In the Mirror of the Sky

This is a fantastic CD. The musicians play Kurdish Kamancheh (spike
fiddle), Iranian lute (Tanbur), and Tombak (goblet drum). The overall
effect is intermediate between Arab and Indian classical music. The
Tanbur is apparently a predominantly religious instrument, while the
Kamancheh is used predominantly in secular works. This recording is the
first of its kind, and arose because of the friendship of the musicians.
Regardless of its heterodoxy, the music on this CD is amazing! The sounds
of the instruments are similar to sarangi, sitar and tablas, so to my ear
the combination sounded quite natural together. The playing is great,
both in terms of technique and musicality. Recommend tracks 7, 8, 9, and
10, which form a continuous performance, and are best heard together. If
you can only listen to one track, check out 10.

1) Lyrical spike fiddle solo. Lute enters at 1:40. Similar to opening
portion of Raga (highly flexible, slow tempo).
2) Continuation of 1. Spike fiddle and lute continue at quicker temp.
Aptly titled .Joyful Anticipation. which is what it sounds like.
3) Same instruments, + male, highly inflected vocal. Translated lyrics
are very beautiful (liner notes)
4) Continuation of 3. No vocals. Meditative lute solo, spike fiddle
accompaniment.
5) Lute, spike fiddle, with Tombak drums. Meditative, but cheerful.
6) Slower, lute and fiddle. Instrumental echo of 3. Increases in
intensity, than falls back into quiet. Lovely, but works best in context.
7) Soaring lute and esp. fiddle solos over complex but rhythmically exact
Tombak drums. Meditative, but exciting.
8) Continuation of 7. Slow, wistful male vocal. Less inflected than 3.
9) Continuation of 8. Rapid thrumming sound on lute. Lute and spike
fiddle trade dazzling solos.
10) Continuation of 9. Tomak joins. Fantastic playing by all three
instruments. Fast tempo, very stirring.

Alex D.