or from videos I have purchased. I have used several of the routines in performances in restaurants and I am using a piece to choreograph for my Troupe. It is so nice to purchase music and be able to use several songs on the CD. So many times we are lucky to be able to use one song from a tape or CD.

You can purchase this CD from most belly dance vendors, or direct from:

Faruk The Sultan’s Recording
P.O.Box 17031
Rochester, NY 14617
716)325-4525
716)454-5836 fax
http://www.dynrec.com/tekbilek

Remember this is my opinion to this music. I try to be as objective as I can.

Just because, I may like or dislike the music that is being reviewed, you may have a different opinion. Your dance style and tastes may differ from mine. Please use this as a guideline only.

Until next time...

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A Musical Note
by Yasmina

The tape in review this month, is Oasis, "Evolution". I hope you will be able to use my sound advice on this one.

Side A:                                         Side B:
Mustafa (6:05)                              Hasapiko (4:09)
Margo (5:06)                                Hora Agadotti (4:38)
Little Egypt (4:52)                         Linda, Linda (5:17)
Zemer Atek (3:49)                        Sali (4:57)

Upon receiving my tape, Denis knew I would be reviewing Evolution, he enclosed background notes. These notes consisted of information about the songs, musicians and how the title for the tape came to be. I have included some of his notes within this review.

Mustafa, a popular song among many cultures, is played in a Greek tsiftelli rhythm. Oasis made this song into a short dance routine, including a sultry slow tsiftelli and a drum solo. Margo is an Armenian song, which was imported from a folk dancing repertoire and arranged by Oasis for the belly dancer. A very beautiful song. This was one of my favorites off the tape. I really enjoyed the clarinet lead. Little Egypt is known by all. It is an old and popular American melody. Oasis recreated it into a short dance routine. Romnea, a popular belly dancer in Wisconsin, road tested this routine in countless belly grams and reported that audiences greeted this music with wild enthusiasm. Zemer Atek is the first of two Israeli folk songs on the tape. The other song is on Side B entitled Hora Agadotti. Jim Wirt composed custom-made rhythms for both numbers to make them effective for belly dancing. Hasapiko is a generic term for a happy, upbeat Greek song. This is what Oasis did with the arrangement of this song. Hora Agadotti is the second Israeli folk song. A nice, fast little number with a great beat. Makes you really tap your foot. Linda, Linda a very popular song among Middle Eastern cultures. This song was done in a short Egyptian cabaret-style routine with four distinct sections. Sali is a very old Turkish love song. Oasis arranged this song in an up-tempo mode, played on the bouzouki with a guitar accompaniment. This was my favorite song on the tape. Denis wrote in his notes that this song is usually known as "Bir Demet Yasemen" which means "Bouquet of Jasmine".

The name "Evolution" was chosen for the title because the Oasis band has matured and grown as individual musicians. Evolution is the culmination of their collective musical experience and influences.

The musicians on the tape are as follows:

Denis Kavemeier has studied music at the University of Wisconsin and has played with a variety of bands for 30 years. He plays the Greek bouzouki, acoustic guitar and acoustic bass guitar on the tape. Denis also plays as a sideman with various ethnic music bands in Wisconsin.

Jim Wirt plays a variety of authentic percussion instruments on Evolution. He has studied with Arabic and African percussion masters. He plays percussion as a sideman with other bands as well. Jim and Denis are general partners in the Oasis business, and Jim handles the recording and sound production.

Fred Melk, guest musician, is an accomplished professional clarinetist in Wisconsin. He is the leader of the band Izvor, which specializes in East European folk dance music. The songs that he performs on Evolution are adapted for belly dance from the Izvor repertoire.

Steve Wurcer, guest musician, is a talented guitarist with the eclectic Irish band, The Stack. He plays a variety of stringed instruments, including an unusual guitar-synthesizer on Linda, Linda.

Romnea, guest musician, plays zills on Little Egypt. Denis states that she is the hardest working belly dancer in Wisconsin. She performs nearly 365 days a year in nightclubs and at private parties.

I really enjoyed Oasis new tape. It has been a long time coming. I enjoyed listening to the instruments they use in their music. The majority of songs they chose for the tape, were songs I have heard and danced to before. I enjoyed their new arrangements of these songs. I also like the fact that they had made some of these songs into short routines. These are great for bellygrams or when you need a short routine.

AOther tapes by Oasis are:
Songs from the Oasis - 1986
Nights at the Oasis - 1989
The drums of Oasis - 1989

Oasis tapes are available from most belly dance vendors, or direct. Tapes are $10.00 and Evolution is available in CD for $15.00. Add $1.00 per tape for shipping. You can contact Oasis at :

Oasis
12448 W. Cleveland Ave.
New Berlin, WI 53151
(414)821-0301

Remember this is my opinion to this music. I try to be as objective as I can. Just because, I may like or dislike the music that is being reviewed, you may have a different opinion. Your dance style and tastes may differ from mine. Please use this as a guideline only.

Until next time...

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