San Francisco, California, USA – Following his latest
release,
La Kahena, Cheb i Sabbah joins the “King of Rai”,
Khaled, for the
Peace
through Music, “Love to the People” tour from June 26 – July 15, 2005. Joining the
tour will be Grammy winning producers, musicians, and singers, Don Was, KC Porter, Elan, Walfredo Reyes Jr, and Luis Conte.
On La Kahena, Algerian-born,
Cheb
i Sabbah returns to his North African roots,
collaborating with some of the most distinctive female singers from the Magreb.
Recording in studios in Marrakech, San Francisco, New York and New Delhi, Sabbah
has added his own “dj Science” or modern aural magic to these performances
symbolizing his influence of peace, reconciliation, and hope through the art of
music. Not only does Sabbah introduce Andalusian and Gnawan traditions to
younger audiences, but he does so with a refreshingly uncompromising nature
uniting vocals from Algerian rai diva Cheba Zahouania to Israeli singer, Michal
Cohen’s sultry sounds with traditional Middle Eastern twists. The album debuted
at No. 5 on Billboard’s World Music Chart and has been No. 1 on ITunes since its
release on May 10, 2005.Cheb i Sabbah “re-grooves” traditional African, Arabic, and Asian electronic
rhythms with deeply moving sounds drawn from DJ wizardry and world music
aesthetics. He is one of the earliest practitioners of the art of deejaying as
he began spinning in Parisian discothèques in 1964. Since the late ’80s, Sabbah
has been an icon of the DJ circuit in San Francisco and has his released his
highly regarded South Asian trilogy
Shri Durga (1999),
Maha Maya – Shri Durga
ReMixed (2000), and
Krishna Lila (2002) on Six Degrees Records. His latest mix
CD,
As Far As (2003), showcased his signature blend of the musical textures,
which Sabbah features in his live dj sets all over the world. Cheb i Sabbah’s
heartfelt, spiritual approach to bringing music to the dance floor has
established him as a highly respected international music dj and an influential
pioneer of the underground scene.
Born in Algeria but now based in France,
Khaled is known throughout the world as
the King of Rai. He returns to the global stage with a U.S. version of his
latest CD
a-Rayi. With production by Grammy-winner Don Was, Ya Rayi, has been
entirely remixed for its American release this summer, with the bonus of two
stellar new tracks. “Love To the People” in both English and Arabic marks
Khaled’s debut in English and is complimented by the soaring guitar talent of
Carlos
Santana and the smooth reggae vocals of Elan. The winner of numerous
awards, and a pop star worldwide, Khaled became the first Arabic artist to tour
the U.S. in the wake of 9/11, playing to sold-out audiences across the country.
Seeing him tour with Cheb i Sabbah opening is a wonderful opportunity for a
night of far flung music in the comfort of your own city.
June 29 Variety Playhouse Atlanta, GA
July 1 Lisner Auditorium Washington, DC
July 3 Central Park New York, NY
July 5 Montreal Jazz Fesival Montreal, Canada
July 10 Stern Grove Festival San Francisco, Ca
July 13 House Of Blues New Orleans, LA
July 14 House Of Blues Orlando, FL
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central
