A Review Of

Dance With Adam Basma

Summary

This is an electronic, synthesized performance of assorted music from the Middle East. Some are folk songs, while others are classical Egyptian pieces. Several of the songs come from Iraq and Syria, so they capture the Arabic flavor while providing an appealing change-of-pace sound. Most of the songs are shorter than 4 minutes, so they could be suitable choices for up-and-coming beginners or intermediates as well as more experienced dancers to use in performances.

Fact Sheet

Description

This music offers an enjoyable introduction to a side of Arabic music that many Oriental dance artists have not been exposed to: folk songs from Iraq and Syria. It also includes a drum solo and some selections in the classical Egyptian style, including the Oum Kalthoum song "Alf Leyla Wa Leyla". The songs are played using electronic instruments, providing an up-to-date flavor for this traditional music.

Some of the songs are instrumentals, while others are vocals. For most of the songs, the style is energetic and upbeat. There is one slow, improvised piece. It's a little quirky that the same finale music appears on it five times, but that doesn't really bother me.

Songs Included

Is It Right for You?

You Will Probably Enjoy This Music If...

• You like Middle Eastern music, but prefer traditional songs over 20th-century compositions.
• You're looking for change-of-pace Arabic music that stays true to the Middle Eastern style but offers songs that aren't widely used by dancers.
• You like to use music with an electronic, synthesized sound.

This Music Probably Isn't Right for You If...

• You prefer traditional instruments instead of electronic, synthesized sound.
• Only Egyptian music interests you. (There is some Egyptian-style music on here, but there is also music from other places.)

What I Liked, What I Didn't

What I Liked:

• I appreciate the use of Iraqi and Syrian music, which offers inspiration for dancers looking for fresh material.
• The spirited, upbeat tone is enjoyable both for listening and for dancing.
• Some of the songs are simple, while others are more complex. This makes some of the music suitable for newer performers, while providing other selections that allow experienced dancers to demonstrate their ability to work with more complex music.
• The recording makes effective use of stereo effects. Music travels from one speaker to the other.
• The liner notes identify the country of origin for the folk songs.

What I Didn't Like:

• Except for Joelle, the songs are mostly high-energy and upbeat. It might have been nice to have a couple of ballads for contrast.
• Aside from identifying the country of origin, the liner notes don't offer any further insight into the music. For example, they don't comment on what the lyrics are about.

Conclusion

This is a joyful, upbeat collection of songs suitable for Oriental styles of performances. These recordings should work well when dancing for younger crowds likely to appreciate the electronic sound.

Disclosures

I have never met Adam Basma, although we have occasionally corresponded over e-mail. He sent me a complimentary copy of this music to review for my web site.

To Buy It

Artist: Adam Basma Album Title: Dance with Adam Basma Adam Basma Dance Company 1551 S. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, California 90035 U.S.A. Telephone: (+1) (323) 934-9493 Fax: (+1) (323) 525-0615 Email: adam@adambasma.com Web Site: www.adambasma.com Amazon Store:

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