 WORLD
MUSIC/AUGUST 2000 |
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MUSIC/AUGUST 2000 |
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Real
World label's recording artist Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was
this generation's acknowledged master, both technically and spiritually,
of the qawwali chant. Recorded in June 1997 in his hometown of Lahore,
Pakistan, Dust to Gold is Nusrat's final work and
it was released posthumously. The CD title refers to the artist's
philosophy of life, that he considered himself a small pinch of dust
from a holy place. Nusrat passed to the heavenly abode in August 1997.
Perhaps he experienced a foreshadowing of his eminent death. His vocal
genius is so powerful in this performance - as if he was surely trying
to chant open the doors of heaven. It is as though he pours every drop
of his blood, every ounce of his soul, every molecule of his being into
this rapturous recording. Dust to Gold features four traditional
qawwalis. Nusrat's fellow musicians supply accompanying vocals,
tabla, and harmonium. Truly a masterpiece, this CD belongs in the library
of every new or longtime fan of the inimitable, irreplaceable Nusrat
Fateh Ali Khan.
- CS In
Hidden World, composers and musicians Jonn Serrie
and Gary Stroutsos join to create a mesmerizing and melodic
recording. Long considered to be a pre-eminent force in contemporary
instrumental/space music, Serrie composes works that are simple and
beautiful. His electronic keyboards and percussion, sonically textured
and ethereal, provide the perfect musical repose for the listener.
Stroutsos, an internationally known flutist and composer, combines
the diverse yet complimentary sounds of Native American flutes, Rivercane
flutes, birdcalls, Irish flutes, whistles, and Ocarina. The entire
CD is slow-paced, contemplative, and tinged with Middle Eastern percussive
influences. Hidden World represents the exemplary and
blessed union of two very talented individuals. It also blends perfectly
the ethereal sounds of synthesizers and the earthly and languid sounds
of flutes. Each track flows like river water or drifts gently like
diaphanous clouds. Perfect for yoga, meditation, energy work, or massage,
Hidden World is a gorgeous recording and worth repeated
listening.
The
record label Pacific Moon consistently introduces the finest Eastern
musicians to the world music scene. The release of the CD Lullaby
by Tokyo-born musician Mizuyo Komiya is certainly no exception.
Komiya performs expertly and exquisitely on a 25-string instrument
known and the "koto" and she has mastered both traditional and contemporary
forms of playing. Originally a 13 - string instrument, the 25 - string
koto allows for a more expressive range of sounds. The lovely sounds
echo the tonality of a harp but with Easter tunings. The CD's twelve
short but sublime songs are a mixture of original and traditional
compositions. Like the seed thistles of a dandelion floating in a
subtle but sure breeze, or like the magic of firefly lights glowing
among a summer evening's stars, the songs of this recording capture
perfectly the magic of childhood. Lullaby is a recording
for adults, and as the liner notes eloquently say, " a Lullaby for
grown - ups who live in a world where the luxury of time has been lost."
As with other Pacific Moon releases, this CD is accompanied by several
sticks of incense packaged inside the jewel case. Does
the crisp, fall air remind you of visits to the Scottish Highland
Games? Does the sight of a handsome laddie in a kilt make your heart
race? Does bagpipe music bring tears to your eyes? Then you might
be a little bit Scottish, and have I got a deal for you! The legendary
Black Watch Pipes and Drums corps has released a new interactive
cd entitled The Black Watch in Majestic Scotland, and
also a video by the same name. Formed in 1739, the Black Watch policed
or "watched" the Highlands in the turbulent times after
the 1715 rebellion. They distinguished themselves in battle and as
musicians for the next two hundred and fifty years. They have played
for Russian premiers, British Royalty, and they performed at the funeral
of John F. Kennedy. In the video and CD, the Black Watch, dressed
in full Highland regalia, marches - and even dances - to a repertoire
of eighteen tracks. Included are Caldonia, Skye Boat Song, Scotland
the Brave, Auld Lang Syne, She Moves Through The Fair, Glencoe,
and Amazing Grace, among many other tunes. The viewer is treated
to sweeping aerial views of the Scottish coastline, moors, castles,
and quaint streets as the Black Watch marches in parade formation
and plays. If you're contemplating a trip to Scotland, or you
want to get in touch with your Scottish roots, this is an extensive
collection, both visually and musically, that can help you prepare.
And be sure to catch The Black Watch when they appear in Atlanta on
September 22nd at The Fox Theatre. Hailed
by Guitar Player magazine as ". . .two of the planet's most
gifted acoustic guitarists," Ardeshir Farah and Jorge
Strunz display their virtuosity with driving Afro-Latin rhythm,
flamenco fire and passion in The Best of Strunz and Farah.
These men have a magic that makes grown musicians and reviewers gush.
Witness: "Acoustic guitar players just don't come better
than these two. . ." (Guitar Techniques); "The planet's
most staggering guitar duo. . ." (Total Guitar); ". . .fiery
improvisations over pulse - quickening tempos. . ." (Jazziz);
"If you dig the art of high-tempo alternate picking, these cats
will make you drool. . .It's simply uncanny to witness such a
feat of sheer guitar virtuosity" (Guitar Shop). What can I possibly
add that wouldn't be gilding the lily'? "Best of"
is their eleventh album. Their previous album, Primal Magic,
was chosen as Billboard Magazine's 1991 "World Music Album
of the Year," and their Heat of the Sun spent four months on
Billboard's World Music chart, much of the time in the top ten.
Jorge Strunz has been given two Presidential awards from the government
of Costa Rica for his cultural achievements. Even if you don't
know an arpeggio from an asterisk, you'll recognize the passion,
romance, and sophistication in The Best of Strunz and Farah. Kathy
Zavada touches hearts with her beautiful poetry and pure, sweet
music in I'm Right Here, her fifth release. With production
and engineering by Steve Wood, Kenny Loggin's music director, the
production values are crystal perfection. Wood also plays keyboards
and organ, and other instrumentation on the disc includes sax, guitar,
bass, tablas and percussion. Zavada sings of the soul's longing to
be wrapped in the arms of sweet Spirit. Her voice, her piano, and
her loving lyrics are healing music at its best. In "Wake Up,"
she sings: "You're the one you're looking for; You're so much more
than you know; There's magic in your heart, music in your soul; Let
it flow, let it flow." In "Oasis of Love," she prays: "I fell
into a heavy dream, a long time ago. God only knows the kind of shape
it's got me in; And precious are the hands, that gather up all of
the pieces; and priceless is the love that makes me whole again."
In "Mother Please Come," she sings: "Mother please come, let
the light within, shine like the sun, let this heart expand to hold
everyone in your mercy, Mother come." These intimate communications
between a soul and The All are so tender, so moving, they're difficult
to describe. All I can say is, if you are ready to have your heart
chakra opened wide, this is the music for you. Zavada may sing of
Krishna one moment, and God, angels, or The Mother the next, inclusively
for all listeners, and the overall message is always LOVE. Buena
Vista Social Club Presents Omara Portuondo is the debut album
of the only female star of the Buena Vista Social Club album and film,
Omara Portuonda. Though she has only recently come to international
fame due to the film, her long career has held many shining moments,
including her formation, with her sister Haydee, of a female quartet
who became 'one of the most important groups in Cuban musical history,'
Cuarteto Las D'Aida, and an American tour which included an appearance
with Nat King Cole on the stage of the Tropicana. Her debut solo album,
Magia Negra, appeared in 1959. Known as Cuba's musical sweetheart,
she has been compared to Edith Piaf and Billie Holiday, with her rich,
sensual voice. She sings of "unrequited love, love lost and found,"
as the theme of this album. Her bittersweet love songs are backed
by Buena Vista musicians Ruben Gonzalez (piano), Orlando
'Cachaito' Lopez (bass), Manuel 'Guajiro' Mirabal (trumpet),
Jesus 'Aguaje' Ramos (trombone), and Amadito Valdes (timbales).
There are also guest appearances from Eliades Ochoa, Compay Segundo
and Manuel Galban (guitars) and the great Ibrahim Ferrer
on vocals. The album has the complex soundscape one expects of the
Buena Vista Social Club, with its big band sound, lush string
sections, Compay Segundo's clarinet group, a string quartet,
and traditional Septeto style. Return to romance with the big band
sound and Portuondo's sultry love songs and experience yesterday and
today. Music News: The City of
Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs will present the 13th Annual
Montreux Atlanta Music Festival from August 27 through September
4 in venues throughout the city. The fabulous lineup of musical guests
includes On Tour: One of Mali's most revered musicians, acoustic guitarist Ali Farka Toure, and his star protege Afel Bocoum (composer, singer, guitarist), will join each other on stage for their first major tour of the US this summer. Ali Farka Toure, a respected artist throughout Mali and West Africa, has collaborated with musicians from Ry Cooder (on the 1995 Grammy Award-winner Talking Timbuktu) to Taj Mahal. Afel Bocoum studied with Farka Toure and is a respected composer and musician in his own right. Bocoum's lyrics cover topics of racial harmony and African pride. Farka Toure and Bocoum will appear in Atlanta's Variety Playhouse on August 5th. Call Variety at 404-524-7354 for information. |