Nostalgic Egyptian with Youssef Boutros
Reviewed by: Oberon
Collector alert for anyone who has heard or danced with the master musician Youssef Boutros, an evocative violinist who has held the undivided attention of many an enthralled admirer not at all used to the emotion streaming from the hands of this experienced “bowman”. Youssef has long been the pinnacle of any band lucky enough to find his person among them and this year from Cairo comes the first CD featuring his extreme talent.
As a dancer, is this CD what I wish for – a collection of familiar songs that I can use during and to enhance my performance? Well indeed, there are a couple of offerings that dancers will find familiar here, but it is more than that – a peek perhaps into just what the CD suggests – an older more nostalgic Egypt with the feel of orchestras and big bands. A chance for those who grew up with the ever changing era of Egyptian music 30, 40 even 60 years ago to close their eyes and hear once again the sounds that made them happy. An approachable chance for Americans - dancers or not, to listen and truly hear the music of the “Abdel Wahab, Om Kolthoum, Abdel Halim Hafez “era in Egyptian music.
So are you really hearing the unmistakable influence of American Jazz in “Ya QalbyYa Khali” by Abdel Halim Hafez or the inspiration of American movie themes in La’a Mish Ana El – Labky? For sure, this was the great era of fusion for Egyptian composers with heavy European influences, unmistakable American stimulus, Rumba and Samba rhythms fusing with the distinctive Aramaic quarter tones. It was a genius age for Egyptian music and this CD showcases the music in an easy listening format – an effortless introduction to some “heavy-hitters” -ie – one of my favorites Om Kolthoum’s, Efra Ya Qalby and the lighter Farid El Atrash’s song, Gamil Gamal.
Ending with the treasured Mohamed Abdel Wahab’s, Lola El Molama – Khaief Aqool Eli Fe Qalby – the violin sighing out the “vocals” this CD is a definite Sunday afternoon choice – slide back, relax and visit a nostalgic bye-gone era where “smoky” music and generous conversation washed over the hours bringing about some of the most memorable Egyptian music ever written and performed.
For Youssef Boutros, this CD is a family affair with his brother Nabil Kamal also playing violin and Nabil’s son (Youssef’s nephew) Ehab Nabil, executing all the recording, mixing and Digital Mastery at the renowned Ammar Sound Studio in Cairo, Egypt.
Youssef wanted to provide his countrymen with magical musical memories – and Americans – a chance to understand how sophisticated and wide ranging the origins of this style of Egyptian music are.
Northwest dancers will want to add this CD to their collection for sentimental reasons (Youssef lives and performs among us – in the Portland, OR metro area) for others? … A little afternoon delight!
P.S. This CD is currently available nationwide through www.cdbaby.com exclusivel
