Customer Reviews

Walli

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7) "Walli"-Chaba Fadela & Cheb Sahrawi (1997). If you only want to buy one 'raļ' CD-this is the one. This is one of my all-time favourites. Finely and heavily produced by Bill Laswell. Just about every cut is unforgettable. They have even translated the Arabic lyrics into English for those who like to read lyrics. Track 2, "Walli" starts off like a Brazilian rumba but then swings into Arabic, big bass, and the Tijuana Brass sound. There are definite Laswellian bass lines in this cut that sound awfully familiar to those in Aisha Kindisha's "Shabeesation" CD. Flamenco guitar, darbuka and Laswell on bass start off the next dancey track-"Dance the Raļ " A brilliant booklet that is provided is worth the price alone. It details the progression the 'roots of raļ', translates the lyrics into English, it has a cooking section, description of the musical instruments of Algeria, books and further recordings from Algeria. Track 6, "Hasni" has heavy bass lines, tape loops, scratch and is a brilliant tribute to their friend--the late Cheb Hasni. This is almost done in the tradition of a dub remix like the kind Abdel Ali Slimani does on his (1995) CD "Mraya". On "Hasni", we hear Moroccan 'Gnawa' artist Hassan Hakmoun reciting a traditional Moroccan refrain for the dead-"Make room in the grave (for comfort in death), and perhaps in the afterlife, too." On track 7, "Wayala", traditional 'qaregeb' clappers and West African harmonies lead into this cut with George Benson on guitar! "Waadi" starts out with Cheb Hasni keyboard work and this leads into a great song, which translates into "Just My Luck". They end the Cd with a pretty lame version of their most famous track to date-"N'sel Fik".

A smooth and delectable release by this great duo, the production and arrangements are polished and cosmopolitan, making this a big transition from their early days as pioneers of rai in Oran, with a sound that is more accessible to a wider audience.

Some of the highlights are "Bab Wahran", about the love of their homeland, "Dance the Rai", a fun and joyful piece with a touch of disco feel to it, "Hasni", a rap tribute to their friend, the popular singer Cheb Hasni, who was assassinated outside his Algerian home, "Mani", which has a traditional African influence, the sensual "Dougih", and they finish with their big hit "N'Sel Fik", though the original, earthier version, on the "Rai Rebels" CD, has the edge on this one.

Total time is 51:20, and the informative booklet insert has some rudimentary English translations of the lyrics, an interview with the couple, a history of Algerian music and the instruments used, and even some recipes ! The pear custard sounds yummy.

Sahraoui, who's voice has a timbre that goes straight to my soul, is a superb singer, and Fadela's rich, powerful voice blends so well with his. Though no longer a team, they left us some marvelous recordings, and continue on their separate paths. Recommended also is Sahraoui's recent solo CD, "Un Homme Libre".
For anyone who has yet to listen to the beauty and wide range of styles of Arabic music, this wonderful CD might be a good place to start.