EGYPT
This album presents three examples of Egypt's contemporary urban music played on traditional instruments such as qanoun, oud, nay, reqq, mazhar and tabla.
Review by Nancy King:
The music on this CD was recorded in 1977 in the three cities of Cairo, Alexandria and Luxor. In each location, an urban orchestra was selected to perform dance music popular at the time. Aisha was careful to only record traditional instrumentation in order to preserve the older style of raqs sharqi music. Old favourites such as Hani, Ya Dalla’ Et Dalla are included in each of the groups’ ‘Raqs Sharqi’ medleys - it is fun to compare and contrast the different versions and see which suits your dance style best. The medley by the Alexandrian orchestra could be cut with care if one wanted to dance to only part of it, and the nay player’s performance is particularly bright and uplifting. Besides the three medleys, a Baladi and an Asaya dance are included on this 61-minute CD. The historical cover notes, again written by Leona Wood, are most interesting, documenting back to the times of the Roman Empire. She discusses the role of raqs sharqi, dating right up through the 20th century. Some of her observations can be quite thought provoking.
Although this CD will probably not appeal to the dance novice or general public, the music can prove delightful for those who are well initiated to Middle Eastern dance. My husband, who has enjoyed (yes!) years of listening to Middle Eastern music calls this the ‘Black Sabbath’ of this genre. I’m not sure that I would term it as such, but it is pretty hard-core, giving us something very authentic and alive to work to.
Track 1 Raqs Sharqi - Alexandria
Hani
El Helu Fatani
Ya Dallah Et Dallah
Nye Taqasim
Baladi E-Tet
Drum Solo
Ayub
Finali 17:15
Track 2 Raqs Al Asaya - Alexandria
Aminti Billah 6:52
Track 3 Raqs Sharqi - Cairo
Hani
Nye Taqasim
Ya Dalla' Et Dalla'
Kanoun taqasim
Lama Rah Al Sabr 13:29
Track 4 Raqs Baladi - Cairo
Hamama 3:45
Track 5 Raqs Sharqu - Luxor
Ah Ya Mudalla'
Kaman Taqasim
Ya Dalla' Et Dalla'
Nye Taqasim
Hani
Qari'et Al Fingan
Hamama
Sheik Al Badad
Ya Helwa Shaila Al Balaas
Finali 20:00
