In a Beirut Mood

I started hearing this CD on my drive back home from KZSU, and the music had me belly-dancing in my seat all through the drive (there, I said it). Great, energetic, vibrant album of Lebanese music put out by Californian oriental dancer Jalilah of Mexican and German descent. This is her 6th album in a series of various kinds of Arabic music.

Track 1, Tales of the Sahara: Holy smokes this is amazing. Starts off on a fake dramatic note and then moves into some exquisitely complex arrangements.

Track 2, Beirut Rhythms: Cool drumming on various types of surfaces.

Track 3, Mizmar Jabali: High pitched pipe organ.

Track 4, Ali Nay: Slower track with flute and somber drumming.

Track 5, Lebanese Bouquet: Traditional Female (choral) vocals.

Track 6, Dance of the Country girls: Accordion and drum workout

Track 7, Kanoun Mood: Five minutes of solo kanoun playing (sounds like the dulcimer)

Track 8, The Fairy: Similar to 1, starts off dramatic and followed by various traditional instruments in a complex arrangement. Temp changes abruptly at 3:48 and 9:31. Warning: rather long.