West of East
Vol.5 by PANGIA
As reviewed by Oberon
So what say you music Devotees – Can your favorite musicians change direction, explore new frontiers w/o risking fickle fans jumping ship for the next rising star? While it’s good to realize that our talented artists have more than one focus when it comes to giving us choices … on the other hand … well, hang on Pangia fans – it’s gonna be a bumpy ride!
West of East, Pangia’s 5th contribution, hit the market without one breath from the voice that has made it so famous! YIKES! I can still hear you screaming, “What were they thinking”? So I respectfully asked the multi-talented man himself for some inside info’. And here’s the scoop as I heard it.
Joined on this CD by Denise Manion – Keyboards, Zills and Head Chef as the insert states - ( who Pat said, argued against the “no-vocals choice) and the playfully, artistic drummer darling, Carmine T. Giuida – Dumbeck, Base Dumbeck, Riq, Accordian and Sword Dancing if and when necessary – the insert also states and with Pat Olson, Oud,Guitar, Yalli Tambor, Vocals?, Keyboard, Gong and Keeper of the Flame - all were striving for a diverse and atypical effort. Choices for dancers that ranged from the traditional to fusion and flat-out tribal, reflecting the across-the-board interests of their extensive fan base. The intent as I understood it - a deeper collaboration between the musicians – almost a “jam” stirring a more artistic outcome.
And also, Pat shared with me a reticence to attempt the vocals on some very recognizable and venerable pieces included on this CD – an opinion I’ve heard voiced by other Caucasians singing Middle Eastern songs.
Phew! So given these insights to the creation of West of East – let me attempt from my point of view, to offer it’s strengths and obstacles and I’m expecting Pangia aficionados will opt to purchase a copy, letting me know if they agree or no!
The Night IS Beautiful – a “strolling” Lebanese offering, with an easy dance flow and some flirty rhythm changes begins the CD. I see this as appealing to a wide range of dancers with varying levels of skill - very approachable in musical style.
Pharonic Dream – a creation by Pat Olson has an exotic moodiness definitely enhanced by the languid oud, snaking through the chimes, riq, gong etc. A perfect consideration I believe, for fusion sword or floor work. I would appreciate a longer version of this piece to play on long lazy days at home.
Insha’Allah Drum solo by Carmine Guida. I must admit to not understanding how the name applied to this rockin’ drum solo. Love Carmine’s style - lots of interest and involvement in the performance without leaving the dancer in the dust. Insha’Allah we can complete the three minutes and 8 seconds with the intensity it deserves?
The Night Is Beautiful Finale, neatly wraps up this set presenting any dancer with a completely satisfying routine.
Noora – a favorite Egyptian song by F.Elattrache is already a favorite of many I think due to it’s jaunty happiness. I liked the heavier drum beat to this particular rendition but have to admit I found the tambourine somewhat annoying. Loved the oud – the gooey center.
The end was perky – a bit non committal – actually – I think I could have really embraced this non vocal version if the musicians had TOTALLY surrendered to doing a much heavier Noora without what I felt was the slightly “skippy” feel to the last quarter.
Taqsim Extreme by Pat Olson reminded me of what a recognizable style this artist is developing. He certainly has the ability to unravel a carpet of mysterious sensuality into the listening brain,with enough promise to hold you curious until the end. A great choice, for that little fragment of quiet, when a dancer is unfurling slowly in front of her audience.
Sarah’s Drum Solo by Carmine Guida. I’ve seen dedications to Sarah before – I suspect her to be the talented dancer, photographer, Sarah Skinner responsible for some of Pangia’s photographs. So here is a dependable, solid little drum solo that most dancers will find to be an easy fit to most routines.
Samra, a traditional Arabic song by K. Mahoumad is done in very light typical style. My opinion - the highlight of this piece is the short hint of oud taqsim inserted toward the end. This felt to me, a very “Pangiaesque” entry slice.
Eastern Fire by Farhat Shebab ( Lebanese). This definitely had more of a fusion feel to me - the synthesizer strongly hinting at miz mar over an undeniable essence of urgent dumbeck. Really achieved a diverse moment that I wouldn’t have recognized as Pangia. A strong offering for the dancer seeking a different flavor.
Yalla Yalli Cheftitelli by Pat Olson had almost a whine of Didgeridoo amongst the gathering of sounds in this piece. It seemed a very appropriate pairing to the previous piece in this set, possessing to my ear, a modern day, desert rattle.
I liked the play on rhythm in the Turkish Delight – 9/8 drum solo by Carmine Guida. Not played in the same heavy way as most drum solos in this rhythm, it was just the right size to be enjoyable and the filled with all variety of the rhythm delightfully to the end!
A traditional and recognizable version of the Turkish, Siz’lah with Carmine and Pat combining oud and dumbeck for an interesting interlude toward the end. Fast and upbeat - lovers of Turkish music will find the energy well represented.
Zeina by M. Abdul Wahab – Famous song, famous composer. This was not a favorite of mine. For me it lacked the passion that makes this song so desirable and I definitely missed the vocals on this significant piece. Just not weighty enough for me, all the way around.
Attar of Roses by Vince Delgado has a soulful slow beauty – played out in an insightful strumming ribbon – a slightly mournful pause by Pat Olson ideally designed I think to showcase the sensitive side of his musicality.
Mandala California Drum solo by Carmine Guida – named for Troupe Mandala maybe? American Drummer – California sound in a fresh romp sure to be the solo of choice for many a dancer.
Ah, Vervina! Pat Olson creates a fast-paced joyful journey and Carmine Guida keeps him company. A fun collaboration!
Sultana, by Pat Olson and Carmine Guida. A commanding drum topped with a floating, evocative melody and the occasional trill of sweeping chimes. A nicely juxtaposed tapestry, allowing a dancer to switch back and forth between the power and the poetry.
And so ends Pangia’s West of East CD.
This Endeavour has some extremely “Pangia” moments, some heartfelt collaboration, some veins were opened toward new blood in the sound. Traditions were tested – some worked for me – some didn’t.
Here though, are the things you can count on with Pangia’s music – real musicians and a dancer, coming together to create a CD that always assures danceable music that performers, teachers and students can enjoy and really use.
West of East may entice a whole new audience to this already admired band – but for myself Pat Olson – I want to hear some serious vocals on your next CD.
http://www.pangiaraks.com * pangiaraks@yahoo.com * P.O. Box 492, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067 * 530-938-2503