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Perfection Itself! Passionate Mediterranean Selections!

Erika Borsos | Gulf Coast of FL, USA | 12/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"ARC has outdone itself in selecting the best examples of music from a vast number of countries bordering the Mediterrranean. Not one track or selection disappoints! Each is likely to hypnotize the listener into discovering a CD by the specific artist or group. All are winners and worth exploring ...



Track #1 is FADO music from PORTUGAL. This means traditional, bluesy, soulful haunting interpretive singing filled with nostalgia and heartfelt vocals. Mathild Larguinho's voice fills the listener with desire and passion.

Track #2 by Jose Maria Fonesca is an instrumental Fado piece featuring the oval 12-stringed guitar common to Portugal. Jose Maria Fonseca is famous throughout Europe for his authentic interpretive playing exciting the audience.

Track # 3 from Spain expresses the passion and emotions of FLAMENCO GYPSY MUSIC from Granada Spain. Manuel el Chachi's strong gritty vocals hook the emotions and never quit! Track # 4 is a great example of the SPANISH FLAMENCO style.



The polyphonic singing from CORSICA on track #5 is the biggest surprise!

It consists of chants by a primarily male chorus similar to sacred choral music but with A more earthy and rugged sound. The harmonics are fantastic. It is like hearing different musical instruments. The sounds are pure, authentic, traditional and ancient. The mountains of Corsica have given birth to spine-tingling expressing faith, struggles, successes, triumphs and challenges ... overcome by a hardy people.



Another attraction is the voice of Elena Ledda from SARDINIA. Her vocals resemble that of Savina Yannatou of Greece. There are echoes, like those heard in a huge cathedral, sung by Astrid Tischmey. The music has sacred hints like those of Hildegard Von Bingen. The poetical lyrics are other-worldly and spiritual.



The music of GREECE is represented by two of my favorites from ARC MUSIC:

First is Michlais Terzis who produced "Dionyssos in Naxos" which reminds me of the lyra music of Crete. The rhythms and musical phrases are based on traditional folk music of the Greek islands. Second is Kriteos (the Cretan) who provides the sexy, smokey vocals on "Namoun Asteri" along with Romiosini. The exceptional lyrics are translated in the liner notes:

"I'd like to sing of Greece.

I want to look for a few words.

That I can say, so that hope never dies.

To find the strength, to live through the times"

and the refrain which touches the heart and soul:

"I'd love to be a star in the blue sky.

I'd like to see you as a dove that cures my pain."

The lyrics are deeply passionate and spell-binding when sung in Greek.



Another hidden treasure is the Tirana Folk Ensemble from ALBANIA. The astonishing clarinet is some of the best in the Balkans!!! The musician uses circular breathing to achieve a superior effect. The style, rhythms, and vocals of this mountain country are hypnotic and highly appealing.



The Turkish couple, Huseyin and Gunay Turkmenler provide insight into the traditional music and rhythms of TURKEY. The hypnotic beat and plaintive vocals convince me the music of TURKEY is worth exploring. It is exotic and very beautiful.

Erika Borsos (pepper flower)"