Rhythms of Baghdad

Mukhtar, Ahmed
Arc Music Inc.
World | Mar 2003

Reviews

Decca
Reviewed 2003-03-10
Wonderful music from Iraq played on oud and a variety of drums. Some traditional tunes, some composed by Mukhtar, based on Arabian maqams. Play this as a beautiful form of anti-war protest. All tracks worth one star at least. The drummer (Sattar Al-Saadi deserves joint credit for this one & his solo tracks are great.)

1. Mid-tempo, great strings & perc. Catchy.
2. Slow & spare intro w/a sense of mystery.
3. Rhythmic with a cool melody and great strings.
4. Faster w/a happy bounciness.
5. Fast percussive track blending 3 rhythms.
6. Interesting flamenco-esque oud & perc.
7. Mid-tempo w/some nice changes of melody.
8. Slower & dark w/hypnotic percussion.
9. Slow perc, dramatic strings, very cool.
10. Solo drum improv. Quiet in parts, but good.
11.Solo drum/tambourine. Fast & well played.
12. Very good solo drum w/very cool technique.
13. Another great drum solo, dramatic.

3/03

Recent airplay

Souq Baghdadi
At the Cafe BohemianMay 24, 2017
Raqsat Al Shara
Baghdad Al Kadima
At the Cafe BohemianSep 30, 2003
Horse Dance
Morning GloryMay 24, 2003
Khashbah
At the Cafe BohemianMay 20, 2003
Sufi Rhythm, Kasor
Morning GloryMay 17, 2003

Charting

2003-03-24 — 2003-05-26 Reggae/World
Week EndingAirplays
May 25 2
May 18 2
May 11 1
May 4 1
Apr 27 2
Apr 20 1
Apr 13 2
Apr 6 3

Track listing

1. Souq Baghdadi
2. Mantasf-Al-Lil
3. Raqsat Albedoi
4. Raqsat Al Shara
5. Khashbah
6. Espania
7. Baghdad Al Kadima
8. Raksat Al Janoub
9. Nada'a Al Bahr
10. Horse Dance
11. Fingers and Sambales
12. Kasor
13. Sufi Rhythm