Search - Simon Shaheen, Qantara :: Blue Flame (Dig)

Henry M. from CLIFTON, NJ
Reviewed on 3/27/2011...

I saw Simon Shaheen perform this winter and was inspired to find some of his recorded work. This cd is very good, but in the vain of soft jazz which is not the kind of music I want to hear. Great sound - just not really my cup of tea.

MIDDLE EASTERN VIRTUOSITY

Larry L. Looney | Austin, Texas USA | 06/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This new release by respected oud and violin master Simon Shaheen, with his band Qantara, could go a long way in popularizing Arabic/Middle Eastern music in the West. Building on the composition and arrangement techniques that he established on his earlier recordings, Shaheen leads his ensemble through a wonderful program of pieces that take as their foundation the time-honored traditions of the music of Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Morrocco and other cultures of the region, mixing them with a nice dose of jazz and improvisation, but never allowing the Western influences to overshadow the heritage of this beautiful, soulful music.Led by Shaheen's oud and violin, the group also includes guitar, bass, flute, nay and sundry percussives -- and there are nice additions on sax, trumpet, piano, buzuq and violin from some very capable guests. Shaheen is definitely the leader here -- no doubt about it -- but he makes sure that the other fine musicians are given a chance to shine as well. These pieces have as their heartbeat the rhythms of North Africa and the Middle East -- the work of the several percussionists carry them along nicely.Shaheen's work on oud is breathtakingly precise and emotive -- some of his passages are unbelievably fast, but the listener never gets the feeling that he is grandstanding. There is a melodic flow and beauty to these pieces that only a true master can give them. His violin work is exceptional as well.On one notable previous outing, Shaheen undertook the monumental challenge of bringing the music of beloved Egyptian composer Mohammed Abdel Wahib to Western listeners. Critics at the time thought that cd would be his breakthrough -- perhaps the time was just not right, for that was an excellent recording as well. If this cd gets enough exposure, it could do the trick -- there are several tracks here that could easily find a niche on American radio, particulary some of our wonderful NPR stations, whose musical vocabulary seems to be quite a bit wider than commercial radio.This is an incredible recording -- listen and enjoy, and be borne away..."

Tremendous Record

Peter Savage | Near Portland, ME USA | 09/06/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this rather nervously, thinking it might be another of those irritatingly tasteless East-West fusion messes. But, it's not. Shaheen is a fantastic oud and violin player, and he shows good taste at every turn. Every now and then you'll find yourself noticing the occasion bebop change and jazz inflection, but the feel is strongly Arabic, and the playing inventive and intelligent. I'd recommend this to anyone who is bored with over-marketed rubbish from worn-out Western 'stars.'"