Ya Zaman

Mike Massy Ya Zaman 2012
-- All Tracks are FCC CLEAN --
With Middle-Eastern roots, and hungry for the harmonious elegance of the West, Mike Massy is noted for his vocal and pianistic distinctiveness, and intuitive talent. He revisits Lebanese Oriental music, proposing a unique fusion between the passion for Andalusia, baroque harmonies, and jazz rhythms.

**1. Ya Zaman (Oh Time): Great drum beat, oriental tune, kaman, qanun, nice lyrics about time that has passed, leaving regret behind. 4:17
2. Jazr W Mad (Ebb and Flow): Sounds like a Tango, abrupt stops, lyrics about waiting for things to happen. 3:42
3. Law Fiyyi Tir (If I could fly) Piano intro then hypnotic sound of flute which goes well with Mike’s vocals. 3:54
**4. Soti Hareb Menni (My voice is fleeing from me): Duet with Lubna Noman; sad melody with sound of piano, violin, bass, strings, eastern instruments,; Mike’s voice comes in during last part of this track. 3:33
5. Khalasna Ba’a (Enough): Starts slow but picks up speed; most lively track on CD. This song was released as single with a video clip. 3:08
**6. Ya 3mr Lma Naterni: (Life wait for me) Sounds like a string quartet which is gradually accentuated by different instruments. 3:52
7. Min Elli 2al (Who said?!): Mike sings with a piano only. Lyrics talk about memories and pain. Melancholic and soft tune that lulls the listener. 5:51
8. Beirut (Beirut): Song has no striking beat or lyrics but Mike’s vocals seem fragile and tender. An ode to the capital of Lebanon with chants in background. 3:40
**9. Ya 3achikat Al Ward (Roses lover): Sung in classical Arabic. This is an old classic rearranged and revamped by Mike. A tribute to his mother. 4:42
10. Day2 Fiyyi Chebbaki (My window is closing in): Starts with a woman speaking Arabic (Lebanese dialect) to Mike who responds by singing. Slow, soft tune that picks up and starts sounding Polish or gyspsy-like. 3:32
**11. Ghayyer Lawn 3yonak (Change the color of your eyes): Song about wanting to forget a lost love but cannot forget the color of their eyes. Strong bass, piano, tender lyrics. 3:30
12. Kamshat Wara2 (Bunch of Papers)” This is a bonus track. Strings and guitar. Lyrics about letters written in faded ink. 4:33


My favs: 1, 4, 6, 9, 11 Ramzi Salti