Customer Reviews

Le Blues de Khartoum

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With his roots in the music of the desert nomads of Western Sudan, where he was born in the region of Kordofan, Abdel Gadir Salim pioneered a mix of urban and folk music in the early 1970's, coming up with this marvelous hybrid of African, Arabic, and jazz; it incorporates some Western instruments, like the saxophone and accordion, and the music he writes is melodic, rhythmic, and mellow. Anyone who likes reggae or African music will appreciate Salim's talent, and find in his songs a lovely and kindred spirit.

He is also an exceptionally sensitive oud player; my favorite tracks are the the final two, where he sings just to the accompaniment of his oud. "Maltul Hawak" is dedicated to his home, and is about the love he has for his land. Salim has toured Europe with his band of 7 "All Stars", and has received critical acclaim wherever he goes.
The sound on this CD is good, as is the bilingual French/English booklet insert. Though it does not include lyrics, it has an explanation of the tonal complexities of the music, and a mini history of Sudanese folksongs.
Relaxing, unusual, and beautifully performed, this is an excellent addition to any world music collection.

The great Kordofani (in Western Sudan) singer, musician, teacher and band leader Abdel Gadir Salim is one of the lesser known living treasures of world music. In a country so often typified by a violent past of war, religious fanaticism and the political horrors we see in Darfur, he shows another but true face of the Sudanese people - humane, joyful and tolerant. This is a very good CD with excellent liner notes although his earlier, out of print work "The Merdoum Kings Play Songs of Love" (1992) is even better.