|
|
 |
CD Review
|
| Click Here to go back. |
The City Paper, CD Review >>
More international/world releases
Asha Bhosle’s whirling, entrancing voice has been featured in a host of Indian films over the past 40 years, but her facility also extends to jazz and rock. But the amazing two-disc set Love Supreme (Times Square) focuses on her songs from several Bollywood numbers, and includes such amazing vocal exhibitions as “Aaj Jaane Ki Di Zid Na Karo,” where she works off a 14-beat rhythmic pattern and easily shifts between driving, fiery singing and more lush, introspective vocals. There’s also “Aawargi,” which sounds as much like a showtune as an Indian classical work or “Ranjish Hi Sahi,” a number than folds almost a blues tone into a piece augmented by masterful tabla playing and poignant, wailing harmonium and sarangi behind her glorious singing. Bhosle is striking doing soothing melodies, aggressive complimentary lines and darting, frenetic material, and the material on Love Supreme is the ideal introduction for many who haven’t previously seen the films which have featured her performances.
Paris-based Algerian vocalist Souad Massi is another singer with a rich, gorgeous sound, as well as being trained in a host of different genres and being an outstanding flamenco guitarist. Her playing melds with several other accompanists, but her singing flows, strides and sometimes explodes within the arrangements on Honeysuckle (Mesk Elil) (Wrasse).
Mixing in elements of rock and folk with Arabic influences, Massi’s repertoire ranges from philosophical pieces like “Denya Wezmen (That’s Life)” and “Mesk Elil (Honeysuckle)” to love and heartbreak songs “Khalouni (Let Me)” and message works “Marensa asli (miwawa) (I Won’t Forget My Roots)” and “Dar dgedi (My Grandfather’s house).”
Where Bhosle adjusts and fits her voice into any setting, Massi’s style seems less varied, though no less emphatic and masterful. The musical blend of strings with guitars, and occasional added sounds like African Flute or acoustic bass provides intriguing colors as well, with Massi’s marvelous leads tying everything together on Honeysuckle (Mesk Elil). 08/25/06 >> go there
|
| Click Here to go back. |
|
 |
|
|
|
