The art of the maqam was popular in Cairo about 100 years ago, and helped give rise to some of the great Arabic singers of the 20th century. Its roots are in both classical and scholarly culture, with a strong emphasis on improvisation, both vocal and instrumental. Aicha Redouane and her ensemble, led by frame drum master Habib Yammine, revive the art of the maqam with great splendor and panache, not to mention a huge amount of ability -- just listen to the riqq (frame drum) solo in "Wasla En Maqam Bayyati" to understand what the touch of genius can do. This is complex music; its lyrical subject is mostly love, both sacred and profane, and it demands a lot of the listener. However, it's more than worthwhile. Redouane herself has a wonderful touch in her phrasing; on "Gaddidi Ya Nafsi" she's nothing short of magnificent, while the entire backing is splendid and sympathetic -- kudos to both the violin and qanun (hammered dulcimer) players. It might not be for the casual listener, but anyone who has a taste for Middle Eastern music will eat this up. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide
Tracks
Track Title
Composers
Performers
Time
Wasla en Maqâm Bayyâtî: Hâta Ayyuga S-Sâqî (Sers À Boire, Ô Échanson)
Habib Yammine
Aicha Redouane
(3:15)
Wasla en Maqâm Bayyâtî: Lî Habîbun (J'Ai un Bien-Aimé)
Habib Yammine
Aicha Redouane
(7:49)
Wasla en Maqâm Bayyâtî: Lâ Tukhfî (Ne Caches Pas)
Habib Yammine
Aicha Redouane
(5:18)
Wasla en Maqâm Sigâ: Bashraf-Tahmîla Karabatâk [Instrumental]
Habib Yammine
Aicha Redouane
(6:48)
Wasla en Maqâm Sigâ: Jalla Man (Gloire À Celui)
Habib Yammine
Aicha Redouane
(3:51)
Wasla en Maqâm Sigâ: Taqsîm Qânûn (Improvisation)
Habib Yammine
Aicha Redouane
(1:08)
Wasla en Maqâm Sigâ: Ghayrî 'Alâ S-Silwân (D'autres Que Moi...)
Habib Yammine
Aicha Redouane
(7:03)
Wasla en Maqâm Bayyâtî: Solo Riqq
Habib Yammine
Aicha Redouane
(3:55)
Wasla en Maqâm Bayyâtî: Samâ'î Muhayyar [Instrumental]
Habib Yammine
Aicha Redouane
(4:52)
Wasla en Maqâm Bayyâtî: An'im Bi-Waslika (Sois Généreux...)
Habib Yammine
Aicha Redouane
(6:23)
Wasla en Maqâm Bayyâtî: Gaddidî Yâ Nafsî (Renouvelle Ô Mon Âme...)
