Customer Reviews

Arabo-Andalusian Sufi Songs

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While Sufi music is often known for its wild, ecstatic performances, this Moroccan ensemble plays with utmost restraint, building up melodies ever-so slowly and ever-so elegantly. Their repertoire is drawn from the half-lost Anadlusian strain of Sufi folklore that is still heard within the zaouia tradition of Tangiers. Many of these songs follow a pattern similar to some Indian classical performances, starting with slow, unaccompanied vocals, then adding a lightly plucked oud to further establish the melody, and finally bringing in percussion to fill in the sound. This is a gentle, contemplative album, one which may bring renewed rewards to repeat listenings. Recommended!

Among my dozens of Moroccan recordings and various other CDs of Middle Eastern and Inner Asian Sufi music, this one is special. While keeping the flavor of North African Andalusia with instrumentation and vocal style, the slower tempo and quiet passion reaches into the depths of the poetry, much like Turkish and Persian traditions. The ubiquitous Chemirani on percussion adds a further, timeless and more worldly dimension to the performance. The sound quality is excellent. There is wide variety in the selection of pieces, from ensemble to solos, set works and improvisations. You will not be disappointed.

Owning many CDs of oud playing,(being an oud player for a Turkish chorus),and middle eastern music, this one stands out as exquisite. Most CDs bore me after a few playings but the richness of this one bears up under endless listening. One of the instruments played is silence. As a one time flamenco singer also, was fascinated to hear clearly where that style of singing came from.

I have listened to various sufi music and melodies but this one truly stands out. Exceptionally rich. You need not understand Arabic to appreciate and savor this art.