Nesma & The Cairo Arabic Music Ensemble ~ Del Nilo al Guadalquivir ~ CD

The music, dance, and poetry of the ancient Arab world are still very much a part of the Spanish cultural subsoil and Andalusian spirit, though often forgotten or unrecognized. The music on this CD, prepared for a dance program by Nesma's Al-Andalus Dance Ensemble that traces this legacy from modern day Egypt back to ancient Andalucia, emphasizes froms that originated in Medieval Andalucia and today can still be heard in North Africa and on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean. Beautifully performed by a full Arabian orchestra of oud, ney, qanun, quarter tone accordion, oboe, strings, vocals, and lots of percussion. The package and booklet are also top of the line, with nice color photos and interesting texts on the music.