Customer Reviews

Blue Camel

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

In 1993 I had the luck of listening to Rabih Abou Khalil in a Jazz Festival in Taipei, where I bought this record. Since then on, it became one of my favorite albums. Blue Camel is full of passion and mysticism, an unbelievably powerful mystical experience blending the flavor of Arabian Nights and Jazz with such a skill that is difficult to describe it, unless you let yourself to be dragged away by its strength and magic. Performance is flawless, compositions bewitching, the atmosphere is like the spell of an Efrit or a Genie. A experience you will enjoy.

This album along with Arabian Waltz are Rabih's best works. Rabih's gift and speciality is his ability to arrange instrumental parts and compose beautiful middle eastern songs. He is the premiere middle eastern musician of the modern era and one of the best modern composers of any genre. It is a shame he does not get more recognition. (oh, and he's also a great oud player). This album features his masterful ability to arrange horn parts. Kenny Wheeler is the main man here and plays some brilliant middle eastern flavored solos. I think it is some of Kenny's best work. As with all Khalil albums there is amazing frame drum play which ties it all together. If you haven't yet picked up a Rabih Abou Khalil CD, just take my word for, get this one. You will not be disappointed. If you already have this one then get his strings masterpiece Arabian Waltz.

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.

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.