Middle Eastern Oud Meets Jazz and Gutsy Blues
Erika Borsos | Gulf Coast of FL, USA | 11/02/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Odd Times" is the perfect title for this original creative masterpiece born from Arabic modal musical phrases played on the oud, gutsy blues on the harmonica, and occasional brass sounds which add a semi-Balkan sound, totally original and world-class. The labyrinthine musical patterns seek a path of their own which provide Middle Eastern flavored jazz sounds that are distinctive and deeply rooted. At times the music is racously joyous and it twists into introspective Middle Eastern musical modes reminsicent of a Sheik and his dancing harem ... Track #3 has enormous appeal: a brass band intro morphs into haunting soul searching almost mournful Arabic styled music with exotic and hypnotic rhythmical interpretations.
This music has deep ethnocentric roots combined with jazz interpretations, added to it are superb technical expertise and a unique freedom of expression. The oud is liberated from the village and traditional music to a freedom it never anticipated. There is a dynamic exuberance of sound, a fresh joy at being released from its previous well prescribed role. Rabih Abou-Khalil is a master avante gard jazz player. He hypnotizes the listener with Arabic musical scales that arise somewhere out of the blues of the desert ... The music melds the best sounds of the traditional East with the experimental jazz of the West, creating a musical exaltation which breaks its cultural boundaries ... call it musical magic. Erika Borsos (erikab93)"
Doesn't quite work for me
Flying | 06/14/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The songs aren't as good as many of Abou-Kalil's and the instrumentation doesn't work for me. If you are a fan of Howard Levy (as you can probably guess- I'm not) this may be an excellent recording for you."
Brilliant and Vigorous
Flying | FL USA | 05/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is one of the most energetic and seductive Middle Eastern, instrumental albums available. Michel Godard on Tuba and Nabil Khaiat on frame drums are regulars in the Abou-Khalil circle. Interplay is lively and thoughtful, fusing improvisational techniques of America and Arabia. If you like this look for: Arabian Waltz, Blue Camel or Al-Jadida. Wow!"
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1