Editor's info:
It is true some legends of Arabic music have permeated the international music market: Oum Kalsoum’s powerful voice is respected the world over and Rachid Taha’s modern rai is the soundtrack to the American blockbuster Black Hawk Down. There are many reasons the artists on this album haven’t reached quite the same zenith and it’s certainly not down to a lack of musical talent. The Arab World encompasses twenty-two countries stretching across the Middle East and North Africa. The musical output of such a vast area is huge and much of the music included here is intended for local consumption, created by unsigned artists, or presents new sounds created from mashing together fresh cultural combinations – an approach that doesn’t attract the mighty machinations of the mainstream music industry. World Music Network, an independent record label for over twenty-five years, champions music that has risen up from the streets. This compilation is our selection of rare finds and choice cuts from the Arab musical world and its diaspora. Time to get down to business and take a look at the track list: Algerian-born French-living jazz-head Anis Benhallak opens the album with ‘S’ayda’. Silken yet strong vocals sung in Arabic are offset against a plucky bass and riding rhythm. Next we hotfoot it over to Israel, from where Limor Oved hails. Channelling her paternal Syrian and maternal Libyan heritage, her Hebrew-sung track ‘Blessed For Making Me A Woman’ calls for the protection of women’s rights in the Jewish world. Haunting track ‘Ya Mo’ is given to us by Jordan-based group Dozan. Founded by vocalist Shireen Abu-Kader, Dozan’s shimmering sound is influenced by Sufi mysticism and spirituality. ‘Afghano’ is an instrumental delight from Al Andalus Ensemble, a husband and wife team featuring Tarik and Julia Banzi. Al-Andalus was a medieval Islamic cultural domain t.......
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