Customer Reviews

Kef Time

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

 

 

This is a wonderful compilation of classic hits by the #1 Kef Artist in America today. Richard Hagopian, on both vocals and oud, magically displays his young brilliance and demonstrates his ability to master fine musical elements with an innate ability to spark deep emotion as you listen. Truly a living legend, Hagopian's work still resonates and energizes me as the first day I heard it over old 30 years ago.

It is impossible for someone from Middle East not to like this authentic music, coming straight from the hearts of millions of simple people. Hagopian and his friends play these nice dance songs, mostly with Turkish and Armenian lyrics, with great joy and it is hard to keep your feet from moving. Recommended first to my Turkish fellows and to my Armenian friends, then to everybody who wants to enjoy some authentic world music.

From the first notes your feet will be moving, your head bouncing and your blood pumping. I know that's a tired, cheesy and cliche way to describe something, but sometimes it's true. I feel I can use those descriptors because this music is anything but cliche. This is TRUE dance music...forget all the pop/sythesizer/electric trash out there today. This is real dance music played by real musicians on real instruments.

The instrumentation is ud, kanun, clarinet, dumbeg, guitar, tambourine & vocals. I would love to go to a party like this at least once. Hagopian, is on fire as always both vocally and on the ud. The rest of the band is great too. This would be a great first time record for someone interested in hearing music from the near east and if you love music from that region already, this is a must have.

I have seen Kef Time live & I can say that this CD faithfully reproduces the magic that this band makes. As you listen, picture twelve men playing tirelessly for hours in the heat as the audience hold hands & "snake-dance" throughout the day. Best served with wine and BBQ lamb.

Richard Hagopian has a great musical gift! Anyone who has an appreciation for Armenian dance music will enjoy this CD.

With oud and turkish melody, definitely old generation music.No star from this guy.