Abdel Hadi Halo & El Gusto Orchestra Of Algiers
World
| Mar 2012
Reviews
Abu Ramses
Reviewed 2012-03-10
Reviewed 2012-03-10
Abdel Hadi Halo & El Gusto Orchestra of Algiers (Honest Jon’s Records, 2007)
ALL TRACKS FCC CLEAN Reviewed by Abu Ramses
In 2006 Honest Jon's sound team, led by Damon Albarn, went to the Algiers Conservatory at the invitation of Irish-Algerian filmmaker Safinez Bousbia to record thirty-one 65-90 year-old musicians who last played together 50 years ago. Their mid-20th century Algerian cha‘abi (popular) music blends North African, French, Andalusian, & Latin American elements with strong rhythm. A low key, mixed down production with no overdubs. Bousbia made their story – reminiscent of the Buena Vista Social Club – into a documentary film, "El Gusto" (The Good Mood), released in 2012. Pianist & musical director Abdel Hadi Halo is the son of cha‘abi pioneer, el-Hadj Anka. The ensemble includes 4 vocalists, ouds, various guitars, mandolin, banjo, gambar (stringed tortoiseshell) qanun (zither), bendir (frame drum), derbouka (goblet drum), violins, flutes & accordion. Instrumental groups often play what would normally be a 'solo'. 5 lengthy & 1 shorter songs, each concerned with love, with poetic call-and-response vocals.
Try 1, 4, 6 (if you have the time)
Tracks
1. Win Saadi - massed vocals and instruments - 8:31
2. Fatouma – first 8 minutes is trance-like; last 2 minutes is presto - 10:02
3. Fi Bahr El Hob Mwadji, Kif - elegiac start with several well-integrated solos, then erupts into a din of excitement - 12:36
4. Min Yaati Kalbu Lil Melah (Who will bring his heart to the Jewish Quarter?) – Traditional style oud & vocal solo - 3:44
5. Lalla Fatima (St. Fatima)- Halo's pounding piano injects a European sound-12:21
6. Mal Djifni - Climax of the album with beautifully arched development; tragic & desperate words passionately delivered by Ahmed Bernaoui - 19:07
ALL TRACKS FCC CLEAN Reviewed by Abu Ramses
In 2006 Honest Jon's sound team, led by Damon Albarn, went to the Algiers Conservatory at the invitation of Irish-Algerian filmmaker Safinez Bousbia to record thirty-one 65-90 year-old musicians who last played together 50 years ago. Their mid-20th century Algerian cha‘abi (popular) music blends North African, French, Andalusian, & Latin American elements with strong rhythm. A low key, mixed down production with no overdubs. Bousbia made their story – reminiscent of the Buena Vista Social Club – into a documentary film, "El Gusto" (The Good Mood), released in 2012. Pianist & musical director Abdel Hadi Halo is the son of cha‘abi pioneer, el-Hadj Anka. The ensemble includes 4 vocalists, ouds, various guitars, mandolin, banjo, gambar (stringed tortoiseshell) qanun (zither), bendir (frame drum), derbouka (goblet drum), violins, flutes & accordion. Instrumental groups often play what would normally be a 'solo'. 5 lengthy & 1 shorter songs, each concerned with love, with poetic call-and-response vocals.
Try 1, 4, 6 (if you have the time)
Tracks
1. Win Saadi - massed vocals and instruments - 8:31
2. Fatouma – first 8 minutes is trance-like; last 2 minutes is presto - 10:02
3. Fi Bahr El Hob Mwadji, Kif - elegiac start with several well-integrated solos, then erupts into a din of excitement - 12:36
4. Min Yaati Kalbu Lil Melah (Who will bring his heart to the Jewish Quarter?) – Traditional style oud & vocal solo - 3:44
5. Lalla Fatima (St. Fatima)- Halo's pounding piano injects a European sound-12:21
6. Mal Djifni - Climax of the album with beautifully arched development; tragic & desperate words passionately delivered by Ahmed Bernaoui - 19:07
Recent airplay
Win Saadi
Mediterraneans — May 16, 2013
Win Saadi
Mediterraneans — May 15, 2012
Mal Djifni
No Longer at Ease — May 14, 2012
Fatouma
Arabology — May 10, 2012
Fatouma
Mediterraneans — May 08, 2012
Win Saadi
Arabology — May 03, 2012
Charting
2012-03-17 — 2012-05-19
Reggae/World
| Week Ending | Airplays |
|---|---|
| May 20 | 2 |
| May 13 | 2 |
| May 6 | 2 |
| Apr 22 | 2 |
| Apr 15 | 1 |
| Apr 8 | 1 |
| Apr 1 | 1 |
| Mar 25 | 1 |
Track listing
| 1. | Win Saadi | ||
| 2. | Fatouma | ||
| 3. | Fi Bahr El Hob Mwadji, Kif | ||
| 4. | Min Yaati Kalbu Lil Melah (Who Will Bring His Heart To The Jewish Quarter?) | ||
| 5. | Lalla Fatima (St. Fatima) | ||
| 6. | Mal Djifni |