ALGERIA, Folk, ATS, Archive
Recorded in Algeria at Bou Saada, Chellala, and Medea in 1973. First released on LP in 1974, this digitally remastered all Algerian version includes 40 minutes of additional music.
This is now irreplacable archive material. Also useful for American Tribal Style
Review by Nancy King:
This is the dance music of the Berbers of Algeria, more specifically the famous confederation of tribes called the Ouled Nail who originate from the high desert regions. The dancers of the Ouled Nail were born into a tribe where the arts of the courtesan were condoned and valued as a means of acquiring sufficient bridal dowry. Their history and costume is detailed in the cover notes, as are the instruments and the music. Rhythms and scales of various pieces are also detailed, which could be of particular interest to those with musical backgrounds. As is typical of much Middle Eastern and North African folk music, the ghaita (called mizmar in Egypt), mizwid (like a mizmar with a drone) and percussion are the predominant instruments used.
Track listing:
Bou Saada, Festival Dance. 5:57
Bau Saada, Wedding Dance. 2:49
Chellala, Tribal Gathering. 4:14
Bou Saada, Zeffa. 5:18
Medea, Folk Dance. 4:50
Chellala, Gellal dance. 1:02
Bou Saada, Sahra. 2:41
Medea, Layla de Medea. 2:12
Chellala, Hamam Zeffat. 1:19
Medea, Hadra / N'hari. 4:14
Kabylia, Bouira. 6:06
Bou Saada, Fantasia dance. 2:53
Bou Saada, Nailia dance. 5:47
Bou Saada, Rahla. 1:07
