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As I am no expert in Middle Eastern music, I will not comment on the technical qualities and nuances of what is played here nor will I speculate on the level of "authenticity". I will tell you what I like or do not like. My musical interests range far and wide. Among my CD collection are a number of CDs by oud master Anouar Brahem but no others by Jan Garbarek. Since Garbarek has a reputation in the world of music for his interest in experimenting with world music a la Al DiMeola, I thought that without having heard a note of this that it might be a CD worth owning. My hunch paid off. Madar proves to be a masterpiece of atonal music. It is less a mix of east meets west than it is a case of "Garbarek goes east" even on a couple of pieces that are based on traditional Norwegian melodies. Though sax is most definitely a European instument, Garbarek deftly and expertly adapts it to the demands of this project. Though this recording will never be on a list of all-time greats, it is worthwhile nonetheless. I find this CD most relaxing when I have some time to sit back, relax and contemplate the day ahead. Put this on when you have time to hear it through from beginning to end. Its perfect Sunday morning music.
I bought this album before reading any review, or asking any opinion, and i must say its far beyond my expectations, better than my imagination. :) Its the second CD i got after an enchanting experience of "Ragas and Sagas" by Garbarek/Fateh-Ali, I must say this album is a piece of true Art. The artist are, Jan Garbarek(sax), Anour Brahem(oud), Shaukat Hussain Khan (tabla), if you are familiar with any of these musicians you wont have to read any review and just have to click-and-order, three geniuses in their own respect. The mix between north african, norwegian and pakistani music really make this CD a must for any music of fan, obviously people with more classical and world music knowledge will truly appreciate the brilliance of it; but, at the same time, you dont have to be a master to appreciate the simplicity and magical feel of this CD. The overall experience is so powerful in a magical way it will take hold of you in no time. The pace of the music is more smooth and slow, super perfection. Again, Five Solid Gold stars.
This is another of the Norwegian Jan Garbarek's international stylistic fusion projects, this time combining his saxophone work with the oud playing of Brahem and the tablas of Hussain. Such beautifully elegant, yet dramatic music! Brahem's playing in particular is sensational (for those who have not heard the oud played, this is a stringed instrument with a sound something like a dulled lute). The music itself is rather serious, even sombre-sounding at times, but out of this rather dark North African ambience regularly emerge flashes of focussed energy that will, as they say, knock your socks off. A strangely ignored album that deserves much more attention than it has received.
Not one of his best, but ok. There are several other albums by Brahem that would be better to buy, such as Astrakan Cafe, Barzakh, Thimar, Les Pas du Chat Noir, and Le Voyage de Sahar. Khomsa is even worse, so avoid that unless you are a real fan of his. The music on this particular album seems more decoration and creative inspiration. The tabla music is technically good, but lacks luster (compare the Bhavani Shankar!).
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2009
2 1/2
Garbarek's mid-east foray accounts for some interesting background, but feels over-indulgent and underwhelming when agreeable airiness gives way to repetitious bi-cultural bloat.
Eine der schönsten Scheiben, die ich kenne. Kongeniales Zusammenspiel von Garbarek, Brahem und Hussain, als ob sie schon immer derselben Kultur anghört hätten. Manchmal erscheint mir Garbarek etwas zu dominant, aber sein Saxophon ist so emotional, dass ihm das verziehen sei. Und die Harmonie mit seinen Kollegen bleibt erhalten. Die Musik entführt in Träume, Traurigkeit, und Sehnsucht, lässt die Wirklichkeit vergessen, schenkt Freude, Gefühle und Bewunderung über soviel Können. Ein Genuss, ein Geschenk.
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