December 25, 2006

• So far, the only thing I've listened to all the way through is side A on the "Listen" button on the first page, but, wow! The introduction reminds me of a recording I have of recreated ancient Egyptian music. Then, the tone and tempo change. The shouts by the accompaniests remind me of work songs from southern US traditions. Side A appears to be all one "song" which starts out with a slow tempo and builds almost unnoticably to a very fast pace. Masterfully done! I really want a transcription and a translation. Thanks, Abiezer. This has been a great week for music.
• Lovely post, AbbaDabba. I'll just offer a quick and dirty translation of the text of your second link: The disciples of the numerous Sufi brotherhoods in Egypt are accompanied by music and poetry on their path towards the absolute. This tradition is made available those who make the great Sufi pilgrimages by singers inspired by Allah's word and the visions of Islam's great saints; the munshidin. They play a double role; their rhythmic chants accompany those disciples linked by the zikr (or dhikhr), and in their texts they pass on classical poetry, mystical metaphors or recommendations for daily life. Their popularity extends well beyond the tents of the popular brotherhoods.
• I listened to the tunes. To be honest, if I didn't know the origin, or if I heard this was a tune that some western pop group had put out, I'd not be impressed. I suspect much of the "wonder" is based on knowing the source of the music.
• Just wait for the extended club remix stirfry :D
• stirfry: try listening to one of the selections with concentration at least 3 times before you decide. It is really different from what we're used to in the west, so it may take a bit of effort on your part to get acquainted. But the result can be great. If you still don't like iit, well then yout don't.
• What a lovely link, Abiezer! This ought to be a good source for dancin'. /ties coin scarf onto hip, prepares to shake booty
• try listening to one of the selections with concentration at least 3 times before you decide. It is really different from what we're used to in the west, so it may take a bit of effort on your part to get acquainted. But the result can be great. I twied! I twied! I weally did! But I'll betcha a nickel or maybe a dime if you thought the tunes were in Rove's personal collection, you'd think otherwise about their danceability. ps I lurve Hindi film music!
• stirfry - thanks for twiing. And, while I'm not sure the Sufis would approve, if you watched someone belly dance to it you might like the music better :)
• /shakes booty for stirfry
• *enjoys the works of Sheikh Yerbouti*
• Hee hee! I'm not sure about bouti-sheihking, but you could probably put together a nice veil routine to some of this stuff. Lovely link!