Search - Various Artists :: World Network Vol. 45: Tunesia

At Once Traditional and Progressive

Steven Weinstein | Brooklyn, NY United States | 10/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In this splendid vocal performance, Ms. M'Barek has crafted entirely new arrangements for traditional Tunisian 'nubat' that use smaller instrumental forces than are generally found on vocal recordings out of the Middle East. These arrangements are traditional in concept but avoid all the derivative and formulaic aspects that are found in too many (not all) CD's out of, for example, Lebanon. The instruments are all traditional; there are no synthesizers, etc. The performances are studio, which gives the record a quiet, intimate feeling that focuses very strongly on Ms. M'Barek when she is singing. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys Middle Eastern traditional vocal music (e.g. Oum Kaltsoum). If you are not familiar with Middle Eastern music I urge you to give this CD a try, it is relatively accessible and the booklet gives information about each track."