As Printed in the Summer 2006 Issue (July/Aug/Sep) of The Belly Dancer Magazine

A Tribal Celebration - Tribalation!

Americanistan * Reviewed by Sabine

     Americanistan's latest CD, "Tribalation!" captures the spirit of tribal style belly dancing with music that ranges from fun to moody, with very danceable rhythms. In a radical departure from the group's other two CDs of belly dance music, their newest is heavy on the drums, mijwiz, zurna, ney, and other traditional instruments of the tribal genre, while also utilizing unique instruments such as yuemba, Brazilian Tam, "caveman" bagpipes and dvoyanka. This music is definitely made for tribal belly dancing.

     As director of troupe "Tribalation!" I was thrilled to have the chance to consult with the band on this CD. They said they wanted to make music for tribal dancers, so I told them what we like--and they listened!

The title track starts with strong drums and mijwiz in an upbeat 2/4 rhythm, then changes abruptly into a slow chiftitelli section featuring the twangy string sound of the yuemba. The yuemba is my new favorite instrument; I've never heard anything quite like it!  It was invented by band member John Marzicola, and looks like a cross between a birimbau, rebaba and shakers. It has a slithery, stringy sound that's great for mysterious-feeling slow tribal improv.

     My other favorite on the cd is "Swing", aptly named because the bouncy beat of the Brazilian tam makes the hips sway irresistably with the sultry 6/8 rhythm!  This is a really fun piece for basket dance or medium-tempo moves with attitude.

     Three more fast tracks include "Full Moon Rising," which starts with a slow trancey beginning until the tempo picks up with shakers and bells to underline the increase in energy;  "Celebration," a live recording featuring zurna and multi-layered percussion along with the zills and zaghareets of the dancers; and

"Peak" with it's driving beledi rhythm matched with the mijwiz, an irresistible combination of sounds to a tribal dancer!

     "Dangerous" is an unusual piece that the band created specifically to my "specs" for double sword dance.  It uses snakey shakers, a stately 10/8 rhythm, and that compelling yuemba to create an ominous sound.  Halfway through the tempo speeds up and tam beats that sound almost like taiko drums ramp up the energy. I'll be using this one in performance, for certain.

     There are also several compelling slow pieces on this cd. "Spirit Flame" evokes the image of a spiritual candle dance, with a slow chiftitelli rhythm and the melancholy sound of the dvoyanka flute. "Haunt" is a moody piece set to a slow zar rhythm on the tar, showcasing Wayne's mastery of ney flute, with it's breathy, mysterious sound. This piece is a nice length for the slow portion of a tribal dance performance.

     "Dark Grace" features a melody played in minor chords by Kanoon and bamboo flute. It's Probably the least "tribal" sounding piece on the cd, but a nice addition to the mix, nonetheless.  The last piece, "All Is One" has no drums at all, just a big drone sound from the harmonium with Wayne's powerful harmonic chanting and ney playing for a meditative feel.

     All in all, the cd is a surprisingly good offering of tribal style music from Americanistan. Surprising not because they aren't good musicians - they are - but because this music is such a radical departure from their past CDs with this focus on tribal belly dance sound. After listening to it, I called Dunyah to personally tell her "you're tribal now!"

www.americanistan.com

541-484-5071