The term Arabic music is somewhat misleading. A catch-all that attempts to wrap up the music of 325 million Arabic people originating from 22 countries spread over two continents.
When Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones explored Moroccan music with his recording made in Tangier of the Master Musicians Of Joujouka in the late sixties he all but opened a door to what has been termed ‘World Music’. It was a flavour that has been re-visited and drawn upon many times subsequently. The list includes many such as the Stones themselves, and Jimmy Page and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin who also explored many similar influences.
This, of course, is merely scratching the surface and ‘Arabic’ influences can be heard within many styles and genres. As part of their promotion of ‘world music’ Putumayo have released Acoustic Arabia. It follows smoothly from earlier releases Arabic Groove, North African Groove, and Sahara Lounge.
Acoustic Arabia is a collection of music from many sources and artists who appear together within a nicely packaged presentation. The Arabic countries are renowned for their richly poetic and flowing languages. These languages transcend deeply into the melody and rhythms of the music. It literally flows throughout creating an absorbing atmosphere in the process.
Traditional instruments complete the overall style and blend together to produce entrancing, rich, and spicy flavours within the music. There is something deeply magical and enchanting that stimulates visions of minarets, souks, and the vibrancy of a people rich in tradition and heritage.
The album includes selections from Lebanon, Algeria, Sudan, Syria, North Africa, and other exotic places. The detailed and fascinating album notes are not only informative they are educational.
Included on the album are Algerian performer Souad Massi whose socially aware lyrics have in the past caused her to be dismissed from her position working for her Government. Also appearing is Maurice El Medioni a world renowned Jewish pianist, now in his eighties, whose long and illustrious career goes back many decades to the 1940’s.
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