There is a case to be made for maintaining the raw integrity of the music in order to preserve its authenticity, but there also comes a point when it becomes a disservice to both the music and the musicians. If this had been a video recording of the performers, a case could have been made to excuse the distortion. In this instance, though, it crosses the line from authentic to annoying. Recording them properly, or at least making an attempt to clean up the recordings, would have better served the musicians and the music.

Guitar Music From The Western Sahara, featuring Group Doueh, is a tantalizing introduction to a unique and exciting sound. In the past I've appreciated the work of Hisham Mayet and his ability to capture moments on film that I've not seen others capable of reproducing. In this case, his desire for authenticity works against the music. Instead of giving the listener the impression they are part of something special, the recording leaves one wishing a better job had been done with sound quality.

I look forward to the day when a proper recording of Group Doueh is released and the world can hear them as they deserve to be heard.