Customer Reviews

Arabo-Andalusian Music of Morocco / Gharnati

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This is music from El Andalus at its best. Gharnati, which can be translated as "music from Granada" is filled with sensual longing and old memories; through Amina's voice the old ghosts take place here in this world with dignity and grace. Amina herself is rather amazing - she has degrees in philosophy, philology and dance and her spiritual beauty and wisdom show themselves in her voice and in this sublime album. Highly recommended.

From Granada, the last capital of Moorish Spain, to Fes, Morocco, came a music in exile. Its classical performance tradition is of suites and particular modes and styles. In this album, however, the songs are adaptations and the suites are selected to provide a variety of modes and feelings. And such feelings! Amina Alaoui's beautiful voice entwines us and the orchestra of Ahmed Piro, noted for popular as well as classical formats, propels us to an exotic land. Sweetness and joy pervades. The interpretations of the melodies, some familiar to listeners of Moroccan āla, are rich in detail. The orchestra and vocalists, including leader Piro, are excellent, but the inclusion of a four-stringed banjo and mandolin does raise an eyebrow. Hardly bluegrass! Well-recorded, the album will certainly leave the listener in good spirits and perhaps with fantasies of visiting this musically interesting nation.