Customer Reviews

Rhythms of the Nile

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

 

 

This 2 cd set is an introduction to Egyptian dance rhythms (and sounds to an extent). All of the rhythms are in the track listings - so you should check it out. It includes a samaai which is a beautiful and less popular rhythm as well as all of the Egyptian classics. It does not include classic Turkish rhythms like karsilima or chiftitelli. Each track starts with Ramzy's voice explaining the rhythm and the liner notes include a very helpful musical notation version of most of the rhythms.

This is definitely not a cd that you would want to perform to or probably even dance around your house to. The tracks are very repetitive, but that's the point! Ramzy is trying to drum into your head (pun intended) what the rhythms are, and it is sooo important for a dancer to understand them.

I listened to this cd about a million times in preparation for a drum solo performance (of one of his Sabla Tolo songs - another great cd, by the way). The cd is not comprehensive; there are rhythms out there that he does not include - baladi would have been nice. But it is wonderful and useful for dancers and musicians. Don't buy it if you're looking for a fun intro into Middle Eastern music.

This is essentially an educational CD that introduces the various Middle Eastern percussion instruments and their rhythms to the absolute novice. Even if you are tone deaf, you should at least be able to hear the differences between the Masmoudi and the Malfuf and the Zaar .... and the repetitive nature of the CD merely serves to reinforce the lesson. But even if you don't get it at 1st go, try try again... the penny will drop one fine day!

For those looking for nice "Oriental background music" this is not for you.

For dancers....this is not really suitable for a choreographed show/ piece but it's still good for a workout ...those hip drops, that 3 step malfuf, the zaar moves...plenty to work on there. You could also work on your zill skills here by playing along.

This is a workshop with Egypt's master percussionist Hossam Ramsey. The listener is introduced to basic Arabic instruments, the Tabla, the Mazhar, the Duf, the Reque, the Doholla and the Sagat. Each in turn is played and a short description is given. Mr. Ramsey then explains 6 different rhythms giving an example of each. The recording concludes with a wonderful long piece which gives examples of all the rhythms presented. I love to dance to this piece. The rhythms presented are Masmoudi, Maqsoum, Malfuf, Zaar, Fallahi and Saaidi. There are also accompanying liner notes. This is a great teaching source!

You won't learn how to play the drums by listening to this, but you will learn to recognize the various rhythms in middle eastern music. Mr. Ramzy gives a nice explanation of the rhythm, plays it "vanilla" style, and then adds embellishments. The embellished bits are useful in dance routines as short drum solos.

I was very pleased with this 2 CD set. The first one seemed to be intended for dancers and the second for musicians, but this dancer got FAR more benefit out of the second CD. The first one's rhythms sounded exactly like they would in a dance piece - which was bad news for me, because I couldn't pick out the details of each rhythm! The drummers' CD was far clearer and easier to understand.

However, once I had the basics down from the drummers' CD, I was able to go back and easily recognize the various rhythms on the dancers' CD. I am also doing really well at recognizing rhythms in other pieces of dance music. I've wanted to learn this for a long time, and Hossam made it easy!

This CD provides an excellent overview of the primary rhythms of Mideastern music. Nice sharp recordings that clearly demonstrate the individual rhythms. Hossam gives a bit of introduction on the various rhythm instruments and each rhythm's characteristics and uses. Not an in-depth course in drumming, but an excellent primer for drummers and dancers interested in learning about the primary Mideastern rhythms. I use this CD in my belly dance classes and in my beginner doumbek drum class.

This CD is based on a workshop held by Hossam on basic Eygptian rhythms. He introduces different percussion intruments, and verbally explains how to achieve basic sounds like "dum" and "tak." This CD is essential to any bellydancer or amateur drummer. Hossam comments between pieces, introducing each new rhythm. Be aware that it is an instructional album.

As a novice in belly-dancing, the workshop recording of this CD helps to give me a good sense of the different variations of dance rhythms, and a better appreciation of the music I hear.

I am both a drummer and a dancer. I LOVE this CD set. The basics are good and get better with Mr. Ramzy's variations. It will make you think. It makes me want to dance in my car.

I have bought this 2CD set based upon the Amazon.com reviews, since I was very concerned about Arabic music and dance. Unfortunately, this one is no good. Listening to it was really the most boring thing I have ever done!