Homsy, Imane / Seigneur Kanoun/ Lord Kanun
Album: Seigneur Kanoun/ Lord Kanun   Collection:World
Artist:Homsy, Imane   Added:Nov 2011
Label:Institut Du Monde Arabe & Harmonia Mundi  

A-File Activity
Add Date: 2011-11-27 Pull Date: 2012-01-29 Charts: Reggae/World
Week Ending: Jan 29 Jan 8 Jan 1 Dec 25 Dec 18 Dec 11 Dec 4
Airplays: 1 2 1 1 1 2 1

Recent Airplay
1. May 30, 2013: Mediterraneans
Improvisations In The Ajam Ushayran Mode
4. May 08, 2012: Mediterraneans
Improvisations In The Ajam Ushayran Mode
2. May 09, 2013: Mediterraneans
Improvisations In The Ajam Ushayran Mode
5. Jan 26, 2012: Arabology
Improvisations In The Ajam Ushayran Mode
3. Feb 13, 2013: Mediterraneans
Improvisations In The Ajam Ushayran Mode
6. Jan 24, 2012: Mediterraneans
Improvisations In The Ajam Ushayran Mode

Album Review
Abu Ramses
Reviewed 2011-11-07
Imane Homsy, Seigneur Kanoun /Lord Kanun
Instutut du Monde Arabe/Harmonia Mundi (2008)
ALL TRACKS FCC CLEAN Reviewed by Abu Ramses

In her debut CD as an ensemble leader, Lebanese-born Imane Homsy plays the kanun (zither with a narrow trapezoidal soundboard related to the dulcimer). Solo & ensemble instrumentals & vocals in several maqams (modes). Traditionally the kanun accompanies singing, following the song line. Its 72-plus strings are plucked with plectra, attached to the 2 index fingers. Homsy pioneered a 10-finger technique, giving it a broader range as a solo instrument highlighted in 2, 3, 4, 8, 10. Ensemble: Antoine Khalife, violin; Angela Hounainian, cello; “Craicun,” clarinet, Abboud El Saadi accoustic bass, Ali El Khatib, Tony Anka & Ibrahim Jaber, Arabic percussion; Tania Saleh & Jawhara Elias, vocals; plus choir.

Try 1, 2, 8, 11
Tracks
1. Taqâssîm in 'Ajam Ushayrân – improvisations in ‘Ajam mode; in parts the kanun is played like an oud with bass drone – 2:37
2. al-Rabi'; (Spring) – lively with lots of chords and embellishments – 5:01
3. Sara – mid-tempo with the entire ensemble including vocal chorus; cello is prominent. Dedicated to Homsy’s daughter – 5:02
4. Samâ'î Suzdâl – instrumental with kanun, acoustic bass guitar, riq, darbuka, katem – 9:42
5. Taqâssîm Rast – improvisation in Rast mode (the basic one in Arabic music) using traditional 2 finger technique; starts slow, then allegro – 4:01
6. Entre maman et papa (Between Mom and Dad) – mainly kanun & violin describes a Sunday family scene- 5:37
7. Taqâssîm Nahawand – improvisation in Nahawand mode (C minor-ish); 2 finger technique; continues the scene in 6. Kanun & violin drone – 6:27
8. Yâ Layla–sweet mid-tempo; vocal by Jawhara Elias & acoustic bass - 4:07
9. Taqâssîm Bayâtî – solo improvisation in Bayati mode using 2 fingers – 5:51
10. Serviko – begins as a Greek dance and ends in allegro improv; uses 2 and 10 finger technique – 8 :58
11. Cycle de danses (Dance Cycle) – Bulgarian folk dance in Hijaz mode using 2 finger technique; Tanieh Saleh on vocal & the ensemble; prominent klezmerish clarinet elements; up tempo – 5 :56

Track Listing
1. Improvisations In The Ajam Ushayran Mode   6. Between Mom And Dad
2. Al-Rabi' (Spring)   7. Improvisations In The Nahawand Mode
3. Sara   8. Ya Layla (Oh Layla)
4. Instrumental Music In The Suzdal Mode   9. Improvisations In The Bayati Mode
5. Improvisation In The Rast Mode   10. Serviko
  11. Dance Cycle