Egyptian Sufi

SHEIKH MOHAMED AL HELBAWY – Egyptian Sufi
Arc Music, 2003

Traditional Sufi religious chanting: Sheikh Al Hebawy is backed by a male chorus, with bamboo flute and percussion added for most tracks. Much like Gregorian or other religious chants, the melodies are minimal and rhythmic, carrying the words along on little waves. Many of the melodies were composed by Al Hebawy over traditional sources.

The a cappella tracks (1,2,3,5,10) would sound really good worked into a mix.

All very good, #11 is great. Fo's Picks: 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 11

01. 3:19 – a call to prayer, for three voices, structured like a round
02. 3:12 – a cappella group chanting of Koran verses
03. 4:18 – a recitation of the 99 names of Allah; has a really good lilting quality.
04. 5:32 – an acceptance of faith; rough, but poetic & melodic, with flute & drum
05. 5:59 – solo voice in prayer, starts quiet, becomes soaring after others join in
06. 6:58 – floating chant w/flute & drum, preaching to the masses
07. 6:57 – in praise of a holy way of life, w/flute & drum: starts slow, speeds up
08. 4:49 – very melodic track, strong flute intro, in praise of the prophet
09. 7:28 – slinky & mysterious, w/drum & flute: about Mohammed’s ethical example
10. 6:22 – solo voice in prayer, expressive and impressive
11. 5:40 – hypnotic voices under flute, then dialogue between flute & main voice

[Fo] – 8/30/03