Rouhana, Charbel / Doux Zen (Slow/Sweet Zen)
Album: Doux Zen (Slow/Sweet Zen)   Collection:World
Artist:Rouhana, Charbel   Added:Nov 2010
Label:Forward  

A-File Activity
Add Date: 2010-12-12 Pull Date: 2011-02-13 Charts: Reggae/World
Week Ending: Jan 30 Jan 23 Jan 16 Jan 2
Airplays: 2 1 1 1

Recent Airplay
1. Jan 25, 2014: Music Casserole
Basma (Smile)
4. Dec 29, 2011: Mediterraneans
Doux Zen
2. Jun 13, 2013: Arabology
Doux Zen
5. Feb 19, 2011: Music Casserole
Doux Zen
3. May 01, 2012: Mediterraneans
Basma (Smile)
6. Feb 17, 2011: Mediterraneans
Doux Zen

Album Review
Abu Ramses
Reviewed 2010-12-01
Charbel Rouhana, “Doux Zen” (Sweet or Soft Zen)
(Forward Music 2010) – ALL TRACKS FCC CLEAN
Reviewed by Abu Ramses

Charbel Rouhana (from Lebanon) is one of the most innovative oud players and composers in the Arab world today. After playing number 2 oud with Marcel Khalife for years (on the Jadal album and others), Charbel struck out on his own. He is the principal oudist and composer of all the pieces. Elie Khoury is the second oudist. All tracks are instrumental with a romantic, peaceful and transcendent quality. Intricate compositions and virtuoso playing. Every one is a gem.

Tracks

****1. Doux Zen - delicate interweaving of the 2 oud lines; mid-to up-tempo - 4:58
2. Before Tuning - You can hear the connection between the Middle Eastern oud and Spanish Flamenco guitar on this one - 6:14
3. Kermelon – Very intricate, melodic, - 5:58
***4. Retour – Opens with a beautiful solo; then up-tempo duet - 7:13
5. Hakaya (Story) – Up-beat. The two ouds have a totally modern guitar-like sound - 5:52
6. Missing You – Up-beat opening; traditional drone in the middle; weaves back and forth between traditional and modernist sound - 6:52
**7. Basma (Smile) – Explosive opening, mostly allegro - 3:53

Track Listing
1. Doux Zen   4. Retour
2. Before Tuning   5. Hakaya (Story)
3. Kermelon   6. Missing You
  7. Basma (Smile)