As Printed in the Summer 2006 Issue (July/Aug/Sep 2006) of The Belly Dancer Magazine
Pangia’s Volume 4
“Dreams”
Reviewed by Oberon
O.K. … so 4th offering by the dancer friendly band Pangia. Denise Manion and Pat Olson putting together an international mix that includes Egypt, Lebanon, Persia, Turkey, Algeria and Greece.
Thoughtfully crafted with a different level of sophistication but dependably the same recognizable styling that will not disappoint Pangia devotees.
The opening piece, "I'm Dreaming of You", starts with a strongly familiar "Aziza-esque" intro'. With friendly ease it has us "brain- dancing" less than a minute into the CD, and drifting in right after it, the soulful "Nahna Wil Kamar Jeeran" giving fans the first taste of the Olson voice they so longingly crave. Although this CD doesn't reveal what I consider to be the best of this smoky songster, magic would be absent without his strength.
This CD, with the help of Erik Brown, has three extremely
approachable and satisfying drum solos and I don't think I'm wrong in thinking that cut #7, the easily recognizable "Half'Tech" is instantly permeating dancer routines all over the nation as we speak. These alone will validate your selection of this CD as an addition to your dance collection.
Breezy, easy listening moments waft in with names of "Jamal's Dream" and "Ziba's Dream" and dancers truly have a new chance to interlace a sensuous story into the meandering "Dream of a Summer Night". (A lot of dreaming, but hence the title - O.K.)?
Although the renditions of "Rampi" and "Jim's Dream of Baba" will not make me unfaithful to the passionate, juicy expressions of the great John Belezikjian they have a lighter, livelier flavor that offers a different look at these already favorite pieces.
And an interesting slight lean into "Tribal" for much loved "Ya 'Ain Mawlatin" and another nod in that direction with the concluding slice, "TribalEyezd Dream".
As always, Pangia has managed to arrange a CD that is easy on the ear and the dancer alike. From the stormy, pensive CD cover to the wide array of choices inside I think you'll find it reliably appealing.
http://www.pangiaraks.com
530-938-2503
