Search - Idir :: Identities

Un nation trouve son identite.

La Vrai Kabyle | Chicago, IL United States | 04/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is one of the best ever to come from Idir. While the majority of the songs are remakes of his originals, i.e, A Vava Inouva, sung with ethereal voiced Karen Matheson from the Scottish group, Capercaille, and Daghrib (Exile), sung with Ugandan star Geoffrey Oryema, the newer and original songs, like the haunting cry for Amazigh unity, Tizi Ouzou sung with Maxime Le Forestier and Kabyle chanteur, Brahim Izri, are superb in their own right. The significance of this album rests upon the fact that Idir, himself Kabyle, from the Djurdjura Mountains of Algeria, makes a stellar success reaching out to many different cultures and their music, thus becoming one of the first maghrebians to compile a CD with such diverse international ambience. This album is an embrace for all cultures that have touched the identity of Algerians, including Berber, West African, Arab, French and Spanish. By accepting and acknowledging the many different facets of our colorful and resonant background, Idir accomplishes defining an identity for not only those of us who are Algerian, but all who are a part of our global community."

Top Shelf Pick.

M. Levesque | San Francisco | 08/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before happening upon this CD at my book and music store (in California), I didn't know much about Idir... it was the little sticker that mentioned Manu Chao and Zebda that actually brought me to listen to it... I found I loved all the tracks and bought it without a second thought. 2.5 years later and an ocean apart, I am still enjoying the music-- every single track, and I proudly share it with everyone with an open ear for great music and rythm."

WONDERFUL MIX OF SOUND EXPERIENCES

Dr. Michael A. Marcus | WEST HARTFORD, CT United States | 10/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was familiar with the beauty of Idir's most well-known song from over 20 years ago (A Va Vainouva) and was intrigued to find this disk: it is an exceptionally well-conceived and produced collaboration between Idir and a variety of top European artists. I found it an audio treat, and have been returning to listen again to selected tracks for the last six months! The homage to Mateb Lounes, an assassinated Algerian Kabyle musician and activist, is touching; the harmonies with the Scottish K. Matheson are lovely; the reggae-N.African fusion of "Gnawa Diffusion" is extraordinary. Just about everything else is equally rewarding, despite difficulties with Berber/Arabic/French lyrics. Happy listening! Don't hestitate to give it a try."