Search - Rabih Abou-Khalil :: Blue Camel

Percussive delights abound

Ian Muldoon | Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia | 12/31/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This programme of music begins with the solo voice of Mr Charlie Mariano's alto saxophone which cry is reminiscent of the dawnbreak call to prayer from the mosque. SAHARA is a meditative piece and features as well a fine solo by Mr Wheeler on flugelhorn in which the lower and middle registers of that beautiful instrument dominate. Nevertheless, it is the rhythms and percussion that provides the dominant interest. On track two, on TSARKA, there is almost a South American rhythmic feel to the piece perhaps generated by the power of the conga beat. Its relentless power allows Mr Mariano and later, Mr Wheeler, to soar in their respective and complimentary solos. Throughout, as well as soloing, Mr Abou-Khalil adds to the rhythmic mix of the set. The pattern tends to be: a rich and varied and intriguing tapestry of rhythmic effects is laid down by four musicians whilst the other three develop their harmonic and melodic stories over them. Personally, I love the rhythms created, I delight in the sounds of the 11 stringed oud, and find the solos of Mr Mariano and Mr Wheeler a superb fillip.
After five years of living with this music, thoroughly recommended."

A milestone

GlazedLamb@aol.com | Salem, OR | 04/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Blue Camel is a real breakthrough album. The construction of Arab music forms and American jazz, combined with a great blend of Mid-Eastern and Western instrumentation, is simply ingenius in and of itself, aside from the brilliant, virtuoso performances displayed on this album. This is the perfect, early portrayal of a pioneer, multi-ethnic style of music, and probably the best of the early albums of Rabih Abou-Khalil.The diversity of styles is amazing, ranging from the moody, deep soundscapes of "Sahara" and "Beirut" to the jazzier, less involved songs like "Rabou-Abou-Kabou." The instrumentation, particularly the flugelhorn and trumpet, add a great texture to the sound."

Pristine sound quality

Richard J. Smith | Milwaukee, Wisconsin United States | 02/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I echo the sentiments and praise the other reviewers accord this disc. This recording is intelligent, provocative and engrossing. It is a successful and entertaining marriage of jazz and middle-eastern music. I want to comment specifically about the quality of the sound. It is wonderful; I listen to it on a car stereo and it sounds great, really clear and clean."