Sudan music reviews

Nothing I can say about this CD will do it justice; it's superb. Simultaneously complex, clean, hypnotic, seductive, and reverant. El Din's voice and singing are impeccable and the instrumental work is brilliant.

If you enjoy this CD, then I highly recommend the work of Catherine Braslavsky and Joseph Rowe, particularly the CD "From Jerusalem to Cordoba". [...]

After seeing PASSION OF THE DESERT (which I saw ten times I was so mesmerized) I immediately bought this album which is the background of the movie. The song I could hear forever was "Helalisa" which reminds me of the great movie. Hamza is one of the greatest Middle Eastern musicans ever--it's the simplicity of just the oud and his sultry voice.

Hamza El Din is one of those amazing performers that you have been searching for your entire life. His vocal and musical abilities are sublime. At the same time, his music sounds both ancient and accessible. Hamza's music is meditational. The songs will gently paint pictures in your mind of the rolling Nubian desert scenery. Much is said of his musical abilities, but the rhythm is also a highlight as the doumbeks and handclaps add to the trance inducive sounds. His voice is very deep (like an Egyptian Johnny Cash) and his oud style expressive. Traditionally, the oud is an accompanying instrument and is almost never played by itself and usually does little or no improvisation. It is Hamza who can maintain the integrity of this music while being an innovator at the same time.

For those of you who know the Grateful Dead, you will know that the band worked with Hamza beginning with their trip to Egypt in 1978. Throughout the 70s and 90s, Hamza joined the band on stage many times -and for good reason. In the new millennium, Hamza still plays with Mickey Hart's Planet Drum.

Hamza has many great albums like "Songs of the Nile" (JVC, 1982) and "Lily of the Nile" (Water Lily Acoustics, 1990) but this is his best. While I've heard a few songs here played on other albums, there's something special about "Eclipse." The only explanation is producer Mickey Hart.

Did you know that the oud is the root instrument where the modern electric guitar comes from? Travel back to your roots, to the collective roots of humanity and listen to something that is both ancient and timeless.

Hamza El Din is quickly becoming famous. I bought this album first and really liked it but it was not until I saw PASSION IN THE DESERT that I really began to appreciate his mastery in a new light. All his albums are great.

"A wish" is a master piece. I listened to some reviews about Hamza El Din prior to purchasing the CD and I thought that all excellent comments were still uderstatements to the beauty of this music. Highly recommended.

A WISH conveys a maturity in Hamza's stylings. I'm glad to see he's still creating such treasures as on this album.

i would like to lessen to all his song if it is no paseboly

It's the kind of CD that I put in as background music, then find myself continually stopping and listening to. I bought Mustafa Al Sunni because I have students from the Sudan and was curious about the music. This curiosity has led me to buy albums that I listen to once then stick on the CD rack, but not with this one. Highly recommended.

This recording is unfortunately not very well known. Sunni brings many things to the table that most oud recordings do not. First of all, he is from sub-Saharan Africa. The unique combination of Arab and African culture in Sudan makes for an interesting flavour. Considering most of the well known oud players are from Iraq, Lebanon, Armenia, Turkey, Egypt, Syria and some from the Gulf states, this is a rare treat indeed. The percussive accompaninent is on a triple-headed bongo drum, also not your typical oud accompaniment (usually handled by dombek).

The songs are mostly love songs, or longing for love songs. The rhythms are absolutely hypnotic, they reflect a much more "African" feel that most other oud styles. Sunni's voice is pure magic too. To me, this is one of the finest recordings out there and reprensents an African voice on the instrument, and even then a distinctly Sudanese voice (as opposed to the Somali style of Waaberi.)

If you are interested in the breadth of oud recordings available, this is a great place to broaden your horizons. Highly recommended.

I think one of this e-retailers review guidelines is that we don't comment directly on previous reviews. I've had this cd for about 8 years and I didn't realize it was out-of-print now. I'm going to break that review rule, but only so I may help the previous reviewer.

She/he seems to have listened to the song samples provided on this website and loved one of the artists but the cd was already out-of-print by then. The artist (vocals and oud) for tracks 1-3 is Abdel Gadir Salim. The artist (vocals and oud) for tracks 4-6 is Abdel Aziz El Mubarek. The artist (vocals and tambur) for tracks 7-9 is Mohamed Gubara.

I hope that helps someone! This is indeed a beautiful cd and it's a shame it is no longer in-print. I would have stuck to the review guidelines and just e-mailed this information to the previous reviewer but there is no e-mail address given so this was my only chance of contacting them.

The song entitled, "Maqtool Hawaki Ya Kordofan" is just wonderful! Who is the particular artist singing this? Since the cd "Sounds of Sudan" is not available, perhaps this same recording is on another cd? "Maqtool Hawaki Ya Kordofan" is just so neat!--Who is singing it? I appreciate your help.

I've been listening to this album every day. The oud/accordian/tabla timbres mix extremely well in the ear, and this, combined with the extraordinary taste and virtuosity of these musicians, results in extremely complex, yet accessible readings of very catchy songs. The oud ensemble tracks alone would make this worth getting hold of, but the album also includes 3 intense solo voice/tambour tracks by Mohamed Gubara, who has the strangest and maybe the most arresting voice on the album.

This is an excellent example of Nubian music, El Din is a master. I remember this album from when it first came out, my dad bought it and it soon became a favorite of our family. I am pleased to re-discover this treasure as an adult.

The artist is a rare and natural genius.

Nubians in Egypt are know rejuvenating their centuries old culture that is older than egypt aka Kemet. Many people donot know the nubians even exist any more,but they still continue like the fellahin in Southern Egypt their ancient lifestyle. I just love the way Hamaza combines the enchanting sounds of the OUD,and breathes life into the ancient strings. The OUD is not a arab instrument,but in fact a instrument that goes back to the period of the Old Kingdom. The arabs discovered of course at about the same time the Phophet muhammed died and the arabs started to bring islam to the rest of the world through the sword. I wish though that Hamaza would bring the kissar into more focus because it is a beautiful nubian instrument.

Buy this album because it is a document of a culture that once was,but know can only be seen in museums and exhibitons.

After receiving the Rough Guide to World Music book as a present, I was anxious to expore their recorded works. Of them all, this is my favorite, a journey from trance music, to the influences by or from the Indian subcontinent. This is a great introduction to the varied styles, with contemporary examples. As the Rough Guide cd's are somewhat ecclectic in their variety, this is either a great place to start your journey in this music, or a excellent way to expand your tastes. You may not like everything on the cd, at least at first, but it will open a whole new world.

After a Christmas present of the Rough Guide to World Music book, I was impressed with their printed product. The cd is equally impresssive, as it takes you on a great caravan of North Africa, with a survey encompassing the mystic drone of Morocco and Algeria, to the Indian type music. A great survey, easy to lose yourself in, if this type of music is for you. If you are not familiar with this music, try this cd. You may not like everything, as the Rough Guide thankfully does not play things safe, and can put together an ecclectic, and admirable, cd.

Everything El Din does turns to gold. This is a wonderful sample of the beautiful music of Nubia, of which Hamza is their greatest sample.

I listen to Hamza el Din everyday. The artist reaches into my soul.

Al Oud plays from the start like a well scripted concert. Each song takes hold of the ear, guiding us to the next. The transition from each track glides without seams. Hamza gives the listener a perfect balance between his simple and beautiful oud playing and a voice so gently harmonious. Hamza El Din is a technical master of oud and voice. This is why he can give us his true expression. What he wants to pour into the listener, is as easy to him as drinking water. This is a true gift.

With his roots in the music of the desert nomads of Western Sudan, where he was born in the region of Kordofan, Abdel Gadir Salim pioneered a mix of urban and folk music in the early 1970's, coming up with this marvelous hybrid of African, Arabic, and jazz; it incorporates some Western instruments, like the saxophone and accordion, and the music he writes is melodic, rhythmic, and mellow. Anyone who likes reggae or African music will appreciate Salim's talent, and find in his songs a lovely and kindred spirit.

He is also an exceptionally sensitive oud player; my favorite tracks are the the final two, where he sings just to the accompaniment of his oud. "Maltul Hawak" is dedicated to his home, and is about the love he has for his land. Salim has toured Europe with his band of 7 "All Stars", and has received critical acclaim wherever he goes.
The sound on this CD is good, as is the bilingual French/English booklet insert. Though it does not include lyrics, it has an explanation of the tonal complexities of the music, and a mini history of Sudanese folksongs.
Relaxing, unusual, and beautifully performed, this is an excellent addition to any world music collection.

I think one of the main reasons Mr Abdel Gadir Salim managed to attract national and international listeners, is his unique ability to combine the pentatonic musical feature along with melow vocal abilites he's gifted with. The combination of known old sudanese instruments along with a modern style of play, attracted a world-wide audience. The rich lyrics reflecting a person longing to the beauty of western Sudan attracted a wider national audience.

As a son of western Sudan I have great respect for Mr. Salim. As a son of The Sudan I thank him for such a positve image. And as a global music admirrer for music, I feel he adds a unique melow groove accepted by many.

This CD represents authentic sounds of the real Egypt! From the sounds of the streets of Luxor to the haunting melody of the rebaba, this is an excellent choice in the real sounds of Upper Egypt. A must for your collection if you want to hear authentic Egyptian music!

If you have ever visited Upper Egypt and experienced the wonderful music created by the local musicians, then this is the CD for you. I have been searching for traditional music of the Upper Egypt area and finally found it. From the opening sounds of the horse and buggy and street sounds in Luxor to the haunting and melodic sounds of the rababah to the beat of the tablah, it is a wonderful collection of songs. I have visited Upper Egypt twice and had the great opportunity to hear these musicians in person. This CD brought back great memories of that experience in sound!! A must for your collection and I highly recommend it. I hope to find more like it!

WATER WHEEL describes the experiences of the boy who keeps the water wheel going: the fugue grows and the oud draws on Nubian classical tradition to back its rhythmic melody.
�A specialty item for avid oud enthusiasts.

Hamza el Din is one of the world's greatest musicians. Those familar with music from Africa and the Middle East may have heard similar sounds, but nothing quite approaches the traditional music of Nubia. The Nubians, who played a vital role in Egyptian history from pre-dynastic times into the Christian era, have long inhabited the lands in southern Egypt/northern Sudan for as long as anyone can remember, and cling fiercely to their proud history. Hamza el-Din embodies all that is great and ejoyable about Nubian music. Its lively and exotic, and yet at the same time easily approached. One thing to note here, the oud (on which Hamza is self-taught btw) is not a traditional Nubian instrument. It is an Arab instrument, but Hamza plays it in a uniquely Nubian way.
If you appreciate the music of Africa and/or the Middle East, then check this CD out. Its well worth the buy, and is likely unlike anything you've ever heard.

I could listen to it all day. The artist is a natural and rare genius. I love you Hamza!