Mosaic
Mosaic by Americanistan

CD Review

Recommended

Track List

1. Uskudar; 4:24
2. N’Etana; 2:14
3. Americano; 2:29
4. Da Visa; 5:015.
5. Inanna’s Veil; 4:30
6. Delilah; 3:54
7. Queen Mez; 2:45
8. Dodi Li; 3:55
9. Rania’s Seven; 3:40
10. Razia Raks; 4:15
11. Raks Siretzi; 4:15
12. Song of Saqra; 3:02
13. Zamara; 3:03
14. Moroccan Trance Fusion; 5:11
15. Naia Saeeda; 3:12
16. Elena’s Villa; 4:34
17. Delilah II; 6:13

This is a fun cd from an excellent band. The songs range from lively traditional tunes to haunting original works to exuberant drum solos. Only two songs are longer than 5 minutes, making them the ideal length for solos and troupe songs.

The rhythms are clear and most songs stick to the same rhythm throughout. The interesting arrangements for small ensembles use a variety of instrumentation. Everything is very well played.

Uskudar (Turkish), Dodi Li (Israeli), and Raks Siretzi are traditional tunes . The rest are original works or drum solos. N’Etana is mysterious with floaty flute. Americano is a drum solo, and Da Visa is a spin on “En Gadda Davida”. Innana’s Veils is a haunting chant to the Goddess. Delilah and Delilah II were written for the Seattle dancer of the same name. Queen Mez oozes with soulful violin. Rania’s Seven and Naia Saeeda are a moderate tempo with an easy to follow melody. Song of Saqra Zamara is slow and somber with more chanting. Moroccan Trance Fusion is a hypnotic Zar. Elana’s Villa is an original take on a traditional tune.

I use this cd for class and can see myself using some of these tunes for performances. I also enjoy this one for just listening.

You might like this cd if you
• Like classic Middle Eastern music
• Enjoy new music in the traditional style
• Want music that is both easy to listen to and easy to dance to
• Are looking for music suitable for beginners

You probably don’t want this cd if you
• Are looking for techno or pop or industrial
• Are looking for “rough” or “edgy” music
• Are looking for modern music, or music from outside the Middle East
• Are looking for classic Egyptian style orchestration