Hejâz is a part of Saudi Arabia whose musical traditions have received little exposure in the West, and Mohammed Amân was once a muezzin -- the man who calls the faithful to prayer -- an odd person, perhaps, to be singing these songs, which are often charged with plenty of erotic imagery. That said, the general perception of the Islamic attitude to sex is rather more Victorian than the actuality. There's plenty of wonderful poetry to be enjoyed here, and some remarkable singing, especially when he lets rip on the introductory mawals, where he can expand and improvise on melodic themes, as on "Ya Sayyid El-Helwin." His oud playing isn't world class, but the sparse instrumentation of violin and qanoun (a kind of hammered dulcimer) offers a good backdrop for his voice, as does the additional, frequently polyrhythmic percussion. This is very much the real deal, thoroughly authentic and unsweetened, which means it's not always easy listening. But for those who overcome the challenge, tracks like the glorious "Wa-Lamma Talaqayna" make it all worthwhile. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide
Tracks
Track Title
Composers
Performers
Time
Yâ Makkat Al-Khayr (Oh Mecca, Symbol of Goodness)
Mohammed Aman
(4:47)
Ahîmu Bi-Rûhî (I Wander as a Ghost)
Mohammed Aman
(5:59)
Hadhâ Al-Futûr (Yâ Man Hawâhu) (O You Whose Passion)
Mohammed Aman
(8:29)
Ayyuhâ Al-Zabyu Ma'sûl Al-Lamâ (The Gazell With Saliva Like Honey)
Anonymous Composer
Mohammed Aman
(5:39)
Wa-Lammâ Talâqaynâ (When We First Met)
Mohammed Aman
(7:32)
Ya Ahl Al-Hawâ (To People of Passion)
Anonymous Composer
Mohammed Aman
(9:36)
Yâ Helweh Kasr El-Khawâtir Leh (Oh My Gorgeous One, Why Are My ...)
Anonymous Composer
Mohammed Aman
(3:05)
Yâ Sayyid Al-Helwîn (To You, Sovereign of All Beauty)
Mohammed Aman
(10:25)
Jâdak Al-Ghayth (Be the Rain Beneficent to You)
Anonymous Composer
Mohammed Aman
(10:08)
Bi-Habîb Al-Qulûb (Through He Who Is Dear to All Our Hearts)
Anonymous Composer
Mohammed Aman
(5:37)
Credits
Jean Pierre Lambert (Liner Notes), Jean Pierre Lambert (Art Direction), Jean Pierre Lambert (Photography), Volker Haller (Translation), Philippe Malidin (Editing), Philippe Malidin (Assistant Engineer), Mohammed Aman (Vocals), Mohammed Aman (Main Performer), Mohammed Aman (Ud), Bandar Al Abdali (Qanoun), Khaled Al Abdali (Violin)
