10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
What a voice!, November 10, 2004
This review is from: Yol Bolsin (Audio CD)
In retrospect, it was quite funny when I first saw Sevara perform at a concert - at some point my hair was literally standing on end in disbelief at what she is able to do with her voice. I don't speak Uzbek and can't tell what any of her songs are about, but the joy, longing and passion expressed in her singing will get to you as well, for sure. Her voice is unbelievably versatile and beautiful. I had never in my life even imagined someone sing like a Ney flute before - until she did!
Perhaps the album would have benefitted from a bit more live experience spent playing these songs - I found Sevara live charismatic and her music fabulous, whereas the studio album in comparison seems not quite as outgoing and engaging. However, it's still a great album and I recommend it highly to anyone interested in world music. If you can - go see her live.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Voice Like Silk ...Sublime Music, February 28, 2004
This review is from: Yol Bolsin (Audio CD)
The voice is regal and elegant ... accompanied on a 15th C. Central Asian lute ... the combination is sublime. At times, Sevara's voice sounds romantic, other times it is subdued and reverent. She creates a meditative atmosphere. She sounds as if she were entering a deep and quiet place within herself -- connecting to some long lost part of an ancient world where her spirit roams freely and so does ours when listening ...
The music has transcendental and mystical qualites similar to Turkish Sufi music. It contains rhythms and melodies ... makams that allow for improvisation that comes in waves and cycles... the accompanying music produces a gentle undulation that is soothing and relaxing. Translations of portions of the lyrics in the liner notes confirm the connection to nature, the human spirit, the earth, as well as romantic inclinations toward a lover, future husband and the indescribable love of a mother for her baby in a lullaby... The beauty of everyday existence and simple things are celebrated. For example, one song is titled, "When Apricot Blossoms", another one, "Song of the Bride" and yet another, "Beautiful".
Anyone who loves traditional world music with ancient roots and wishes to delve into a lesser known culture, Uzbekhistan in Central Asia, would find this CD a delightful path to explore. Anyone fascinated by improvisational music from Persia, China, the Middle East, or Turkey would enjoy the rhythmic ambience on this CD very pleasant and enjoyable to hear. Erika Borsos (erikab93)
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Thanks - to PG I found her, November 16, 2003
This review is from: Yol Bolsin (Audio CD)
I have to say - I bought the album because I saw her while she was touring with Peter Gabriel. Once again he has given me the gift of music, she has a terrific, fun and entrancing style. I also have to say that I didn't love the album as much as I did her in concert. If you have the chance to see her you should. There is one song she did with her long flowing gowns and a pair of cowboy boots and a cowboy hat - swaying her hips, well you can get the picture. Driving beat - I know why Alexandar the Great stopped in Afganistan (stricktly speaking she is from Uzbekistan but you know what I mean. Open your mind and expand your horizon and check this CD out.
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