Customer Reviews

Rumba Argelina

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

For some strange reason I began listening to this disc even more after the 9/11 events and it has been a little unsettling. The looks one gets from listening to what some mistakeningly may think is Arabic music is odd. The music itself is hauntingly beautiful has a result. There is not a weak song on the disc and each has a unique flavor reflecting the Moorish influence resulting from Spains proximity to North Africa and the indelible mark left from the Islamic occupation for 700 years. The music is a remarkable combination of instruments, both old and new world, coming together to create a synthesis of sound reflecting the duality of Spanish culture. Images of the Alhambra, Christian motiffs mixing with geometric tiles, fretwork windows revealing orange and palm trees, pools of water and distant mountains with white buildings in the foreground, all this brought you by Radio Tarifa. There are not many more beautiful discs than this. Some of the songs have a spiritual feel, each is transcendental is some way. Each track takes the listener to faraway lands, a different time period, exotic images slightly tarnished by the modern harsh realities of a post 9/11 world. To say this disc is genius is not hyperbole, it is simple yet complex, a dense and fluid arrangement of songs for the time traveler, truly unique and enchanting. The opening track "Rhumba Argelina " is a perfect example of the gitano experience that awaits. Not sure? Check out track two, "Oye China," with it's lament and melodic interplay between the musicians. A truly fantastic piece of music to be enjoyed by all who love world music.

I have not tired of this CD even though I've heard it almost a hundred times. I used to live in the south of Spain and this music brought back the flavor and intensity of the region. It's Arabic, Spanish, North African, all rolled up into one -- everyone who's ever heard this on my system has immediately wanted to get ahold of it for themselves. It's still one of my favorite "international" choices and has no weak songs at all. It's hypnotic and will carry you away.

I decided to pick this up on a whim as I'm a Spaniard looking for some authentic sounds. This album blew me away! The amazing blending of classic Spanish guitar, Moroccon and Middle Eastern Influence, with Canto Jondo (Gypsy Soul Song), and Medieval textures makes this an incredible album. It also showcases the rich cultural and musical nature of the Iberian peninsula. I liked Rumba much better than Temporal, but I would highly recommend both..

Que Viva España !

Deep-rooted, authentic music you might expect to hear in some far off land ... The stringed instruments, wind-blow instruments, drums, percussion & vocals provide just the right blend of natural sounds. The raw, earthy male vocals remind one of haunting gypsy music - the liner notes provide a translation: lost love, yearning to be recognized and fulfilled. Passionate emotions, almost groaning from within, rumbling like a volcano ready to erupt, revealing feelings only Meditarranean male vocalists can produce.

"Rumba Argelina" the mysterious title of this CD unfolds like a bud which blooms in the spring: the rain showers come and go, the green leaves unfurl on the trees, the flowers bloom, the cycle of nature is complete. The music here is fresh, original, exotic and mysterious. If gypsy or Middle Eastern music appeals to you: you will love this CD. Erika Borsos (erikab93)

I bought Radio Tarifa's Rumba Angelina, because I was enthusiatic with Temporal, and I wanted to hear more of their music. Rumba Angelina is a fantastic journey into the past. The sounds of Moorish culture, Flamenco, the New World, and even the Medievel period are brought together, while hearing a blend of new yet ancient sounds. The music is mezmerising and ambient. Yet, there is so much intensity and passion in the performances of the pieces. The quality and precision of the performances with respect to the instruments are exquisite and delightful to hear. Also, there is something hypnotic and altering of the music, which compels you to reminscent to the past. The C.D. is truly remarkable and suprising in the way it leaves you with an aesthetic arrest about beauty, passion, and fleeding imagination. This C.D. is a nexus-a coming together of different cultures-of musical traditions. Ole.

I friend sent this album to me some time ago, and it is a real delight to listen to. It is very sensuous and melodic and is a great way to relax at the end of the day. You can hear that these are musicians with a great passion for playing. It is not one of these albums that is a one number wonder. All the songs can be listened to over and over without getting tired of them. A real treat in the line with World music CD's.

Great music that combines the Gypsy, Moorish and Mediterranean influences with some Cuban rythm! If you are proud of your roots like me, you will enjoy the album and the other two that follow.

If you are interested in North African, Latin American, and Iberian music, this CD is certainly well worth your time and money. As another reviewer complained (perhaps a little to vociferously), the pieces on this CD do suffer from some strange production values (like muddy vocals and an extenuated emphasis on percussion). However that said, the blend of contemporary, Medieval, African, Latin American and Iberian styles is very well executed and produces some intriguing results. "Oye China", "La Mosca", "Nina" and the title track are all personal favorites.

If you like this CD, don't miss Radio Tarifa's sophomore effort, "Temporal". While very different in style, the two make nice counterpieces for one another

I DEVOUR music from the Middle East, North Africa & Spain, and Radio Tarifa's is honestly some of the best I've heard in my life.

I'll write this review in Italian, because in my country this kind of music is unknown: I Radio Tarifa sono dei musicisti che hanno fatto del legame con la propria terra il loro senso di identità.Tarifa, quella parte della Andalusia che segna il punto più meridionale della Spagna e forse dell'Europa intera, terra di dominazioni arabe, che guarda l'Africa ad occhio nudo. In questa terra i Radio Tarifa hanno costruito, o meglio portato alla luce, il loro sentimento "meticcio", e da questo impasto sono nati suoni, ma anche odori, colori e sensazioni di rivendicazione di una terra mai rivendicata dai nativi. "Rumba Argelina" è un disco vero, è un vento caldo e inquieto, tutto da ascoltare ed assaporare.