| All Artists: Putumayo Presents Title: North African Groove Members Wishing: 3 Total Copies: 0 Label: Putumayo World Music Release Date: 6/20/2005 Genres: Dance & Electronic, International Music, Pop Styles: Africa, Middle East, Dance Pop Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPCs: 790248023724, 079024802372 |
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Search - Putumayo Presents :: North African Groove
 | Putumayo Presents North African Groove Genres: Dance & Electronic, International Music, Pop You'd be forgiven if, after listening to North African Groove, the seventh release in Putumayo's dance floor-ready "Groove" series, you imagined that the world was getting smaller. In highlighting the diversity in contempo... more » |
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Amazon.com You'd be forgiven if, after listening to North African Groove, the seventh release in Putumayo's dance floor-ready "Groove" series, you imagined that the world was getting smaller. In highlighting the diversity in contemporary Arabic music, the 12 eclectic tracks here gather influences from far beyond North Africa--from the Gypsy Kings-style flamenco touches of Egyptian Amr Diab's "Nour Al Ain" to the old-style Cuban salsa of Jomed's "Montuno Noreno" to the French-style accordion that enlivens the funky Rai of Cheb Mami's "Viens Habibi." Of course, this being a compilation with "Groove" in the title, most everything has club beats that could come from anywhere, although everything is filtered through a North African lens. A case in point is Rai--the backbeat-heavy style from Algeria that mixes American funk with Arabic instruments and melodies and which is ably represented here by Algerian superstar Khaled's "Aicha" and "Ya-Rayi," as well as the less familiar (to Western ears, anyway) Rhany and Faudel. Perhaps most surprising though is the link bared between North Africa and Latin America--which might seem unexpected until one considers the Moorish influence on Spanish music and the Spanish influence on Latin music, proving that no, the world isn't getting smaller: it's always been that way. --Ezra Gale Similarly Requested CDs
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CD ReviewsA Middle Eastern mixed bag Amaranth | Northern California | 09/27/2006 (3 out of 5 stars) "I enjoyed "Arabic Groove";after 5 years,it is still marvelous."Sahara Lounge" is the best of Putumayo's Arabic compilations."Cairo to Casablanca" is the worst of Putumayo's Arabic compilations;it has too many repetitive songs. Where does that put "North African Groove"?Somewhere in the middle.It's neither an absolute bore,but it's better combined with other Arabic albums and put on random shuffle. Jomed's opening "Montuno Noreno" spicily combines Cuban&North African music,as well as electric effects.Samira Saeid's "Aal Eah" is a great dance song;she's the Moroccan equivalent of Britney Spears,but MUCH better.Amina's "Dis-Moi Pourquoi" has a great beat.Cheb Jilani's "Bahebbak"is a danceable love song.Hamid Baroudi's "Sidi" is disappointing;it's repetitive&dull,unlike his "Caravan II Baghdad" on Putumayo's out-of-print "New World Party" as well as his mesmerizing "Trance Dance" on Putumayo's still in print "World Lounge."Khaled's "Ya-Rayi" shows the "King of Rai" in top form.It's infectious.Cheb Mami's "Viens Habibi" is alright,but the "Prince of Rai" has done much,much better on his albums "Meli Meli"&"Saida." In this song,his sound is too Westernized;it fit in Sting's "Desert Rose" (his ululations made that song exotic),but this time his music is rendered dull.Mohamed Mounir's "Hanina" is excellent,bringing in Nubian rhyth,s.If you're curious,a remix of it by Jasmon is on Putumayo's "Sahara Lounge." It was interesting on my 5-CD player to first hear the Jasmon remix of "Hanina",then the original,thinking,"I've heard this before!" "North African Groove" is a good introduction to Arabic music.If you want to hear some GREAT Arabic music,listen to Natacha Atlas and Cheb Mami.It's a musical world worth exploring." Great Music by Terrific Artists Wendy A. B. Whipple | Chicago, IL USA | 08/31/2007 (5 out of 5 stars) "Putumayo CDs rarely disappoint, and this one surely does not. Those familiar with Middle Eastern artists will be pleased to hear tracks from Faudel, Amr Diab, Khaled and Cheb Mami. Those *not* familiar with them are in for a treat. North African Groove features musicians from Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya. You will also hear cross-cultural influences, with some of the songs having a Latin influence, or French. Simply stated, this is good music, great for dancing at a party or just to enjoy. Some are even of interest to belly dancers; I've seen Amina's track, "Dis-Moi Pourquoi" performed by a dance troupe. Do yourself a favor, get this CD, introduce it to your friends, and turn the world on to what great music the Middle East has to offer. (As an added benefit, a portion of the proceeds will be donated by Putumayo to Search for Common Ground.)" One of the better Putumayo CDs Scooterpdx | Portland, OR | 12/14/2006 (5 out of 5 stars) "Luckily, my local library stocks most of the Putumayo CDs, so I can try them out before I buy them. I have found the Putumayo CDs to be hit or miss. I love some and don't care for others. This is one of my favorites. Along with the World Groove, African Groove, South Islands Groove and Women of Africa."
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