Aka Balkan Moon and AlefBa, Double Live (Instinct, 2015)
The double CD set Aka Balkan Moon and AlefBa, Double Live contains two sets of exceptional live recordings spearheaded by a Belgian jazz trio called Aka Moon. The concept is to combine contemporary jazz with folk music from various traditions; what is known as world jazz, a type of world music with strong jazz elements.
On Disc 1, Aka Balkan Moon, the jazz musicians collaborate with top Bulgarian folk musicians plus Belgian Gypsy violinist Tcha Limberger and Italian pianist Fabian Fiorini. The music selection includes Bulgarian folk songs recreated by the multinational ensemble, originals by saxophonist Fabrizio Cassol of Aka Moon and a Bosnian tune.
The focus on Disc 2 shifts to the Middle East with a diversified ensemble that includes musicians from Europe, Syria, Egypt and Lebanon. The outstanding concert was described as a Musical and Poetic Suite in Arabic Languages.
Aka Balkan Moon was recorded live in Brussels at Flagey, part of the Festival Musiq’3 in 2014. The lineup includes Fabrizio Cassol on alto saxophone, Michel Hatzigeorgiou on Fender jazz bass, and Stéphane Galland on drums with special guests Tcha Limberger on violin and vocals; Nedyalko Nedyalkov on kaval; Tima Nedyalko on vocals; Fabian Fiorini on piano; Vladimir Karparov on soprano saxophone; and Stoyan Yankulov on percussion.
AlefBa was recorded live at the Cathedral of Tournai in Belgium during Fustival Les Inattendues in 2014. The personnel here features Fabrizio Cassol on alto saxophone, Michel Hatzigeorgiou on Fender jazz bass, and Stéphane Galland on drums. The special guests are Magic Malik on flute and vocals; Mustapha Said on oud; Amir El Safar on trumpet, santur, vocals; Khaled Alhafez on vocals; Khaled Aljaramani on oud, vocals; Tcha Limberger on violin and vocals; Sheikh Ehab Younes on vocals; Misirli Ahmet on darbuka; Emmanuel Baily on guitar; and Fawaz Baker as musical adviser.
The extensive CD booklet contains liner notes, numerous photos and credits.
Aka Balkan Moon and AlefBa, Double Live are impeccable examples of the superb musical chemistry that takes place when virtuoso musicians from different cultures and musical backgrounds get together to recreate traditional music.
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Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
