Search - Richard Horowitz, Sussan Deyhim :: Majoun

Sufi Meets Sampling

Retired Scientist | USA | 12/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A great female arabic vocalist (no, probably not a Sufi), whose voice is sampled, chopped, and reassembled in a manner similar to the contemporary "classical" music of the very accomplished composer Carl Stone. A masterful assemblage, some real talent here. The album insert is poetic and artistic in its own right. If you enjoy contemporary art music and a beautiful voice, this one is great. If you want traditional songs traditionally performed, this is not for you--there are plenty of other CDs that you can choose from."

Beyond the garden of paradise

J. martin rodriguez | San Francisco,, CA United States | 02/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is an albun that cannot be compared to anythingelse made before. Although some people in these reviews above compare MAJOUN to Enya and Delirium it is in fact misleading to make a comparison between them. Majoun comes from a deeper place, a place of longing and transendence. A place where ecstasy and transverbation find a way to intertwine. If you know Sussan's and Richard's previous work in Desert Equations, you will see that Majoun is an amazing and inspiring follow up to that. Now fellows this is serious music and There are no cheap tricks and no east and west meeting as in Delerium or Enigma. I don't mean to put these artists down, but Majoun is "sublime" Sussan's incantations do transport the listener to unknown realms , if one is ready and willing to travel there and Richard's music compositions are brilliant! Majoun is like honey being poured into your hands with the sun reflected in it, warm and sweet. Also if you don't know Sussan's singing you are in for an amazing treat, if you like amazing voices like, Sainkho, Yma Sumac, Mado Robin, Natacha Atlas, Yungchen Lhamo and Parisa then this is your cup of tea. If you don't know them you should. All these women posses amazing and unique voices that trancend cultural barriers and material space. Majoun will definetely lead you to Madman of God, Sussan's self produced album and a vocal masterpiece. It is a must have in anyone's collection of world music."

Decent Effort from the Duo

Wil | AL | 03/27/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I was already a fan of Sussan Deyhim, the world music vocalist equivalent of rock guitarist Joe Satriani; her amazingly gymnastic vocals are both meticulous and impressive. This album sets those vocals against some interesting interludes of middle eastern-styled music, provided by Richard Horowitz.
The standout track is the title track, made up of various vocal samples of Deyhim and various traditional instruments and synths. The experiment works well, although the synths are a tad on the cheesy side. However, Deyhim's vocals keep you listening.
Other standout tracks are Coldest Day and Murmur Mutante. Whorl On the Mount of Moon is nice, if lengthy.
As for the rest of the disc, it never really goes anywhere. Most of the tracks seem more like excuses to hear Deyhim sing. It is her voice that carries this disc throughout. The music could have been more attractive.
If you are a fan of either Horowitz or Deyhim, its an interesting disc, but Deyhim's Madman of God album is better, setting her voice squarely in the spotlight."