Moddathir Aboul Wafa - Toola
As Reviewed by Oberon
I
am unashamed to tell you that reviewing music produced by Nesma is a an intense
joy that I savor for the many days it takes to truly hear this “Luxury” of
complex collaboration. If ever there was a literal translation of the feeling
“I’m not worthy” this is it! If
your heart doesn’t leap with joy that there is still passion like this being
created in our world then I’m guessing you have no tears left to cry, no
longing in your heart for the loneliness of first discovery and can no longer
feel the desert sun burning a warming path along the surface of your skin.
These are just morsels of moments evoked by this music!
Firstly,
let me say how grateful I am for the thoughtful intelligence with which this
music is packaged. Up-market refinement as always when it comes to the cover –
sophisticated simplicity of color, highlighting the featured musician, both
back and front (if you know the name Nesma no more is needed). Inside the cover, their much appreciated booklet explaining
the journey and the players. Read it please – it contains valuable insight so
helpful to your enjoyment.
Explained
is the choice of Moddathir Aboul Wafa, who, born in Cairo is a composer,
Arranger and Oud player. A teacher at the Arabic Music Institute he also
participates as performer and writer / composer for important Arabic music
groups that perform in Egypt and festivals all over the world.
I
was so impressed that the musicians on this important CD quickly recognized
common ground that unlike so many Arab music productions today that focus on
vocals or electronic sounds – this group desired to create independent (not
mainstream) music with a focus of traditional and classic Arabic music in which
the “instrumental melodic performances and rich Arabic chords would once again
hold a privileged position. We aspired to the majestic sound of the classically
trained performers of the mid-twentieth century.”
Musicians selected for this blessed compilation are:
Oud: Moddathir
Aboul Wafa
Kanoun: Maged
Sorour
Nay: Mohamed
Fouda and Reda Bedeir
Accordian: Farouk
Mohamed Hassan and Moddathir Aboul Waffa
Violin: Moustafa
El Moogui, Mohamed El Moogui, Hazem El Kasabgi, Moustafa
Abou Sheffa, Ahmed El Kasabgi, Wagdi Ghonem, Samir
Rashad, Ibrahim El Radio, Moustafa Abdel Nabi, Hassan
Sharara and the exsaulted Abdou Dagher in solo (#6)
Violoncell: Emad
Ashour, Yasser Taha and Hassan Moataz
Countrebass: Beshire
Awes
Doff, Bendir: Hesham
El Arabi and Khamis Henkish
Req & Trianble, Haguer: Hesham
El Arabi
Drums: Amr
Khairy
Congo/Bongos/Percussion: Diaa
Tass
and… I indulge myself in leaving this musician until last –
the omnipotent Khamis Henkesh who receives special thanks in the prelude to this
offering and with whom I have the astonishing “once –in–a-lifetime” memory of
having danced with - in a cramped
hallway at the Ahalan Festival in Egypt – a memory I’ll jealously hoard my
whole life.
Thoughtfully,
I am provided the book that expresses the musical intent of each piece: Mawkeb El Nagham – is to the composer,
a royal procession celebrating the “grandeur of the King” – the Oud, Kanoun,
Violin, Violoncello among other instruments all hail and surround the Oud with
great intensity and clarity of space. The music does indeed travel along a
strong and winding path exploding into a moment of joyful pomposity then
floating forward again –(do I hear a Spanish foot-print) – right before the Oud
with rightful majesty - surrounds, teases and commands your senses - all the
while the watchful violins et al, eagerly provide support and delightful
contrast.
Drawn by the propelling rhythm
and sweeping conversation of the strings the listener can’t help but feel
unraveled and released at the end – free to stand alone while just once again,
the Oud, resonates through the silence with a distinctive Spanish finish before
the procession dances forward without him.
El Leil Wel Nil - (The night and the Nile). The river of Life - a well orchestrated stroll wrapped in
the evening mystique of Egypt’s legendary and royal river. The Nay we are told
represents the nightingale’s song, venerating God, during flight over the Nile We are
treated to a celebration in one of the luxurious venues that line the shore – we
feel the night – hear the joy.
This piece ends in a classic 7/4 rhythm.
El
Qaheyra El Adima – (Old Cairo). I
am astounded by the intricate storytelling of this piece – it really holds the
story of Egyptian music –education that every appreciative listener and
certainly every dancer should have before attempting to understand the music. It recreates life – in this instance a
wedding in old Cairo – neighborhood where the composer was born and raised –
“we are all children of our neighborhoods”. I LOVE this piece –The accordion adds an earthy element followed
by the strong percussive back-drop and I am a happy guest to the five part
journey from invitation to farewell. I long for this – I am so happy to be part
of it – I totally understand this as the musicians describe it with their
instruments and I am at home!
Fi
Samaa Al Musika – (In Music Heaven).
The composer felt this portion reflects ”the artistic evolution of Egypt
during the mid 20th century
- the feeling of liberation and letting go”. I can feel it in the largesse of this offering and I believe
a definite feel of Egyptian films of that era that so many of us love, a more
collaborative time for this world.
Thank you so much for the description of the rhythms even though I will
have the pleasurable job of listening countless more times before recognizing
all the changes. Yet still – just having the explanation - priceless.
Samaa
Hos. An invitation to be quiet and
listen as the musicians POUR their “magical poetry” like healing oil over your
mind. Performing as a modern Takht
Ensemble (small – quite often in formal Western attire), the musicians “show
off” if you will, their camaraderie interacting in a series of exceptional
solos that hold the listener spellbound! Do you have a favorite – you might
question that after hearing each performer shine. When they come together – pure happiness for the heart!
Samba
Toola. An excellent example of
world music – a total party,
composed by Moddathir for his daughter then three years old. The playful
accordion – the 30’s /40’s sound of the strings, American Jazz influence with
just enough Spanish plus Middle Eastern mystery and driving percussion – an
interesting tapestry of fusion. Really FABULOUS! Masterful Recording and mixing by Ehab NabilWhat a delight
for producers Julia Salmeron and Eric Godfroid. This music was composed and mostly arranged by Moddathir
Aboul Wafa.
A
screaming triumph of unbelievably talented people, coming together for the pure
ecstasy and elevation of their art. The unbelievable thrill of quiet drama that
can only be achieved when artists of this caliber (I extend that to all involved with this project), share
their passion to create something completely satisfying – valuable and rare!
Available at: http://www.nesma.es
