Artist: Kristjan Järvi’s Absolute Ensemble
Title: Arabian Nights: Live at Town Hall NYC
Label: Enja Rec (Germany)
Cat.#: ENJ-9571 2
Genre: a melding of Middle Eastern musical genres with Western musical genres including jazz, rock, and contemporary classical, as a post-September 11 statement of unity
Reviewed by Leo Volf
Within moments of listening to Arabian Nights, the term world music instantly springs to mind. The title of the album definitely gives the listener an idea of what part of the world he’s listening to, but to simply categorize the music as an “east meets west” collaboration would be a great disservice to everyone involved. The list of influences seems quite eclectic and the ensemble executes the ideas with great ease. At certain points, members of the ensemble can’t help but to put their own personal stamp on the music. Matt Herskowitz’s light piano fills on “Amr I Bismiki” are a perfect example. Certainly, one would not find a jazz pianist in a traditional Middle Eastern ensemble, but the in the case of the Absolute Ensemble the mix is quite natural and almost seems necessary. And all of this was recorded at one of the most respected acoustic environments in New York City, Town Hall.
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Today, the sounds of the Middle East are by no means shocking. They can be heard all over, particularly in recent Middle Eastern themed blockbusters. The great thing about an album like Arabian Nights is that it acts like a perfect gateway to those particular sounds. There are enough “western” elements in the performance to not scare off even the most conservative listener. “Arabian Nights” also provides an introductory list of characters to this “mysterious” genre. Checking out any of the guest soloists, particularly Marcel Khalife and Bassam Saba, would leave anyone with an unlimited listening experience.
Overall, the music should and does speak for itself. Enja was lucky to capture this particular performance. The audience participation and energy provide a great color to the music, and illustrates the involvement and enthusiasm of the NYC crowd, made up off fans from all across the cultural spectrum.
Websites
Kristjan Järvi: www.kristjanjarvi.com | Absolute Ensemble: www.absoluteensemble.com | Enja Records: www.enjarecords.com
About the CD
Recorded April 7, 2007
Featuring Marcel Khalifé, oud, voice; Bachar Khalifé, hand percussion; Bassam Saba, nay, oud; Daniel Schnyder, saxophone; Rami Khalifé, piano. Absolute Ensemble: Damien Bassman, drums, Mat Fieldes, double bass; Vesselin Gellev, violin; Matt Herskowitz, piano/keyboards; Martin Kuuskmann, bassoon; Rubin Kodheli, cello; Hayley Melitta Reid, flute; Charles Porter, trumpet; Edmundo Ramirez, viola; Michael Seltzer, trombone; Michiyo Suzuki, clarinet; April Centrone, hand percussion.
Music written specifically for Absolute Ensemble by Marcel Khalifé, Dhafer Youssef, and Daniel Schnyder
Sound designer and engineer: Holger Schwark
Produced by Kristjan Järvi
Tracking list:
01 Bahriyyeh by Marcel Khalifé and Al Mayadine Ensemble 7:36
02 La Priere de L’Absent by Dhafer Youssef, arr. Gene Pritsker 6:50
03 Amr I Bismiki by Marcel Khalifé, arr. Peter Herbert 10:55
04 Da Kord by Daniel Schnyder 3:59
05 Dyun 1 by Daniel Schnyder 4:31
06 Dyun 2 by Daniel Schnyder 2:23
07 Bayat by Marcel Khalifé 10:17
Concerto for Nay by Daniel Schnyder
08 Badr 7:24
09 Dawr Hindi 3:39
10 Nida’a 2:38
11 Karachi 3:38
12 Sabah el Leil by Marcel Khalifé 6:49
