Reviews
Born in the City of Tanta: Lower Egyptian Urban Folklore and Bedouin Shaabi from Libya’s Bourini Records 1968–75
Seemingly a world removed from the lushly orchestrated, exquisitely tasteful music of state-approved Egyptian icons like Mohamed Abdel-Wahab and Oum...
Reviewed in issue August/2025
Les Vents Brûlants
Ensemble Chakâm are a French-based, female trio of fine instrumentalists. They performed a memorable showcase at last year’s WOMEX in...
Reviewed in issue August/2025
The Makam: Oud (Live Performance at Karaca Garage)
Born in Istanbul, Turkish ud virtuoso Baha Yetkin has cultivated a busy career as a performer and composer over the...
Reviewed in issue August/2025
Roots in Motion
Oud master Mehmet Polat’s seventh record fizzes with energetic, odd-time compositions. He develops a cross-cultural conversation that Dave Brubeck picked...
Reviewed in issue July/2025
Barĩy (Fera) برٌِي
Egyptian guitarist Maurice Louca’s music has shapeshifted continually across the years. Rooted in Arabic music, he’s refracted its traditions in...
Reviewed in issue July/2025
Tel ve Ten
Turkish artist Ozan Baysal makes his debut in an unusual style. Traditional, tonal and jazz harmonic elements build a bridge...
Reviewed in issue July/2025
Marjaa: The Battle of the Hotels
Civilistjävel! x Mayssa Jallad
Originally recorded in 2023, Mayssa Jallad’s Marjaa: The Battle of the Hotels is a sonic reimagining of a five-month battle...
Reviewed in issue July/2025
Bostântchi/Live in Tehran
Rokh Quartet started out in 2021 with the aim of “bringing to life the multifaceted essence of Persian classical music,...
Reviewed in issue July/2025
