As Printed in the Quarter 2/05 Issue of The Belly Dancer Magazine
The Original
"RETURN TO THE GODDESS”
by: Desert Wind
Reviewed by Zaina Hart
When Alan Bachman handed me this re-released CD in October and said "it is the original - the 80's version that was on cassette - but now on a CD" - well, I could have kissed him. Instead, I was jumping up and down, I am sure, making a spectacle of myself. For those of you who have been in the business "awhile" you will remember the cassette version of Return to the Goddess, with Desert Wind's original "MISERLOU" -it came out in the late 80's. Apparently I am not the only dancer out there who LOVED, really LOVED that version of the song. They had so many requests for that original version that Alan decided he would go back in, and set it to CD.
So far, everyone that I have told about this CD has "grinned or giggled” and said they were heading for the web site: (www.desertwindmusic.com).
I Am, Return to the Goddess, Beladi Jam, Dona, then a set for the dancer called "Goddess Dance" which includes Habena, a Chiftitelli, and Mastom. The CD is rounded off with Masmoudi, Persia and just about my all time favorite veil piece - the finale "MISERLOU", in it’s beautiful, original format. I have worn my cassette version nearly to shreds - so this came just in time.
Alan, I would like to personally thank you for giving us back the original - - the memories it brings are fond indeed and now I will create new memories with this favorite. For many of us dancers, who listened to this piece early on, it is like coming "Home" again. The sense of serenity and peace is "sublime".
By the way, even the cover photo and artwork are of the original design as is the photo of Alan, Mary and Rajab (Raj) is wonderful! "Collage'A Trois" - - faaaaantastic. And I just love Raj's hair in this one - outstanding <grin>. Proof that things are cyclic - even hair.
