Mamak Khadem – Remembrance (Six Degrees Records, 2022)
California-based Iranian vocalist and composer Mamak Khadem has released “Remembrance”, one of the best albums of 2022 so far. “Remembrance” is heartfelt tribute to Mamak’s father. Her father fell ill during the pandemic. Because of travel restrictions, Mamak was unable to be with him for the last time and this had a profound effect on Mamak’s music.
Mamak Khadem is one of the finest vocalists in the world music scene. Her vocal range and techniques are truly impressive. On “Remembrance”, she uses her vocals in a varied and delightful way, from passionate soulful performances to her fantastic ululating style combined with exquisitely constructed vocal overdubs. Additionally, she included a wonderful vocal collaboration with special guest Chris Martin (Coldplay) on vocals and piano.
On “Remembrance”, Mamak Khadem selected beautiful poems from Rumi and various Persian poets. Together with her longtime collaborator, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Jamshied Sharifi, they built the superb music around the poems and vocals.
Musically, the memorable album incorporates a wide range of musical influences. As you would expect, the Persian roots are certainly there in the form of vocals and musical instruments. However, Mamak and Jamshied elegantly add other musical elements such as blues, Americana, chamber music, and Celtic music as well as Jamshied’s characteristic spellbinding electronic atmospheres.
Mamak invited a stellar group of musicians. The lineup on “Remembrance” includes Mamak Khadem on vocals and setar; Marc Copeley on guitar, mandolin, bass, vocals, percussion and programming; Jamshied Sharifi on piano, keyboards, percussion, bass, guitar; Foroozan Shirghani on vocals; Benjamin Wittman on tom toms, darbuka, daf, drums; Chis Votek on cello and guzheng; Coleman Barks, poetry recitation; Roubik Haroutounian on duduk; Ivan Chardakov on gaida; Megan Gould on violin and viola; children’s choir with Alona Mor Freedman, Mirabai Gould, Kai Sakamoto Sharifi and Pema Sukhmani Sieber; Mehdi Bagheri on kamancheh; Kirsten Agresta-Copely on harp; and Mickey Raphael on harmonica.
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.