Halo, Abdel Hadi / Abdel Hadi Halo & El Gusto Orchestra Of Algiers
Album: Abdel Hadi Halo & El Gusto Orchestra Of Algiers   Collection:World
Artist:Halo, Abdel Hadi   Added:Mar 2012
Label:Honest Jon's Records  

A-File Activity
Add Date: 2012-03-17 Pull Date: 2012-05-19 Charts: Reggae/World
Week Ending: May 20 May 13 May 6 Apr 22 Apr 15 Apr 8 Apr 1 Mar 25
Airplays: 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1

Recent Airplay
1. May 16, 2013: Mediterraneans
Win Saadi
4. May 10, 2012: Arabology
Fatouma
2. May 15, 2012: Mediterraneans
Win Saadi
5. May 08, 2012: Mediterraneans
Fatouma
3. May 14, 2012: No Longer at Ease
Mal Djifni
6. May 03, 2012: Arabology
Win Saadi

Album Review
Abu Ramses
Reviewed 2012-03-10
Abdel Hadi Halo & El Gusto Orchestra of Algiers (Honest Jon’s Records, 2007)
ALL TRACKS FCC CLEAN Reviewed by Abu Ramses

In 2006 Honest Jon's sound team, led by Damon Albarn, went to the Algiers Conservatory at the invitation of Irish-Algerian filmmaker Safinez Bousbia to record thirty-one 65-90 year-old musicians who last played together 50 years ago. Their mid-20th century Algerian cha‘abi (popular) music blends North African, French, Andalusian, & Latin American elements with strong rhythm. A low key, mixed down production with no overdubs. Bousbia made their story – reminiscent of the Buena Vista Social Club – into a documentary film, "El Gusto" (The Good Mood), released in 2012. Pianist & musical director Abdel Hadi Halo is the son of cha‘abi pioneer, el-Hadj Anka. The ensemble includes 4 vocalists, ouds, various guitars, mandolin, banjo, gambar (stringed tortoiseshell) qanun (zither), bendir (frame drum), derbouka (goblet drum), violins, flutes & accordion. Instrumental groups often play what would normally be a 'solo'. 5 lengthy & 1 shorter songs, each concerned with love, with poetic call-and-response vocals.

Try 1, 4, 6 (if you have the time)
Tracks
1. Win Saadi - massed vocals and instruments - 8:31
2. Fatouma – first 8 minutes is trance-like; last 2 minutes is presto - 10:02
3. Fi Bahr El Hob Mwadji, Kif - elegiac start with several well-integrated solos, then erupts into a din of excitement - 12:36
4. Min Yaati Kalbu Lil Melah (Who will bring his heart to the Jewish Quarter?) – Traditional style oud & vocal solo - 3:44
5. Lalla Fatima (St. Fatima)- Halo's pounding piano injects a European sound-12:21
6. Mal Djifni - Climax of the album with beautifully arched development; tragic & desperate words passionately delivered by Ahmed Bernaoui - 19:07

Track Listing
1. Win Saadi   4. Min Yaati Kalbu Lil Melah (Who Will Bring His Heart To The Jewish Quarter?)
2. Fatouma   5. Lalla Fatima (St. Fatima)
3. Fi Bahr El Hob Mwadji, Kif   6. Mal Djifni