Customer Reviews

Blue Flame (Dig)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This new release by respected oud and violin master Simon Shaheen, with his band Qantara, could go a long way in popularizing Arabic/Middle Eastern music in the West. Building on the composition and arrangement techniques that he established on his earlier recordings, Shaheen leads his ensemble through a wonderful program of pieces that take as their foundation the time-honored traditions of the music of Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Morrocco and other cultures of the region, mixing them with a nice dose of jazz and improvisation, but never allowing the Western influences to overshadow the heritage of this beautiful, soulful music.

Led by Shaheen's oud and violin, the group also includes guitar, bass, flute, nay and sundry percussives -- and there are nice additions on sax, trumpet, piano, buzuq and violin from some very capable guests. Shaheen is definitely the leader here -- no doubt about it -- but he makes sure that the other fine musicians are given a chance to shine as well. These pieces have as their heartbeat the rhythms of North Africa and the Middle East -- the work of the several percussionists carry them along nicely.

Shaheen's work on oud is breathtakingly precise and emotive -- some of his passages are unbelievably fast, but the listener never gets the feeling that he is grandstanding. There is a melodic flow and beauty to these pieces that only a true master can give them. His violin work is exceptional as well.

On one notable previous outing, Shaheen undertook the monumental challenge of bringing the music of beloved Egyptian composer Mohammed Abdel Wahib to Western listeners. Critics at the time thought that cd would be his breakthrough -- perhaps the time was just not right, for that was an excellent recording as well. If this cd gets enough exposure, it could do the trick -- there are several tracks here that could easily find a niche on American radio, particulary some of our wonderful NPR stations, whose musical vocabulary seems to be quite a bit wider than commercial radio.

This is an incredible recording -- listen and enjoy, and be borne away...

I bought this rather nervously, thinking it might be another of those irritatingly tasteless East-West fusion messes. But, it's not. Shaheen is a fantastic oud and violin player, and he shows good taste at every turn. Every now and then you'll find yourself noticing the occasion bebop change and jazz inflection, but the feel is strongly Arabic, and the playing inventive and intelligent. I'd recommend this to anyone who is bored with over-marketed rubbish from worn-out Western 'stars.'

Simon Shaheen's new album, BLUE FLAME, is transformative--it transforms instruments, transforms listeners, transforms the concept of "fusion" music...it goes where few "fusion" recording go--not only does Shaheen successfully blend eastern and western instruments (a difficult feat), but he really creates a new genre with his fantasy for oud and string quartet--classical western infused with REAL Arabic music. Altogether lovely. A gem of an album. Two words: BUY IT!

If you like instrumental Music, Arabic, Western Classicas and Jazz ,then this is one of the best mixture of Middle Eastern ( Mediterranean ) and Western Classics & Jazz Music I have ever heard, it is like a fresh breath of air. I highly recommend it. I hope Mr.Simon Shaheen produces more such a wonderfull Music in near future.

Simon Shaheen is a true master of the oud and a brilliant composer. His treatment of the oriental and western musical heritage is respectful while in the same time managing to be genuinly innovative. A feat that needs a true master of improvisation to be accomplished. His virtuosity in the art of taqasim and his sensitivity towards western music reminds me of the skill and power of Udi Georgo Bacanos, the legendary turkish oud master that set the standard for generations to come. Whether you like traditional oriental music, multi-cultural jaming or time honoured jazz this album should satisfy you completely.

Aaah, what could I say about simone? I started listening to simone's Blue flame a few years back, this album grows in you, especially alqantara and mediterenea , I ve seen this band play live last month in berkeley, CA, and they played with such grace and excellence. A new song called Iraq was also played, anticipating us for another magical journey in shaheen's music. A pure soulful and graceful set of talents, melodies, and truly delightful music. Bravo !!! 10 stars !!!

Shaheen's amazing talent fuses middle eastern melodies with rythmic, soulful jazz - creating an album that is a joy to listen to and that has a soothing effect on the soul.
Buy this album - let the music take you to different shores ~ truly, a brilliant compilation of art at its best!

I heard them in concert at Orchestra Hall in Chicago and they are fabulous. It is one of the best "oriental/mediterranean" albums I"ve heard. Soulfull

A great surprise.
This CD bends genres without straying into electrofusion or any style that would not compliment the acoustic style of music being presented.

This CD is a unique blend of arabic, jazz and western music. Each piece is so chiseled and meaningful that you get to love it more and more the more you know and listen to it (and I have been listening frequently to it for months now).
This is a very emotional review because all I can think of when I listen to this cd is the beauty of its music.
The execution is both perfect and personal, like when art is really coming from the soul and only uses accomplished technique as a mean of expression.
However, I do recommend that you listen to the samples before ordering it- it is a special kind of music.
It makes a great gift for music lovers.