Middle East [Import]

1. Haifa

2. Song & Dance From Israel

3. Evening In Tel Aviv

4. Victor Cavini

5. Teheran Streets

6. Persian Ceremonial

7. Voice Of The Steppes

8. Oriental Juggler

9. Camels In The Desert

10. Oriental Landscape

11. Oriental Market

12. Oriental Culture

13. Oriental Parade

14. Arabesque

15. Promised Land

Middle East,Various Artists,Sob,World Music

Average customer rating: Arabic Groove Cool Groove Listen to someone else's Top 10 countdown... I love this cd Rocking the kasbah

Arabic Groove Various Artists Manufacturer: Putumayo World Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Algeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music Egypt | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Morocco | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Lebanon | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Arabic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music International | Putumayo World Music Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Putumayo Presents: Turkish Groove Desert Roses and Arabian Rhythms Putumayo Presents: Sahara Lounge Putumayo Presents: North African Groove Asian Groove ASIN: B00005J6WU Release Date: 2001-06-12

Tracks:

1. Moi Et Toi - Abdel Ali Slimani
2. Galbi - Abdy
3. Leiley (Transglobal Underground Remix) - Dania
4. Amarain - Amr Diab
5. Intil Waheeda - Hisham Abbas
6. Hely Meli - Hamid El Shaeri
7. Mani - Fadela & Sahraoui
8. Kidda - Natacha Atlas
9. Mauvais Sang - Khaled
10. Ne Me Jugez Pas (Volodia Remix) - Sawt El Atlas
11. L'histoire - Cheb Tarik

Amazon.com

While not yet part of mainstream American music, Middle Eastern music, as evidenced by the rise of Algerian pop star Khaled in France, has sidled up to other club music forms in the hot spots of Paris, London, and elsewhere. To that end, Putumayo's Arabic Groove brings us up to date with their compilation, a jubilant sonic party rooted in ancient musical tradition and structure, steeped in the au courant flavors of hip-hop, R&B, and other urban western forms. Lebanese, Egyptian, Moroccan, and Algerian artists such as former Londoner Natacha Atlas (who has been featured with both Transglobal Underground and Jah Wobble) contribute 11 songs which lend themselves to sensual dance, exotic drink, and glamorous gatherings of multicultural hipsters. Traditional Arabic instruments such as the flute and oud blend with guitar, bass, and drums, laying down plenty of funk, fun, and full-on booty-shaking rhythms. A heady high point is the disco-nomad jam "Leiley," a Transglobal Underground remix of a hit by Lebanese songstress Dania. Arabic Groove is a feast of a sampler. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

Arabic Groove.......2007-06-17

Middle Eastern music at it's best. I am quite satisfied with this purchase. As a matter of fact I purchased an additional one for a friend. Putmayo is the best.

Cool Groove.......2007-05-07

This is excellent for either listening or dancing. My dance teacher found it also to be an excellent example of music to dance to. Everyone who has heard it has enjoyed it. I really recommend it for Arabic music lovers everywhere.

Listen to someone else's Top 10 countdown..........2006-08-22

I heard some of this while serving in Iraq. As a fan of "world music" it caught my attention right away. If you enjoy some exposure to other cultures and like to tap your foot, check this one out.

I love this cd.......2006-08-16

I love the cd but the first song is messed up. there is a scratch or something on it. but I don't care much because the rest is awesome. I listen to it constantly.

Rocking the kasbah.......2006-06-14

This was the CD that started Putumayo's Groove series;so far,it's one of the best.While many of the songs are about unrequited love,they are also incredibly danceable&upbeat.

Highlights-
1)Moi et toi-This has a funky beat.
2)Galbi-Another great song about unrequited love.Abdy is truly talented.
3)Leiley-A remix by Transglobal Underground.Dania's song of longing is amazing.
4)Kidda-This song introduced me to the great Natacha Atlas.I now have 3 of her CDs.This song,of course,is about unrequited love&is quite raw&powerful.
5)Ne me jugez pas-A boy band from Morocco sings a great song remixed by Volodia.


If you want a bazaar of music,try this one!

Average customer rating: Loved it! Bellydance Superstars Moves You Bellydance Superstars Good usable material Do you want to dance your feet off???

Bellydance Superstars Various Artists Manufacturer: Mondo Melodia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Middle East & North Africa | Compilations | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 2 Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 3 Galactic Caravan: Intergalactic Bellydance Bellydance Superstars Live in Paris at the Folies Bergere Tribal Fusion - Yoga Isolations & Drills for Bellydance ASIN: B000078JLD Release Date: 2002-11-12

Tracks:

1. Raks Africa - Dinletir (selected by Jillina)
2. Ah Ya Leil - Shereen (selected by Sonia)
3. El Salam - Hakim (selected by Jillina)
4. Warda - Warda (selected by Tamalyn Dallal)
5. Ice Queen - Dinletir (selected by Rania)
6. Talakik - Hakim (selected byAmar Gamal)
7. Nebtidi Mnain El Hikaya - Mohamed Abdel Wahab (selected by Suhaila Salimpour)
8. Chicky - Oojami (selected by Ansuya)
9. Sahra Saidi - Gamal Gommaa (selected by Ansuya)
10. Bitwannes Beek - Warda (selected by Veena & Neena)
11. Il Alem Allah - Amr Diab (selected by Veena & Neena)
12. Zeina - Mahamed Abdel Wahab (selected by Sonia)
13. Msafer - Mahamed Abdel Wahab (selected by Tamalyn Dallal)
14. Esma Yalli - Hakim (selected by Amar Gamal)
15. Drum Solo - selected and performed by Suhaila Salimpour
16. Habibi Ya Albi - Ihab Tawfik (selected by Rania)

Customer Reviews:

Loved it!.......2007-05-07

This cd has various different music on - little bit of everything! It's worth the buy

Bellydance Superstars Moves You.......2007-04-04

Enjoyed this group of belly dance numbers very much. I personally prefer more instrumentals, but, hey, nothing is perfect. The music is energetic and does get you moving. I give it a solid four stars

Bellydance Superstars .......2007-01-15

If you are a dancer you need the Superstars CDs. Good mixed discs, you get a taste of a lot of different artists without looking for 12 discs and you don't need to read Arabic. Pretty fast tracks, warm up with something slower, I like Arabic Lounge set.

Good usable material.......2007-01-12

Excellent contemporary bellydance music, most very usable. The only problem is its popularity.

Egyptian-style and American-Cabaret dancers would probably get the most out of it.

Do you want to dance your feet off??? .......2006-10-18

This is the CD to do just that! Dance, dance and more dance. Exhilirating music from the best of Middle Eastern popular belly dancing music. Very light, very enjoyable, perfect for any party mix. Authentic, yet diversified. Ideal for parties, long drives, getting your housework done in a good mood, and just for the simple pleasure of the lively Arabic beat. Love this CD.

Average customer rating: Solid Introduction to India's Master Musician This is Perfect if You Want Just One Ravi Shankar CD The Sitar Master Excellent introduction to the legendary musician

The Essential Ravi Shankar Ravi Shankar Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Sounds of India Chants Of India: Ravi Shankar; George Harrison Three Ragas A Morning Raga/An Evening Raga West Meets East: The Historic Shankar Menuhin Collection ASIN: B000AO4NL8 Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

1. An Introduction To Indian Music
2. Dadra
3. Kafi-Holi (Spring Festival Of Colors)
4. Raga Des
5. Raga Palas Kafi (Excerpt)
6. Sitar Todi
7. Dhun: Fast Teental (Excerpt)

Tracks:

1. Swara-Kakali
2. Discovery Of India
3. Vandanaa Trayee
4. Village Dance
5. Raga Minature
6. Sandhya Raga
7. Memory Of Uday
8. Shanti Mantra
9. Ragas In Minor Scale
10. Chappaqua
11. Friar Park
12. Vaishnava janato/Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram
13. Offering

Customer Reviews:

Solid Introduction to India's Master Musician.......2006-03-31

Master musician Ravi Shankar makes the following observations in the opening track, "An introduction to Indian Music" (from 1957's THE SOUNDS OF INDIAN MUSIC): "The improvisation is the highlight in Indian music. The sheer joy of creating on the spot by a musician, always coming back to the main theme in the raga he has chosen is what listeners look forward to....The Western listener will appreciate and enjoy our music if he listens with an open and relaxed mind." And for more than two and a half hours, Shankar takes us on a musical journey that covers five decades of recordings.

Disc 1: Out of the East (74:40)

Most of these tracks are ragas and are taken from his albums of the fifties and sixties. The most recent is "Dhun: Fast Teental" from 1967, the same year Shankar earned both the Billboard Recording Artist and Musician of the year honors. All tracks feature a small ensemble with Shankar accompanied only by tabla and tambura (and sarod on "Raga Palas Kafi)."

Disc 2: Into the West (78:29)

The tracks on this disc feature Shankar in collaboration with Western musicians. "Swara-Kakali" features famed violinist Yehudi Menuhin. "Discovery of India" is from the soundtrack album GHANDI, for which Shankar received an Oscar nomination for best score. There are two tracks from 1990's PASSAGES, which teamed Shankar with minimalist composer Phillip Glass. "Ragas in Minor Scale" features Shankar's ensemble playing a Glass composition, while "Offering" has Glass's ensemble performing a Shankar composition (the only track that Shankar does not perform on).

And, of course, it's only fitting that Shankar's most famous disciple be included. No fewer than three tracks feature George Harrison on autoharp: "Village Dance," "Memory of Uday" (Harrison also plays synthesizer on these two tracks), and "Friar Park." In addition, Harrison produced "Vandanaa Trayee."

This is a solid introduction to the music of India's best known musical ambassador. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

This is Perfect if You Want Just One Ravi Shankar CD.......2006-03-10

It is not too often that you see a compilation compact disc that has all the essential tracks of an artist. It seems that the musicians always want to leave out a few so that you have to buy more CDs from them.

This CD, however, is truly made up of the best of Ravi Shankar. If you only wish to own one Ravi Shankar CD then this is for you.

The Sitar Master.......2006-03-04

This collection offers an accessible way to experience the works of Ravi Shankar, the man most responsible for what awareness there is in the West of Indian classical music traditions. The two-disc set is quite expansive: Disc one features pieces from 1957 to Shankar's Western "breakthrough" at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, while disc two features 13 tracks from 1967 to 1990. Highlights include: "Swara-Kakali," an impassioned instrumental duet that Shankar recorded with violinist Yehudi Menuhin in 1967; "Dhun: Fast Teental," an excerpt from his legendary performance at Monterey; several pieces from his work with George Harrison, including "Village Dance" and "Friar's Park;" and the delightful opening track on which Shankar himself introduces some of the basic elements of Indian classical style.

Harrison declared Shankar the "Godfather of world music," as the back of the CD indicates, and this collection is a perfect testament to why that's true. While the form may not be to everyone's taste here in the West, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more affordable entree into--or a more skilled ambassador of--this beautiful musical heritage.

Excellent introduction to the legendary musician.......2006-02-04

Into his 6th decade as a professional musician, 85 year-old Pandit Ravi Shankar is sometimes described as the father of world music and, "...his genius and his humanity can only be compared to that of Mozart's," according to Yehudi Menuhin. His impact on the music world, with his 90-something recordings and decades of touring, including sold out shows during his current tour, is absolutely immense. If there's someone else currently alive who has been an influential virtuoso for as long, I can not think of their name. Miles Davis would have been close but he passed away 1991. I'm also disappointed to see that on his upcoming tour, he's playing several Canadian cities, but not Winnipeg, where I live! He's selling out 2000 seat concert halls and could easily do the same here.

This two-CD set is actually more thoughtfully compiled than I imagined. Among my favorite recordings of his would be the 1990 album "Passages" - a true desert island recording - with Phillip Glass (1937). I assumed that album was too esoteric to be represented here, but it is, by two selections on disc 2. Disc 1, entitled "Out Of The East", features mostly ragas, spanning the decade from 1957 - 1967, from notable albums such as "The Sounds of India" (1954), "The Genius of Ravi Shankar" (1957) and "India's Master Musician" (1963.) "Into The West" is the title of disc 2 and it's 13 tracks, not surprisingly, feature Shankar performing with the likes of violinist Yehudi Menuhin (1916-1999), George Harrison (1943-2001), guitarist Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and minimalist composer Phillip Glass.

I happen to like the traditional ragas but also the newer, easier-to-digest material, such as the George Harrison collaboration "Village Dance" from 1987's "Tana Mana."

At the beginning of disc 1, Ravi Shankar narrates a 5 minute introduction to Indian classical music and at the end suggests best how western listeners can enjoy it.

What I like about the music on disc 2 is, I will shamelessly admit, the ease of remembering the music and being able to identify it during subsequent listens. Some of the tracks have taken on a soundtrack feel to them, which will not please those who prefer traditional ragas.

By and large, you don't listen to Indian classical music hoping to get the same experience as you would from most other forms of music, including European classical music. You let yourself get lost in the experience, the journey, and forget about repetition and familiarity. You can listen to a 15 minute raga and hear something new each time. The music is too rich to be absorbed in one listening and there's no way you can pick up your instrument of choice and repeat the entire raga that you have just listened to. For those with a fertile mind, the melodies are truly heaven sent.

I'm always skeptical when record companies package compilations since they are rarely completely satisfying with their obvious omissions and inclusions of new but usually weak material. Columbia has tackled Ravi Shankar with a liberal representation of his works, but it won't necessarily please everyone. For those with broad tastes who are not Shankar experts, it's a great collection to have. Included in the liner notes is a brief but enjoyable article by Hank Bordowitz.

Average customer rating: Superb!

Haran Pharaoh's Daughter Manufacturer: Oyhoo Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music Klezmer | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Queen's Dominion The Idan Raichel Project Daddy's Pockets Falling Man: A Novel Deadwood - The Complete Third Season ASIN: B000PTYP1G Release Date: 2007-05-15

Tracks:

1. By Way Of Haran
2. Ka Ribon
3. Samai
4. Hagar
5. Enpesare
6. Ven Hermosa
7. Yona
8. Lev Tahor
9. Hashomer
10. Askinu

Album Description

"A gilt-edged masterpiece." -- Jewish Week

"Best Middle East Peace Plan." -- Village Voice

"I want more of this band, much more." -- Global Rhythm

"A sound both hypnotic and charged." -- Washington Post

"Fuses Middle Eastern and Jewish sounds with a dark, indie pop sensibility." -- All Music Guide

Following Matisyahu's dramatic crossover from the Jewish market into the secular world, the most popular female New York Jewish musical artist is ready to break out! Haran features catchy songs that blend a Middle Eastern sound with contemporary hooks and a folk/pop mentality. Easy to dance to, it works for all audiences. Blending a psychedelic sensibility and a pan-Mediterranean sensuality, Basya Schechter leads her band through swirling Hasidic chants, Mizrachi and Sephardi folk-rock, and spiritual stylings filtered through percussion, flute, strings, and electronica. Her sound has been cultivated by her Hasidic music background and a series of trips to the Middle East, Africa, Israel, Egypt, Central Africa, Turkey, Kurdistan, and Greece. She has recorded four albums: three with Pharaoh's Daughter and one instrumental exploration with Persian santur player Alan Kushan. Over the past two years, Schechter was the recipient of numerous compositional and project grants from the New York State Council of the Arts, American Composers Forum, and American Music Center.

Customer Reviews:

Superb! .......2007-05-18

This highly anticipated release lives every bit up to expectations, and then some. With help from producer Fred Rubens, the album showcases the band's signature innovative Middle Eastern sound with modern-day grit and attitude. To be sure, the force of this album rests firmly on the foundation of Shechter's exquisite compositions. Still, it is the incredible musicianship of the band that makes this nothing short of a masterpiece. In addition to the earnest vocals of leader Basya Schechter and her oud and saz playing, the album features stellar performances by core band members playing violin, bass, organ, recorders, accordian, drums, and percussion. Topping it all off are exciting guest performances including Alan Kushan on santur, Adam Levy (of Norah Jones' band) on guitar, and others. This music is exquisite but edgy, authentic but contemporary, and absolutely infectious. This is World Music at its best--intricate and nuanced, but utterly accessible, blending swirling, syncopated seas of polyrhythm with beautiful, singable melodies. Pharaoh's Daughter's scope may be compared to that of Béla Fleck, who also draws from a wide array of musical traditions and sounds. However, while Fleck's combinations can sometimes sound forced, these always seem to work perfectly. Highlights include a Celtic-infused "Kah Ribon" with santur, Jason Lindner's psychedelic organ over Schecter's oud on "By Way of Haran," Levy's haunting guitar on the gripping "Hagar," and the rich, sensuous violin of Meg Okura on "Samai."

Average customer rating: shaking rythym More techno cr@p Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 4 Tweaked belly dance

Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 4 Various Artists Manufacturer: Cia - Copeland Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Desert Roses, Vol. 4 Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 3 Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 2 The Belly and the Beat Bellydance Superstars ASIN: B000JBWVRK Release Date: 2006-11-14

Tracks:

1. Enta Omri (Remix) - Elie Attieh
2. Bel Arabi - Saad
3. Batwannis Beek - The Reg Project
4. Asoufak Youm - Hoda
5. Layali Al Sharq - The Al-Ahram Orchestra
6. Sana Wara Sana - Nancy Ajram
7. Turbo Tabla 4 - Turbo Tabla
8. Ala Meen - Amina
9. Aataba - Darine Hadchiti
10. Arabiyon Ana - Yuri Mrakadi
11. Zaina - Petrol Bomb Samosa
12. Hattegy Tany - Pascal Machaalani
13. Drum Solo Wassan Pharaouin - Issam Houshan

Customer Reviews:

shaking rythym.......2007-06-27

this superstar volume 4 was just what I needed for my class, easy to follow and choreograph. Also purchased volumes 2 and 3. I already owned volume 1. Will keep shopping Amazon.

More techno cr@p.......2007-05-24

I liked tracks 6 & 12. The original long version of Batawanees Beek makes the hair on my arms stand up! This one leaves me cold. I think most of this techno stuff is just too busy for me. Frantic, repetitive, and feels like an aerobic class. You can't interpret the rhythm/melody with that d!mn#d overpowering beat! What happened to the emotion? Isn't that the whole point behind art?

Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 4 .......2007-03-27

I like this cd. It presents a variaty of songs and rythms that makes it not boring...

Tweaked.......2007-03-19

I was somewhat disappointed that a heavy bass beat - not beledy - has been added to many of the songs, so the rock-n-roll/hip hop aspect was a bit much.

belly dance.......2007-03-05

Ididn't like much this CD because the music is well known, a bit too much maybe, and even if it's new recording, there is no surprise at all except for the last drumming .

Average customer rating: Mix down the vocals, and maybe Kind of disappointing Mediocre Middle Eastern collection Awesome CD Excellent Foray to Rye Music

Desert Roses and Arabian Rhythms Various Artists Manufacturer: Ark 21 ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Algeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music Egypt | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Arabic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Arabic Groove Desert Roses & Arabian Rhythms II Desert Roses and Arabian Rhythms, Vol. 3 Moroccan Spirit Immortal Egypt ASIN: B00005A8LX Release Date: 2001-03-20

Tracks:

1. Mon Amie La Rose - Natacha Atlas
2. La Valse - Faudel
3. Aalach Tloumouni - Khaled
4. Inchallah - Latifa
5. Desert Rose (Melodic Club Mix) - Sting/Cheb Mami
6. Chie Begam - Andy
7. I'm Yours - Soraya
8. Dis Moi Pourquoi - Amina
9. Hay Wadi Hay Galbi - Cheb Mami
10. Pomegranate - Trans-Global Underground
11. Esma Yalli - Hakim
12. La Titnahad - Kazem Al Saher
13. Qalantiqa - Rachid Taha

Amazon.com

When Sting collaborated with Cheb Mami on the Brand New Day track "Desert Rose," he created a surprising demand for Arabic crossover pop. This collection provides a suitable next stop for those whose taste was whetted by that collaboration. Egyptian singer Natacha Atlas opens the album with "Mon Amie la Rose," a maudlin little French tune she twists through her wringer until it is utterly transformed. "Desert Rose" turns up as a frisky remix by Victor Calderone, while Rachid Taha and the trance choir, B'Net Marrakech, appear in the compelling, orchestrated "Qalantica." Mami is heard on his own on one tune, but is eclipsed by the gut-shredding Khaled, the undisputed king of Algerian rai. The harder-edged electronic outings are standouts, while the tracks that are the Arabic equivalent of adolescent pop don't hold up nearly as well. This compilation, however, mostly eschews the dross in favor of tunes that go the distance. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

Mix down the vocals, and maybe.......2007-06-04

I loved Arabesque and Arabian Travels, but this is not trance. This is more like Arabian pop music. The vocals are irritating to me. Sting even shows up on one track. If you are looking for world trance, or something to chill out or relax to, forget this one.

Kind of disappointing.......2007-02-02

I love world music and Putumayo CDs.
I also loved that Desert Rose song and the amazing voice of Cheb Mami with Sting.
I bought this CD expecting a sexy "One Thousand and One Nights" music style, or a good fusion of traditional and modern sounds, but instead, what I got was a KITSCH POP version of arabic songs.
Some of the songs are just bad taste, you just want to forward them as quickly as possible.
I should have guessed just by the look of the cover. It reflects the music as well. The painting might be nice, but the mix with the modern computer added photo image and the strange balls of roses just don't work well together. The same goes for the songs.
I don't recommend it, unless you're looking for cheesy disposable pop.

Mediocre Middle Eastern collection.......2006-12-21

This compilation of Arabic pop hits around the same time as Sting&Cheb Mami's "Desert Rose" hit and Putumayo's "Arabic Groove" album,not surprisingly.It's disappointing,since it focuses more on westernized Arabic hits than genuinely Arabic ones.For its surprising blandness,there are highlights-
1)A remix of Cheb Mami&Sting's hit song "Desert Rose." It's very danceable,and in sync with the spirit of the original.Cheb Mami and Sting had one of those rare great celebrity duets.They powerfully melded their styles,making something wonderful.
2)Khaled is always great.His songs are never a disappointment--no wonder he's called the King of Rai.
3)Amina's "Dis Moi Pourquoi" is an excellent dancefloor song.It was a hit in France,and musically,it works.It's French chanson meeting Tunisian pop.
4)Speaking of French chanson,Natacha Atlas radically re-imagines Edith Piaf's "Mon amie la rose",transforming it from a Gallic weepie into a sensual Arabic serenade.
5)Hakim,who is considered a prince of rai,has a great song.
6)Cheb Mami's "Hay wadi hay galbi" is amazing.While Khaled is almost Arabic R&B,and Hakim is a Middle Eastern boy band sort,this song shows off Cheb Mami's musical gymnastics.It's quite stunning.After hearing this,I got his "Saida" album.

Instead of getting this,I reccomend Putumayo's "Sahara Lounge" (its best Middle Eastern compilation)and "Arabic Groove." "Desert Roses" has a half-dozen hits,the rest are forgettable.If you like Middle Eastern music,explore Putumayo's compilations instead.

Awesome CD.......2005-07-23

I just bought this CD along with a bunch of other and I absolutely love it. It's great for belly dancing too as well as just listening to while you're doing housework.

Excellent Foray to Rye Music.......2004-12-16

This album is a splendid way to get into Rye music. Sting's hit single performance with Cheb Mami sparks interest, and the rest of the more obscure (in America, that is) tracks are all beautiful. Fun gift for somebody who is learning French (Maghreb music is often sung in French,) or just seeking out some more exotic music. Also, fabulously sultry dancing music!

Average customer rating: fun Funky Blue Belly Beatz great

The Belly and the Beat Turbo Tabla Manufacturer: Cia - Copeland Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Arabic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 4 Desert Roses, Vol. 4 Boom Shinga Ling Tribal Derivations Bellydance Overdrive ASIN: B000JBWW92 Release Date: 2006-11-07

Tracks:

1. Turbo Tabla 4
2. Tahteeb Diesel
3. Stonecutter
4. Imlal Ilaqdah
5. Irrouh
6. Sanadi
7. Indiarab
8. Saidi Song
9. Samai Aryan
10. Ashoof Jamal
11. Naseeb
12. Multiple East
13. Zaarathaustra
14. Banaat Turbo

Customer Reviews:

fun.......2007-02-21

Another great CD-this one has some songs that are a little too "technoie" for my taste for dance class or choreography. But great for general use. Very happy with my purchase.

Funky Blue Belly Beatz.......2007-02-21

I just had to share with everyone this CD I got today (yes, some people still DO actually buy CD's...LOL!). OH-MY-GOD!!! It is rockinnnnnnnn' da house! You see me? I bought 3 CD's, today to feed my soul. The others are good, but this one makes my heart feel like it's gonna fly out my body! Oh my God, I put it in the CD player in my car, and I just cannot stop moving! I'm thinking of all kind of belly dance moves to do... but more importantly, it just sounds like my heartbeat, man. I just can't explain it more than that. It's sooooooooo funky!!!

Music, no matter what kind (if it is the kind you like), speaks to the soul. It is as if the music becomes the language your soul and spirit speaks... and it is the rhythm of your heartbeat. When something speaks so specifically, it as if I become my total self again. Such joy, reminds me of who I really am! I wonder if others feel this way. Gotta be.
Now, my top 5 favorite kind of music go exactly in this order:
1. Belly dance music
2. Bhangra & Chutney Soca
3. Salsa & Merengue
4. Zydeco
5.Soca
6. Reggaeton
7. Ghazals
(If you don't know the meaning of any of these terms, you can look it/them up. It'd take too long to explain )
I mean, of course I like more, but these musics would "turn me on", if you will. It is directly related to the dance moves induced as well. But more importantly, I think it is about an aural aesthetic; what one finds beautiful. I do believe it is also much related to one's ethnicity and perhaps cultural memories -- from this life, and perhaps ancestral memories, or even those memories from the collective unconscious. As I said, in the case of Turbo Tabla, it feels like someone whispering in your ear in only a language you can understand... speaking right into your brain. It sounds just as sweet as hearing your own name whispered in your ear. They say a person's name is the sweetest ever word-sound to them. (So fellas, if you don't already know... if a way to a man's heart is through his belly, then surely a way to some women's hearts, is through her ear.) Total erotica! The biggest sex organ is between the ears, yes? It all starts in the brain.
But, I digress. LOL!
I have a question for you all. Do you think one's ethnicity or ethnicities (in the case of us "mixed" folk -- and lots of us are, inevitably... even if we think we are purely one thing or another... but that is yet another tributary of discussion)... does one's ethnicity influence the way a person looks at the world aesthetically? Is what one finds beautiful, influenced by one's background(s). I believe that it is. I'd like to hear what someone else thinks. Now, I'm not speaking of aesthetics on the surface -- and that may sound like an oxymoron, yet it is not. I am referring to those things which appeal to you at a more gut level; an instinctual level. Some people may believe that that the business of what one finds beautiful or appealing, through the senses, a shallow business. I beg to differ.
I think what one choses to wear -- clothes, jewelry, adornment... how you wear your hair... how one choses to decorate one's environment... the kinds of food & music one likes... certainly to whom one is attracted... our interests... environments that makes one feel at home...fabrics... colors... scents we wear... scents we have around us... what music we like to hear... what languages sound sweet in our ears...all are influenced by our ancestral memories. These are the things which make us feel at home, cared for.... which make us love and feel loved... which makes our hearts feel more alive... which makes our souls soar... which touch us in places we never knew existed or had forgotten........ yes, I think these things aour a part of our collective unconscious.

Nonethless, for moments today, I felt like I could fly :-)
My heart danced.
*By the way, my favorite cuts so far on that CD:
#1 "Turbo Tabla 4 (Karim Nagi) --Drum anthem #4 in Turbo Tabla Tribal Lovers Series
#2 "Tahteeb Diesel" (Nagi, Ruskin) -- A southern Egyptian Cane Dance in a Detroit parking lot
#4 "Imlal Ilaqdah" (Traditional Arab & Andalusian) -- Fill the glasses up and let me drink til dawn.
#7 "Indiarab" (Karim Nagi) -- Belly Bhangra
This is part of the meaning of love, I say.

great.......2007-01-19

great music i am in a bellydance troupe and we are dancing to a routine using some of the songs thanks

Average customer rating: A trip from the terrestrial to the celestial. First rate Pure Bliss Hindu-Persian Beauty it sends me

The Rain Ghazal Manufacturer: Ecm Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Iran | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Islamic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lost Songs Of The Silk Road As Night Falls On The Silk Road Night Silence Desert Moon Rise Over the Silk Road Astrakan Cafe ASIN: B00008UAGA Release Date: 2003-08-26

Tracks:

1. Fire
2. Dawn
3. Eternity

Amazon.com

As on their previous releases, this much-admired Persian/Indian crossover duo have created a separate yet spacious universe that is tranquility incarnate. The musicans, who have named themselves after an ancient form of romantic poetry, perform on sitar (a multi-stringed Indian plucked instrument with a tall fretboard attached to a resonating gourd) and kamancheh (a sonorous but gutty-sounding spike fiddle) and voice, accompanied by a tabla virtuoso (a tuned skin drum commonly played in India and Pakistan). They wander hither and yon, seemingly traveling between dimensions of time, thought, and feeling. People who find Indian classical music too demanding for a beginner and/or have no idea what Persian music sounds like need have no fear. These three extended pieces, called "Fire," "Dawn," and "Eternity," may be somewhat rarified but they are also utterly accessible. Performing live before a respectfully rapt audience, Ghazal is at once sensuous, austere, fiery, and spiritual. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

A trip from the terrestrial to the celestial........2007-03-24

"Gazal": An Urdu word, to me it means: a delicate poem of love and passion.

Pl let me share a few known things. Ustaad Shujaat is a maestro of Sitar, a seven string Indian music instrument, with a big echo box made from a shell of a gourd. He excels in "Gayaki" style where strings are plucked and intonations made to emulate vocal chords. He hums along and renders the words with Sitar as a fiddle, to follow up. He has a deep commitment to the tradition, at the same time is fearless to experiment and improvise. Please listen to his other CD "Lajo" where pristine folk tunes from Punjab, India have been given a rebirth. Amazing, indeed.

Kayhan Kalhor, for me has been an amazing find and gift to Indians; from Persia With Love. I have no words to write about him, but admire his art, vision, virtuosity.

Together they in this CD will enthrall anybody. If you can follow the words, this is ecstatic. Otherwise it is sublime. Listen and enjoy these to take a flight to another planet.

This is very inspiring music, to go on a trip, from the terrestrial to the celestial.

ENJOY.

Anil, Iselin, NJ.

First rate.......2007-01-03

During a cab ride I took in New York, the driver played a CD of some Indian music which included a male voice as well as sitar, tabla and tambura. I asked him what it was and he wrote the name "Ghazal" as well as some other words that didn't show up on the Amazon search. The Rain is not the same CD and I'm not sure if it's even the same artist. The cab driver's CD was pure classical Indian and The Rain is a sort of fusion of Indian and Persian. If I made a mistake buying this CD it was a very lucky mistake because the quality of the music is very high. The interaction among the players is of a very high calibre, like that of the very best jazz combos as they take a motif and work it as if it were composed but with such a feel of spontaneity which is so much the excitment of improvisational music. I suppose that many people would like to find a piece of music like this if they only knew where to look. I got lucky with this one and I recommend it highly.

Pure Bliss.......2006-05-28

I own so many cd's of virtually every genre you could imagine among my favorites being indian classical, gypsy jazz, fusion, and flamenco. This cd is one of the few that i would rank among my very favorites. Shujaat Khan and Kayhan Kalhor play in complete sympathy with one another and are provided great tabla playing by the up and coming tabla virtuoso, Sandeep Das. The interesting thing about this group is that they combine effortlessly the two traditions of Indian Raga of North India and Persian Dastgah. These traditions are very different but you would never realize by listening to this music. They each uphold their tradition but welcome the other with open arms and mutual understanding. In short, If you should only buy one album this year, I would probably choose this one. All of the songs are great and long. The last track "Eternity" is probably my favorite clocking in at about 20 minutes and taking you to a place you could never imagine. Shujaatji really proves his remarkable since of music and his astonishing control over the sitar on this one. Also to check out would be Ustad Sultan Khan's album with Ustad Zakir Hussain of Raga Bhupali and Ali Akbar Khan's duet with Pandit Nikhil Banerjee on the Signature Series. ESSENTIAL TO ANY HUMAN BEING!

Hindu-Persian Beauty.......2005-12-18

Few CDs from my 4000 collection of CDs get into my car for a long ride as frequently as The Rain. I just cannot have enough of Kalhor's kamancheh sound and the peaceful Hindu-Persian feeling that it evokes. The sound brings back for me the memories of my younger days at my aunt's Safavid era house in the Northern Iran city of Rasht and the peaceful Zoroastrian temples of Iran and India where I spent a lifetime of happy hours. This is a keeper.

it sends me.......2005-12-09

My music staples are blues and rock, but I like all kinds. Whether it's blues or classical or Persian/Indian the masters of the genre put me in a zone that makes me forget about the cowboys looting our country. THis cd does that. These guys make great music.

Average customer rating: Beautiful and inspiring music Bellydance Superstars vol III rating Good, But Not As Good As One and Two Great for Dancing!!! Vol. 3

Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 3 Various Artists Manufacturer: Mondo Melodia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 2 Bellydance Superstars Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 4 Bellydance Superstars Live in Paris at the Folies Bergere Galactic Caravan: Intergalactic Bellydance ASIN: B000A2H1EQ Release Date: 2005-08-16

Tracks:

1. Habibi Ya Elni - Nourhanne
2. Acient Ruins - Issam Househan
3. El Kalam Ala Meen - Saad ElSoghayar
4. Drama Queen - Sahar
5. Ana Wel Leil - Hamada Hilal
6. Amani el Omr - Amani
7. Lawn Oyounak - Nancy Ajram
8. Harem - R.E.G. Project
9. Haboussou - Hakim
10. New Baladi - Mario Kirlis
11. Eih Eih - Shereen
12. Tribal Dream - Galactic Caravan
13. I Cash Radii - Pentaphobe
14. Tales of the Sahara - Ihsan Al-Mounzer
15. Fi el Awel - Mohammed Mohie

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful and inspiring music .......2007-07-12

Once again the Bellydance Superstars produced a wonderful and inspiring collection of songs: great for listening, teaching and performing!!!
Varied in mood and melody, worthy of the "Superstar rating".

Bellydance Superstars vol III rating.......2007-05-29

I've been taking bellydance lessons for 3 ½ years on & off. This cd has several songs that I recognize and like....a couple you can dance to at a party like..El Kalam Ala Meen & Lawn Oyounak

Good, But Not As Good As One and Two .......2006-04-14

This one hasn't hooked me as well as the first two volumes have. I might have liked it better if I didn't own the first two. Volume One will always be my favorite and I think it spoiled me. It may simply be a matter of personal taste and preference. I don't care for most of these songs but that doesn't mean that it's not a good CD. I do like three of the songs and I am finding that it is slowly growing on me the more I listen to it. For bellydancing, the songs all have the right beats and tempo and may appeal to other dancers with different musical tastes. There's a good variety ranging from classic bellydance to modern music and the artists are the best of the best. I do wish that more of the songs used in the performance DVDs had been included. I prefer Volumes One and Two, but if this was the only one you could get it wouldn't be a waste of money. It's still worth buying for your personal collection or studio library.

To learn more about the history of bellydance and the Bellydance Superstars' role in educating the public about this art form, check out the "American Bellydancer" DVD.

Great for Dancing!!!.......2006-02-23

These are all very good songs for dancing. It is very easy to make a choreography from these songs, especially for a folkloric group. There is a lot of fun folkloric music here. There is a modern fusion piece with drums by Isaam (#2). The drums are very beautiful and Isaam is a great drummer. The first song on this CD is one of my favorite songs. It has such a beautiful arrangement. The music is a rich mixture of baladi, saidi, classical and drums. I love number ten also: it is a lovely accordion baladi. This CD also has very nice, interesting music that could be used for tribal-style. Overall, it is a great CD, and I like all of the songs here.

Vol. 3.......2006-01-10

I like this one, but maybe not as much as volume one and two. I think there are a lot of good songs that really get you in the mood to just jump up and dance. I remember all this music from the local Belly dance festival though, so when you buy it, if you are using it for a performance, remember that it's a very common album and a lot of others maybe using the same music.

Average customer rating: Music Should Rule the World absolutely wonderful A FABULOUS Blending Of Music!!!! 2 Thumbs WAY UP! 4.5 stars - Just as good as Volume 3 Frightfully Disappointing

Seed Afro Celts Manufacturer: Real World ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Volume 5: Anatomic Volume 3: Further in Time Vol. 2, Release Volume 1: Sound Magic Pod (Bonus DVD) ASIN: B00008DAN1 Release Date: 2003-03-25

Tracks:

1. Cyberia
2. Seed
3. Nevermore
4. The Otherside
5. Ayub's Song/As You Were
6. Rise Above
7. Rise Above It
8. Deep Channel
9. All Remains
10. Green Instrumental

Amazon.com

In 1996, the Afro-Celt Sound System formed a sound clash that mixed Irish music, dance floor grooves, West African percussion, and the kora. While there were highlights, often with help from high profile singing guests like Sinead O'Connor and Peter Gabriel, the albums were fragmented. Now the members have shortened their name to the AfroCelts for their forth album, declaring that the Sound System isn't applicable because they've evolved into a more conventional and fully formed group. The change sounds radical, but it's really just a refinement in their working relationship and songwriting skill. Consequently, Seed holds together more strongly as an album. The songs are more consistently crafted and sonically rich here, with different voices and instruments coming to the fore, but never outshining the greater whole. Highlights include the blues slide guitar-driven title track, the wholly acoustic (which is a first!) and Irish jig-inspired "Ayob's Song/As You Were," and the Radiohead-influenced "All Remains." --Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

Music Should Rule the World.......2007-02-15

If music ruled the world...there wouldn't be any wars. This album is a perfect blend of two very diverse cultures, & yet the music works in perfect unison & harmony. The mystical style of celtic music, combined with the rhythmic style of traditional african music is truly unique!
I first heard Afrocelts in the soundtrack from Riding Giants(in Laird Hamilton's story - when he discovers a new way to surf giant waves)and it blew me away!It's one of those 'Serendipitous' things...
'Lucky Me' to have found this little treasure!

absolutely wonderful.......2006-09-21

I just got this three days ago.
I have been listening to it at work non-stop, ever since I first put it in.
So far, that's about 25 hours. Seriously.

The guest artists (22 according to the liner notes) on this disc are awesome. The energy.. mmmm... Somehow it's able to keep me going with a buzz all day, without forcing a frenetic burn-out as most of my other fast electro-ish albums inevitably do. Absolutely grateful. I have other albums by the Afrocelts, but at the moment, this is definitely my favorite. It's a gem.

A FABULOUS Blending Of Music!!!! 2 Thumbs WAY UP!.......2006-03-27

I maybe late in the game of knowing this group, but I am hooked now! My mother and I first saw them on tv, channel 35(wybe). We were just cruisin' thru the channels and heard this great music and just had to take a look! Glad we did! After I heard the song "Seed", that was all she wrote, LOL! I had to find out who this group was and I came down later that evening and looked them up on Amazon and orderd it! The blending of the different genres of music is pure genius!!! What a FANTASTIC find this CD is! Afro Celts' music will draw you in and keep you there! :0) All I have to say is ORDER IT!!!

4.5 stars - Just as good as Volume 3.......2004-12-30

"Seed" represents the fourth production of Afro Celt Sound System (here known as Afrocelts). This is one ensemble that only gets better with time. Their first and second albums I enjoyed, but nowhere as much as their third one. And this album, I find just as solid as their third production.

The album's balance between afro, celtic and new age music seems to favor the latter two, though there are plenty of african voice samples and drums. But the overall feel I get after listening to it, is that I've heard a very good new age album with touches of celtic music and a hint at african sounds. With the exception of "Cyberia" and the title track, in general I enjoyed more the shorter tracks. The best example of this is the introductory "Rise" and the 10+ minute-long piece "Rise Above It" that builds upon it. The intro is extremely powerful, yet the follow-up gets to a point where it cannot hold your attention much longer.

All in all, this is one solid production by this world music party. Don't miss it. Like most acts from Real World Music, it deserves a space in your music shelves.

Frightfully Disappointing.......2004-10-06

Let me start by saying I really love Afro Celt Sound System. My father introduced me to their first CD and now I'm more rapid about getting their new stuff than he is... Or anyway, I was.

The first two CD's were nothing short of relevatory for me, and the third seems to go in a different direction, but is still quite good.

Sadly, I feel like unlike Paul Mounsey (Nahoo, et al) Afro Celt doesn't seem to be aging well. I couldn't help but feel that Seed was very, very derivative and washed out compared to their other offerings. The same sort of over-produced sensation I get from Vanilla Pop rubbish on the radio.

I realize this is pretty harsh criticism of a group whose first 3 CDs retain an honored position in my CD case, but I just feel Seed isn't up to snuff. They can and have done much, much better.

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