Search - Rabih Abou-Khalil :: Em Portugues (Dig)

Em Portugues (Dig)
Rabih Abou-Khalil
Em Portugues (Dig)
Genres: International Music, Jazz, Pop
 
After recording with jazz greats, traditional Arab musicians, and classical string quartets--as well as writing symphonic orchestral works for the BBC Orchestra and the Ensemble Modern--what would a Lebanese composer do ne...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Rabih Abou-Khalil
Title: Em Portugues (Dig)
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: Enja Records
Original Release Date: 1/1/2008
Re-Release Date: 9/9/2008
Genres: International Music, Jazz, Pop
Styles: Middle East, Arabic
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 063757952022, 0063757952022

Synopsis

Album Description
After recording with jazz greats, traditional Arab musicians, and classical string quartets--as well as writing symphonic orchestral works for the BBC Orchestra and the Ensemble Modern--what would a Lebanese composer do next? Of course he would go to Portugal and record the songs a young fado singer from Lisbon! Rabih Abou-Khalil discovered Ricardo Ribeiro, a young singer from Lisbon who had already established a reputation for himself. He sings Abou-Khalil's compositions as if they were his own, mastering the complicated rhythms and unusual melodic lines with absolute ease. The result is an "imaginary folklore"; a music that sounds new and strange, yet familiar and natural, as if it had always existed. Perhaps it is the missing link between East and West, classical and modern, folklore and art music, deeply rooted in the everywhere and the nowhere.
 

CD Reviews

A Vocal Filled CD
M. C Whitmore | Jefferson, Md USA | 10/01/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)

"Ricardo Ribeiro dominates all 12 tracks with his vocals in a foreign language (Portuges?)I think the vocals detract from Khalils hypnotic instrumental music found on this and all of his previous cds.In smaller doses the vocals wouldnt be so hard on the ears.This should have been titled as a Ribeiro CD so I knew what I was buying."
Hilarious and awesome!
PYSTYNEN JARMO JOHAN | Espoo Finland | 03/02/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a big fan of Abou-Khalil and after billion spins of his previous albums I must say that this new offering by him took me off my feet! Superficially the idea to combine vocals with his composing style seemed like a joke but after a few plays my verdict changed completely. The superb vocalist Ricardo Ribeiro sings these difficult pieces with natural floating ease as if he had been doing this sort of music for years instead of Fado, the melodies are catchy and a joy to one's ears and furthermore the assisting tuba gives some magnificent sweeps here and there not to mention the oud which stays cleverly in the backround most of the time. Every member gets his share of soloing as usual mind you! Excellent album which may well be termed as a Classic in the (near) future."
A few notches down with the vocals
Shant Ghahreman | 11/26/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)

"I am a huge fan of Rabih's music and have every one of his CD's. I am very familiar with his style that is filled with humor, technique and fusion elements. Although I didn't find the vocal thing a too big of a stretch as a concept, I have to say that it was a bit too much for me. I would have easily loved the album if it had half the vocal emphasis."