Alsarah & The Nubatones – Manara (Wonderwheel Recordings, 2016)
Manara is the new album by an American world music band called Alsarah & The Nubatones. The group is led by Sudanese-American vocalist and songwriter Sarah Mohamed Abunama-Elgadi, better known professionally as Alsarah.
Alsarah & The Nubatones’ music is deeply influenced by Sudanese and Nubian music, featuring vocals in Arabic intertwined with irresistible North African percussion and the mesmerizing sound of the ‘ud.
Manara was sequenced to be listened to from the opening to the end, as it intertwines through various instrumental interludes and songs. Sudan is a musical crossroads of musical influences so you’ll hear a mix of influences that range from high-speed -paced percussion to slow cadence songs that connect with the desert blues that has become so popular in recent years. The group describes its sound as East African Retropop.
After ‘ud player Haig Manoukian passed away, Alsarah & The Nubatones recruited two new members, Brandon Terzic on ‘ud and Nahid on additional vocals.
The lineup on Manara includes Alsarah on vocals; Rami El Aasser on percussion and backing vocals; Mawuena Kodjovi on bass and trumpet; Brandon Terzic on ‘ud and ngoni; and Nahid Elgadi on backing vocals. Guests: Yusuke Yamamoto on keyboards; Marie Abe on accordion; and Marandi Hostetter on violin.
Manara is a finely-crafted album that captures the essence of modern Sudanese music.
Buy Manara
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.
