“Edges of Tradition” by Pangia
as reviewed by Oberon
Aaaaaah … breathe again! Pangia, darlings of Middle Eastern music in a Western world have delivered up their 6th CD infused from start to finish with the distinctly Pangia-esque mix and sound for which they are famous. Above all – this work seems chosen artfully and crafted thoughtfully with a fusion of selections that should have every genus of our community visiting this CD repeatedly for performance and teaching selections and just because (sinful I know) the music is approachable and easy on the Western ear.
I can’t believe these musicians could be unknown to anyone within the sound of this review but a little “Who’s Who” is always valuable … so here goes …If anyone is foremost in this collaboration it is the smoldering vocalist PAT OLSON in performance with oud, guitar, yalli tambor, Cumbus, keyboard, gong, chimes, shakers and of course vocals on this CD. (Pat does all musical arrangements). DENISE MANNION - on keyboard, zils and Turkish spoons. CARMINE T. GUIDA – the pulse – Doumbek, Bass Doumbek and Riq.
The CD artwork is also becoming a recognizable hallmark for the group – passionately exotic color overlaying ethnically evocative patterns – beautiful! The photos are the work of the artistically gifted, dancer/photographer, Sarah Skinner – www.shakemyday.com - and although I love the approachable glimpse of Pat Olson on the face of this CD (done with an eye to instant identity I’m sure), Sarah’s intuitive vision of Pat on the inside cover is a collectible insight of musician and instrument – fabulous on the wall of any dance studio.
Let’s get down to the music!
FATIMA’s LAMOUNT – Egypt. Pangia has a niche and a useful talent of bringing an appreciation for complex, layered music techniques forward in a delightfully approachable form that furthers the hunger for particular musical styles by showcasing the beauty of it easily. While there is definitely pride in being educated enough to maneuver every inch of Olm Kalsoum there is also the responsibility of offering up music in a format that entices the novice to want to begin the journey of exploration – with enough excitement yet evoking a confidence to move forward.
This piece does both – with beautiful melody, interesting changes of phrase and instrumentation and a strong comfortable pulse. Totally Pangia, and totally engaging.
TIEN AFTO – Greece. Just wrap me up in this voice and let me drift on clouds of veil –be prepared to hear the unhurried echoes of this song resonating from various venues for many years to come - earthy and ethereal at once.
EPIC DRUM SOLO – Carmine Guida. Strongly begun - capturing immediate interest – skillful blend of rhythms that allows a real feeling of interaction between drummer and dancer. Long enough to be challenging (but not annoying), love the little surprise at the end.
YALLA BINA YALLA – Egypt. Wraps this set up with a percussion driven exit,
providing an upbeat and powerful concluding expression.
FIRE DANCE – Turkey. Of course I love the slow oud entrance to this piece – and the rollicking Doumbek – gateway and heartbeat to this Turkish romp. This piece is delightfully instrumented and has some fun texture. The heavy gong at finish seems to be a featured element in recent Pangia offerings – I can see this set as really appealing for use with American Tribal style.
TAKASIM WEHDA – Pat Olson. This, is definitely a favorite for me. Mystically meandering even lazy, a little dark and broody with just the right mix of tinkle and torrent. Seriously beautiful oud and drum. An intensely effective taqsim with interesting complexity. Troupe, solo, floor work, sword – copious possibilities … emotional!
SILVA’s DRUM SOLO – Carmine Guida. This frolilcking drum solo with a fair sprinkling of zils and the coolest mix of (among others) baladi / masmoudi rhythms is definitely thoughtfully suited to Turkish and American tribal alike. At just under two minutes it’s a great length to add to a dancer’s performance set and crafted to give a performer a lot to work with in a short amount of time.
LORKE – Turkey. Exit this set with a short, neatly designed romp with the perfect sense of the music preceding it.
RAKS AL BADU – Lebanon. Short and pleasant enough.
EDGES OF TRADITION – Pat Olson. Light the scented candles, let warm and wet surround you and drift away. Hmmmm … I wish this was longer – sensation filled!
FELAHI DRUM SOLO – Carmine Guida. This drum solo was so perfectly suited to the firecracker that is Carmine Guida – flashy, fluid and fun! My only lament – there are two places on this drum solo where the cuts are bad. (This is my pouty face)!
GOLE SANGAM – Persia. I loved this piece with it’s weighty, folksy feel – really unexpected and delightful.
MARINELLA – Greece. A Greek cheftitelli – playful, unusual – Lovely!
EK’ BALAM – Pat Olson. This piece was different but wasn’t a favorite for me. The instruments tended to fight for the same space a lot with disruptive result to the over-all.
BIG BAKLAVA – Carmine Guida. What a great name for this useful little gem of a 9/8 drum solo.
ARABAMIN ATLARI – Turkey. An extremely Pangia-esque 9/8 finale arranged by Denise Mannion. Filled with spirit and timed well – a great finale ending with a joyous shout!
This CD truly embodies the Pangia spirit and reminds us how dancer and teacher friendly are this group of performers. Although I found myself yearning for one more sound of Pat Olson’s voice, this is a CD that will deliver many favorites – valuable when you’re deciding where to spend your music budget.
I loved the reference on the inside cover – “with Gratitude, Love and Affection!”
The warmth for the community is evident in this work. The finishing statement on the inside cover - is one they say was found on the seat of a NYC taxi cab. “Be at Peace and always know that where you are is exactly where you’re supposed to be.”
PANGIA – exactly where they’re supposed to be! “Edges of Tradition” is the gift I selected to take home from Rakkasah to my teacher Nemra Khan and I’m glad-heartedly recommending it for your collection.
http://www.pangiaraks.com Where to Purchase this and Pangia's other CD's
http://www.carmine.com For other Carmine Guida CD's
