Desert Roses & Arabian Rhythms II

Amazon.com
As on the first Desert Roses & Arabian Rhythms, the ambiance here is dance-oriented and club-friendly, which is at once unsurprising and perfectly authentic. Modern Middle Eastern pop is youth-oriented and notoriously open to intercultural experimentation, but some novelties work better than others. Rachid Taha's percussive, bass-driven "En Retard" is one pick hit, and Cheb Mami's string-driven "Baida" is another. Khaled's "Trigue Lycee," Sabu and Arabian Fantasy's festive "Yala Habibi," and "Albi Htar"--a live track by Ragheb Alama and Faudel--are also worth the price of admission. Oojami's "Instanboogie," which is simply annoying in the living room at high noon, sounds fabulous at 2 a.m. after a few drinks. However, Shani's "Call of the Wild" is trite and cliché-ridden, and "Take Me, I'm Yours" reduces the queenly Tunisian diva Latifa to fatuous rhapsodizing about desert trysts and camels. Ultimately, though, this mixed bag will delight worldbeat techno fans. --Christina Roden

Desert Roses & Arabian Rhythms II,Various Artists,Ark 21,Arabic,Avant-Garde,Int'l & World Music,Pan-Global,Pop,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Rai,Space Rock,World Music,Worldbeat

Average customer rating: Mix down the vocals, and maybe Kind of disappointing Mediocre Middle Eastern collection Awesome CD Excellent Foray to Rye Music

Desert Roses and Arabian Rhythms Various Artists Manufacturer: Ark 21 ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Algeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music Egypt | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Arabic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Arabic Groove Desert Roses & Arabian Rhythms II Desert Roses and Arabian Rhythms, Vol. 3 Moroccan Spirit Immortal Egypt ASIN: B00005A8LX Release Date: 2001-03-20

Tracks:

1. Mon Amie La Rose - Natacha Atlas
2. La Valse - Faudel
3. Aalach Tloumouni - Khaled
4. Inchallah - Latifa
5. Desert Rose (Melodic Club Mix) - Sting/Cheb Mami
6. Chie Begam - Andy
7. I'm Yours - Soraya
8. Dis Moi Pourquoi - Amina
9. Hay Wadi Hay Galbi - Cheb Mami
10. Pomegranate - Trans-Global Underground
11. Esma Yalli - Hakim
12. La Titnahad - Kazem Al Saher
13. Qalantiqa - Rachid Taha

Amazon.com

When Sting collaborated with Cheb Mami on the Brand New Day track "Desert Rose," he created a surprising demand for Arabic crossover pop. This collection provides a suitable next stop for those whose taste was whetted by that collaboration. Egyptian singer Natacha Atlas opens the album with "Mon Amie la Rose," a maudlin little French tune she twists through her wringer until it is utterly transformed. "Desert Rose" turns up as a frisky remix by Victor Calderone, while Rachid Taha and the trance choir, B'Net Marrakech, appear in the compelling, orchestrated "Qalantica." Mami is heard on his own on one tune, but is eclipsed by the gut-shredding Khaled, the undisputed king of Algerian rai. The harder-edged electronic outings are standouts, while the tracks that are the Arabic equivalent of adolescent pop don't hold up nearly as well. This compilation, however, mostly eschews the dross in favor of tunes that go the distance. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

Mix down the vocals, and maybe.......2007-06-04

I loved Arabesque and Arabian Travels, but this is not trance. This is more like Arabian pop music. The vocals are irritating to me. Sting even shows up on one track. If you are looking for world trance, or something to chill out or relax to, forget this one.

Kind of disappointing.......2007-02-02

I love world music and Putumayo CDs.
I also loved that Desert Rose song and the amazing voice of Cheb Mami with Sting.
I bought this CD expecting a sexy "One Thousand and One Nights" music style, or a good fusion of traditional and modern sounds, but instead, what I got was a KITSCH POP version of arabic songs.
Some of the songs are just bad taste, you just want to forward them as quickly as possible.
I should have guessed just by the look of the cover. It reflects the music as well. The painting might be nice, but the mix with the modern computer added photo image and the strange balls of roses just don't work well together. The same goes for the songs.
I don't recommend it, unless you're looking for cheesy disposable pop.

Mediocre Middle Eastern collection.......2006-12-21

This compilation of Arabic pop hits around the same time as Sting&Cheb Mami's "Desert Rose" hit and Putumayo's "Arabic Groove" album,not surprisingly.It's disappointing,since it focuses more on westernized Arabic hits than genuinely Arabic ones.For its surprising blandness,there are highlights-
1)A remix of Cheb Mami&Sting's hit song "Desert Rose." It's very danceable,and in sync with the spirit of the original.Cheb Mami and Sting had one of those rare great celebrity duets.They powerfully melded their styles,making something wonderful.
2)Khaled is always great.His songs are never a disappointment--no wonder he's called the King of Rai.
3)Amina's "Dis Moi Pourquoi" is an excellent dancefloor song.It was a hit in France,and musically,it works.It's French chanson meeting Tunisian pop.
4)Speaking of French chanson,Natacha Atlas radically re-imagines Edith Piaf's "Mon amie la rose",transforming it from a Gallic weepie into a sensual Arabic serenade.
5)Hakim,who is considered a prince of rai,has a great song.
6)Cheb Mami's "Hay wadi hay galbi" is amazing.While Khaled is almost Arabic R&B,and Hakim is a Middle Eastern boy band sort,this song shows off Cheb Mami's musical gymnastics.It's quite stunning.After hearing this,I got his "Saida" album.

Instead of getting this,I reccomend Putumayo's "Sahara Lounge" (its best Middle Eastern compilation)and "Arabic Groove." "Desert Roses" has a half-dozen hits,the rest are forgettable.If you like Middle Eastern music,explore Putumayo's compilations instead.

Awesome CD.......2005-07-23

I just bought this CD along with a bunch of other and I absolutely love it. It's great for belly dancing too as well as just listening to while you're doing housework.

Excellent Foray to Rye Music.......2004-12-16

This album is a splendid way to get into Rye music. Sting's hit single performance with Cheb Mami sparks interest, and the rest of the more obscure (in America, that is) tracks are all beautiful. Fun gift for somebody who is learning French (Maghreb music is often sung in French,) or just seeking out some more exotic music. Also, fabulously sultry dancing music!

Average customer rating:

Desert Roses, Vol. 4 Various Artists Manufacturer: Cia - Copeland Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 4 The Belly and the Beat Desert Roses and Arabian Rhythms, Vol. 3 Desert Roses & Arabian Rhythms II Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 3 ASIN: B000JJRX7A Release Date: 2006-11-21

Tracks:

1. Khalleouni, Khalleouni - Latifa
2. Zana - Tres Mundos
3. Leily (Trans-Global Underground Remix) - Dania
4. Dulab Rast - Turbo Tabla
5. Babylon - Naked Rhythm
6. U & Me - Oojami
7. Sabah El Sa'awah - Saad
8. Inta Lissa Faker Halli - Hoda
9. Khayraouni - Woroud
10. C'est Pas La Peire - Cheb Nasro
11. Pharoah Of Barcelona - Issam Houshan
12. Let There Be Light - Zohar
13. Sirens Of Atlantis - Galactic Caravan
14. La Zaalen - Soap Kills

Average customer rating: Great country rock Keeps Getting Better As You Listen The Incomparable Desert Rose Band Chris Hillman's eighties country music As Good As It Gets

A Dozen Roses: Greatest Hits The Desert Rose Band , and Chris Hillman Manufacturer: Curb Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Desert Rose Band Pages of Life Southern Pacific - Greatest Hits Bakersfield Bound The Other Side ASIN: B000000D4D Release Date: 1992-11-03

Tracks:

1. Love Reunited
2. One Step Forward
3. He's Back And I'm Blue
4. She Don't Love Nobody
5. Summer Wind
6. I Still Believe In You
7. Hello Trouble
8. Start All Over Again
9. Story Of Love
10. Will This Be The Day
11. Come A Little Closer
12. Price I Pay

Customer Reviews:

Great country rock.......2006-03-27

This is one of my favorite albums. Just so you know where I'm coming from, I also like Poco and Pure Prairie League. If you like them, you'll probably like the Desert Rose Band. And if you like this one, I'd recommend Poco's The Forgotten Trail.

Keeps Getting Better As You Listen.......2005-02-19

"A Dozen Roses: Greatest Hits" is one of the best "Greatest Hits" albums that I've ever listened to. Every song on here is a true charting hit, with the exception of the new releases that are on here. Even those songs, though, are great.

For a guy like me, who was in junior high in the late 80's, songs by The Desert Rose Band were really great to listen to. I'll be honest and say that I never really knew who Chris Hillman was until just a couple of years ago.

I initially purchased this CD for one song: "One Step Forward." None of the other songs were recognizable to me until I actually received the album. "Love Reunited" was a nice beginning to this disc. It, along with just about every other track on this album, was one of those "Hey, I didn't know THESE guys sang this!" I completely forgot about songs like "He's Back And I'm Blue" and "Summer Wind." As a matter of fact, I didn't realize how many of these songs were big hits until I heard them again, so many years after they were released.

I think the real shame here, however, is that you don't hear any of these songs on so-called country radio these days. Instead, it's cluttered with plastic country by guys like Tim McGraw, and pop wannabes like Martina McBride.

There are so many great songs on this disc that I highly recommend it. If you like California-tinged country, or groups like Restless Heart, you're sure to enjoy this disc. It is full of contemporary country hits that stay true to their roots.

I love this disc.

The Incomparable Desert Rose Band.......2004-05-19

Once upon a time Los Angeles almost rivalled Nashville in the number of Country music Honky-Tonk clubs and bars. Sad to say, that scene is almost totally gone. The Palomino closed its doors years ago (I never got there) and outside of Buck's "Crystal Palace" in Bakersfield, Cody Bryant's "Viva Cantina" in Burbank, The Cowboy Palace, and a couple of places down in Riverside and Orange County, Country music is all but non-existent in Southern California.

But it was California Country that gave us Buck, Merle, Rosie Maddox, and yeah, Chris, Herb, Larry Murray, Gram Parsons, Clarence White, the Byrds, the Burritos, Poco, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Linda and Emmylou and a couple of strange dudes named Frey and Henley and their bandmates. And it was from California where this wonderful and incomparable Desert Rose Band, led by two veterans from that genre they helped to create, came out of.
And for six years and 12 top ten songs- most of 'em number one hits, the Desert Rose Band made Nashville stand up and take notice.

There's nobody out there right now with that sound, definitely not the pablum churned out of the Tennessee town. Martina is very pretty and waaay cool, but Shania and Sheryl Crow (LOL) are not really country, and neither are most of the boys (Trace Adkins?? - his last song was more like a Ted Nugent or Allman Bros. video!, and Kenny Chesney??? LOL) these days. The Desert Rose Band was both die-hard Country and Jingle-Jangle Rock. Buy this album, and you will hear Country music that touched the soul on some of the songs, but were so catchy on others that they made ya want to get up and dance.

Even today, there are many of us out here who not only call DRB "incomparable"...and...They most certainly were!

Chris Hillman's eighties country music.......2004-02-18

Chris was, for a time, a member of the Byrds and his enthusiasm for country music was clear even then, especially on the seminal album, Sweethearts of the rodeo. Together with Gram Parsons, he quit the Byrds after that album, formed the Flying Burrito brothers and made more brilliant country-rock music. Chris than faded into relative obscurity for a while re-emerging in the eighties as leader of the Desert rose band, the other members being Herb Pederson and John Jorgenson. The best of that group's music makes up this collection. Chris is lead singer on all but one of the tracks here.

The biggest country hits here are One step forward two steps back, Hello trouble (the only track here featuring Herb as lead singer) and He's back and I'm blue, but the other songs are all of a high quality and include a duet with Emmylou on the final track, Price I pay. Chris succeeded in country music for a while without compromising his ideals but might have achieved greater success if he had been more flexible.

You might describe this music as country-rock but it's more country and less rock than the Flying Burrito brothers. Nevertheless, if you enjoyed his earlier music you should enjoy this.

As Good As It Gets.......2002-05-23

The DRB are superb musicians and Chris Hillman is a master singer/songwriter. Hillman's pipes haven't faded a bit. They can drive a song when needed, yet convey true sentiment without being sacharine. They, like the Mavericks, never fit into a convenient Nashville niche so, unfortunately, they never received the recognition or airplay they deserved. If they had been pushed like many lesser-talented acts, they would have achieved major stardom. Maybe because they didn't sell out is why I like them so much. That and they out-class 90% of today's acts.

Average customer rating: More Arabian Music to Dance To Musical delight Lots of Middle Eastern Fun Just the 1st song is worth the price! Awesome!

Desert Roses & Arabian Rhythms II Various Artists Manufacturer: Ark 21 ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Arabic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Space Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Desert Roses and Arabian Rhythms, Vol. 3 Desert Roses and Arabian Rhythms Arabic Groove Desert Roses, Vol. 4 Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 3 ASIN: B00005Y23I Release Date: 2002-02-12

Tracks:

1. Ah Ya Albi - Olga Tanon & Hakim
2. Lirrili - Amina
3. En Retard - Rachid Taha
4. Take Me I'm Yours - Glenn Tilbrook, Chris Difford & Latifa
5. Baida - Cheb Mami
6. Naachak Fik - Cheb Nasro
7. Albi Htar - Ragheb Alama & Faudel
8. Yala Habibi - Sabu & Arabian Fantasy
9. Call Of The Wild - Shani
10. Bain Albareh Wa Al Yorn - Nawal Al Zoughbi
11. Yalla Ya Chabab - Ragheb Alama & Andy
12. Istanboogie - Oojami
13. Trigue Lycee - Khaled
14. The Merciful One - Zohar

Amazon.com

As on the first Desert Roses & Arabian Rhythms, the ambiance here is dance-oriented and club-friendly, which is at once unsurprising and perfectly authentic. Modern Middle Eastern pop is youth-oriented and notoriously open to intercultural experimentation, but some novelties work better than others. Rachid Taha's percussive, bass-driven "En Retard" is one pick hit, and Cheb Mami's string-driven "Baida" is another. Khaled's "Trigue Lycee," Sabu and Arabian Fantasy's festive "Yala Habibi," and "Albi Htar"--a live track by Ragheb Alama and Faudel--are also worth the price of admission. Oojami's "Instanboogie," which is simply annoying in the living room at high noon, sounds fabulous at 2 a.m. after a few drinks. However, Shani's "Call of the Wild" is trite and cliché-ridden, and "Take Me, I'm Yours" reduces the queenly Tunisian diva Latifa to fatuous rhapsodizing about desert trysts and camels. Ultimately, though, this mixed bag will delight worldbeat techno fans. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

More Arabian Music to Dance To.......2006-09-02

A continuation of the wonderful "Desert Roses & Arabian Rhythms" CD, this one continues with even more Arabic pop music. Many of the favorites from the first CD return, like Rai legends Khaled, Cheb Mami and Faudel, Tunisian pop star Amina, and the legendary Hakim. Theres also plenty of new names.... pop singer Shani, techno masters Oojami and Zohar, Lebanese pop singer Nawal al Zoughbi, and Sabu & Arabian Fantasy. If you liked the first CD, then you'll love this one.

Once again, the focus is on crossovers between Middle Eastern and Western music. It opens with a rap duet done by Hakim and Olga Tanon, the resulting fusion of Egyptian al-jeel and Latino hip hop is incredibly fun. The following track, a pop song by Europop winner Amina, features the use of Tunisian bagpipes (ghaita). There's Rai from Algerian stars Khaled and Cheb Nasro, techno dance beats from Oojami, and Arabic pop from Nawal al Zoughbi. For English speakers, there are two English songs here "Call of the Wild" and a version of Squeeze's song "Take Me I'm Yours", with guest vocals by Latifa and Arabic musical sounds thrown in. Others highlights include a duet between Ragheb Alama and Faudel, Mediterranean ambient techno sounds from Zohar, wild Algerian rock from Rachid Taha, and the almost Celtic sounding Rai song "Baida" from Cheb Mami.

All in all, this is a great CD if you like Arabic music, particularly crossovers between Arabic pop and western music. If you don't have the first CD, go out and buy that one too (and probably the third for that matter). You'll want to after you hear this CD. Sure, there are plenty of great Arabic artists left off of these CDs, but its a good starting place if nothing else. Trust me, you'll love it.

Musical delight.......2006-07-03

This CD provides for a unique exprience in the merging of music worlds. It introduces new musicians to research and expand one's music repertoire. Glad I got it.

Lots of Middle Eastern Fun.......2005-08-19

If you like the sort of Arabic style pop music, this is the album for you. It's fast-paced and catchy, as well as diverse. Almost each song is dance-worthy.
A strong recommendation toward this album, and the Desert Roses 2 is great too.

Just the 1st song is worth the price!.......2002-12-20

I like this CD. It is not as good as the first version, but the first song (Olga Tanon/Hakim) is incredible! I can't get it out of my head.. I listen to it constantly. Perhaps that's because my Arabic fiance and I met while living in Spain and I find the blend of Arabic and Spanish irresistible...

I would definitely recommend this CD - but if you're new to this style, buy the first version and Arabic Beats. And if you're into world music, I highly recommend Buddha Bar III. It has some great Arabic music (Amr Diab!), some Hindi, Spanish and various other world styles.

Awesome!.......2002-06-07

I caught about 2 minutes worth of this CD on an NPR music program, and liked it well enough to order the CD immediately!

I have never really been exposed to music like this, and love it. It is high energy, other worldly music, and very complex - and absolutely perfect for dancing around the house by oneself!

If everyone in the Middle East listened to and enjoyed this music, there couldn't possibly be any problems.

Am now ordering the Volume I version...

Average customer rating: At long last... great belly dancing music Even More Arabian Dance Rhythms "Feel Good" Mix Exciting and Esensual, The Third Time Around

Desert Roses and Arabian Rhythms, Vol. 3 Various Artists Manufacturer: Mondo Melodia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Desert Roses & Arabian Rhythms II Desert Roses and Arabian Rhythms Desert Roses, Vol. 4 Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 3 Arabic Groove ASIN: B0001GOHI4 Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

1. Walk Like An Egyptian - Hakim
2. Hanina - Steve Stevens
3. Ajaja - Ramses
4. Un Ange En Paix - Amina
5. El Wala Wala - Hakim
6. Zazarkhatri - Cheb Mami
7. Elli Tmanetoh (Galactic Mix) - Nawal Al Zoghbi
8. Begharamak Masloube - Woroud
9. Niloufareh Bahar - Andy
10. Mahbub - Turbo Tabla
11. Akadt Aalik Gualbi - Cheb Nasro
12. Who's The Fairest - Shani
13. Saraab - Simon Shaheen

Customer Reviews:

At long last..........2007-02-19

I have been searching for this album for a while, and finally found it here at amazon. I really enjoy it, I use it for bellydance.

great belly dancing music.......2006-11-07

I love the variety of rhythyms on this cd. We use it for several of our choreographies. I have ordered this item several times because I use it so much.

Even More Arabian Dance Rhythms.......2006-09-02

A continuation of the "Desert Roses and Arabian Rhythms", this CD gives us a third dose of Arabic and Middle Eastern dance music infused with western influences. The result is quite enjoyable, and serves as a good introduction to Arabic music. All the usual suspects are here - Hakim, Amina Annabi, Cheb Mami, Nawal al Zoughbi, Andy, Faudel, Zohar, Cheb Nasro, Shani. New faces appear two, like talented Palestinean artist Simon Shaheen, pop singer Woroud, and the techno beats of Turbo Tabla. If you liked the first two CDs in this series, then this one is another good purchase.

So whats the music like? Well, it starts off with Hakim and Cleopatra doing a (quite appropriate) cover of "Walk Like an Egyptian", with Arabic beats. It continues with lots of great Middle Eastern tunes all the way to the end, when we hear a more traditional meditative "Saraab" by Simon Shaheen, one of the greatest names in contemporary Arabic music. Along the way there is a remix of Lebanese pop idol Nawal al Zoughbi, techno-bellydance rhythms from Turbo Tabla, Rai songs from Cheb Nasro and Cheb Mami, an haunting duet between Amina and Zohar, another English pop song from Shani (for those who can't speak Arabic), upbeat Arabic pop from newcomer Woroud, and much more. Everyone on the CD gives a very memorable performance, so if your a fan of Arabic pop this CD will really get you.

It's definately worth the purchase. In fact, if you haven't I'd recommend you go out and get the first two CDs as well. These CDs are great for any bellydancer, Arabic music lover, or just someone who wants to expand their understanding of the world. Sure, plenty of great Arabic musicians are left off this CD (and, in fact, the series focuses mostly on pop and rai, leaving out classical and folk music) but its a good starting place if nothing else. Definately a good purchase.

"Feel Good" Mix.......2006-04-14

I stumbled across this browsing at the store and it was definitely a lucky find. The songs are modern, upbeat and fun and there's a nice mix of different styles. Hakim's orchestra's rendition of "Walk Like An Egyptian" converts it into a better beat for bellydancing. Ramses' "Ajaja" has been used by Petite Jamilla for her double veil performance. Amina's "Un Ange En Paix" is stylish and sexy. "Who's The Fairest?" is a fun club tune with a bellydance beat. The other songs range from sensual to more classic middle eastern style, including Turbo Tabla's techno drumming. The compilation is great for both dancing and listening. I like it for driving to work in the morning or cleaning the house as well as for freestyle bellydancing. Whether you are a bellydancer or just a fan of middle eastern/arabic music, you'll enjoy this CD. Highly recommended.

Exciting and Esensual, The Third Time Around.......2006-01-31

First of all, I am not a belly dancer, but you don't have to be a belly dancer to reap the benefits of the energy fun, and sensuality, packed into the thirteen tracks on this CD. Several times I have worked out to it on my elliptical, and can assure you that it provides a good hour or so's worth of inspiration to keep you going. While it has a kind mix of pretty quickly paced songs being followed by somewhat slower songs, the music, voices, and influences vary so much, that things never start to drag or become routine.

You have to love Hakim and Irish singer, Carly Hennessy's fun version of, "Walk Like An Egyptian." The old Bangles sort of wiseguy song is both enriched by the addition of traditional instruments and beats, and is also put in its place and expertly tweaked by the singing of Hakim, which is strong and compelling, and is, of course, the real thing. At the end of the song, when he says, "I am Egyptian, come with me," well, you might be inclined, like Marlene Dietrich chasing after Gary Cooper in "Morocco," to throw off your high heels, and follow him into the desert...but instead, you go with the flow of the songs, moving through many moods and musical styles, thus managing to be both a bit familiar, and a lot exotic, and always intriguing.

My favorites, along with, "Walk Like An Egyptian," are, "Un Ange En Paix," by Amina and Zohar, And the last song on the CD, "Saraab," by Simon Shaheen. The Amina/Zohar track has a sensuous, restrained pace...maybe a littel reminiscent of Cesaria Evora.perhaps I have an overactive imagination, and she is just singing about her shopping list, but it sets a shadowy, smokey image for me, full of mystery (well, that is for sure!), and a bit of ennui. The accordion, muffled horns, and techno beats seem pretty simple, but they create a mood, that I don't get tired of experiencing, over and over again. I am looking forward to sampling some CDs by these two artists, with the intention of buying.

Simon Sheehan's song, "Saraab," is very traditional and languid, and calls to mind a wonderful scene from the old Gene Tierney film, "Sundown," where she is walking slowly across the desert, midriff exposed. If it isn't the exact music used in that scene, it is very close to it. The flute, in particular, is beautiful, but the whole track is so wonderfully uncluttered, so minimal, really, and yet it just draws the listener (at least this one!) into the landscape it creates. What a smart way to end this CD! I will definitely be buying a CD by Shaheen, since that one song is not enough for me, and it will be the perfect music for times when an hour or so of absolutely delicious, exotic music, suggesting burning sands, foreign places, and giving yourself over to a totally different pace, is an essential (essensual?) ingredient.

The faster songs, with their many influences (hip hop, reggae, flamenco, to name but a few), all add their fun and energy to the overall winning effect of this third in the Desert Roses series. I enjoy all the Desert Roses CDs,and how they cleverly include one pop hit, with a mainstream artist, on each one; thereby giving you a place to start from, and to be drawn in from, regardless of how unfamiliar you are with Middle Eastern music. The DR CDs are all terrific for my CD changer, when it is set on the shuffle mode, since they make it sound like I have so much more stuff in there, than I really do. They are also a lot of fun to listen to in the car...though they may set the rednecks (urban ones included) to growling!!

Note: If you enjoy this CD, you might like to check out "Cairo to Casablanca," another compilation, with a bit less punch than "Desert Roses 3," but beautiful music and voices, nevertheless. "Moroccan Spirit," is another definite treat, for any fan of Middle Eastern music and ambience.

Average customer rating: this cd kicks ass! Bravo, Talisman!

Music of Russian Princesses: From the Court of Catherine the Great Manufacturer: Dorian Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B00007BKHL Release Date: 2002-09-10

Customer Reviews:

this cd kicks ass!.......2004-03-02

yes i totally agree with susan strick from seattle. this cd is amazing. amazing musicians. amazing repertoire. this cd is a must for classical music enthusiasts and people who want to become more diverse in classical music appreciation.

Bravo, Talisman!.......2003-06-07

An elegant, evocative rendering of delicate miniatures, this recording fills a gap in our musical awareness of women as composers, of music in russia during the era of catherine the great (2nd half of 18th century), and of early art song, as well as of the russian guitar tradition, and will be enjoyed by devotees of any and all of these aspects of music.

The performers display skill, finesse, and a fine musicality. As a musician and listener, i am grateful that fine performers are also willing to go to the effort to discover and enable us to hear some of the forgotten music that we would not otherwise encounter. Bravo, talisman!

Average customer rating:

OPEN VEINS:MORAN Manufacturer: INNOVA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Rocky Road to Kansas/Requiem: Chant Du Cygne (Requiem: Swan Song) / 32 Cryptograms Fo The Dracula Diary ASIN: B00065TZ8C Release Date: 2004-10-26

Tracks:

1. Open Veins
2. Movement One of 'Desert Of Roses'
3. 'I Can Go?' From 'Desert Of Roses'
4. Movement Three Of 'Desert Of Roses'
5. 'Look Into My Eyes.' From 'Desert Of Roses'
6. Movement Five Of 'Desert Of Roses'
7. 32 Cryptograms For Derek Jarman - Sound Affairs Band
8. Stimmen Des Letzen Siegels - Ensemble Chrismos

Average customer rating:

Desert Rose Band - Greatest Hits / Dozen Roses The Desert Rose Band , and Chris Hillman Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music ASIN: B00008FCSX Release Date: 1990-12-29

Tracks:

1. Love Reunited
2. One Step Forward
3. He's Back and I'm Blue
4. She Don't Love Nobody
5. Summer Wind
6. I Still Believe in You
7. Hello Trouble
8. Start All over Again
9. Story of Love
10. Will This Be the Day
11. Come a Little Closer
12. Price I Pay - Desert Rose Band, Emmylou Harris

Average customer rating: Almost too much lavender and roses, but a delight anyway Mr. Heppner Must Have A Large Parlour! He can keep his secret to himslef What a 'crossover' album should be! This cd has left me speechless, wow!

My Secret Heart - Songs of Parlour, Stage and Screen Ben Heppner , Vittorio Giannini , Ernest Charles , Ivor Novello , Sir Noel Coward , Eric Coates , Teresa Clotilde del Riego , Mana-Zucca , Ernst Seitz , and Haydn Wood Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Romberg, Sigmund | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Heppner, Ben | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ben Heppner - Great Tenor Arias Ideale: Songs of Paolo Tosti Ben Heppner - German Romantic Opera Heppner Sings Wagner San Francisco and Other Jeanette MacDonald Favorites ASIN: B00002JXEC Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

1. Let All My Life Be Music
2. Sing To My Heart A Song
3. Let My Song Fill Your Heart
4. Love Is My Reason For Living
5. Someday My Heart Will Awake
6. I'll See You Again
7. We'll Gather Lilacs
8. Bird Songs At Eventide
9. Homing
10. I Love Life
11. The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise
12. Roses Of Picardy
13. I'll Be Seeing You
14. Serenade
15. Love Me Tonight
16. Be My Love
17. The Desert Song
18. I'll Follow My Secret Heart

Amazon.com

With his 1999 Met triumph as Tristan--the most taxing of all Wagner's tenor roles--Canadian singer Ben Heppner has fully earned his heralded position as the great new Heldentenor of our time. His Lohengrin is a signature role, while his album German Romantic Opera has been nominated for a Grammy. Yet Heppner also commands tremendous versatility--and of a much more engaging character than that of the typical crossover effort--using his powerful, bronze-tinged tenor to tender and charming effect in My Secret Heart. This is a collection of songs roughly from the period between the two world wars, when music began to reach mass audiences via radio and screen. Many of these are almost forgotten gems--emblems of a vanished era--but once had wide cultural currency: the World War II hit "We'll Gather Lilacs," the radio show Family Hour's theme tune "Let My Song Fill Your Heart," and the oft-recorded 1919 ballad "The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise." Heppner, with his sturdy beauty of tone and sweet, natural-sounding vibrato, breathes new life into this genre. He handles the idiom's unabashed schmaltz with charm and brings a lilting urbanity to two Noël Coward tunes, with especially bittersweet refinement in "I'll Follow My Secret Heart." --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

Almost too much lavender and roses, but a delight anyway.......2006-08-29

These are beloved popular songs from our grandparents' generation that are redolent of lavender an tears. Their sentimentality couldn't be more out of fashion, but Ben Heppner steps forward, like Mario Lanza before him, to offer thrills amidst the honeyed scents. He's totally sincere, and you'd have to be Alberich or Don Pizarro to react with anything but a melting heart. God, I'm falling into the same vocabulary as these songs. No need to blush, though, with such a great singer at hand.

Mr. Heppner Must Have A Large Parlour!.......2005-02-22

I purchased this CD after hearing Mr. Heppner in recital singing "Homing" for an encore. This small gem written by Teresa Del Riego is a haunting song about loneliness. We learn from the notes-- they are very informative with bios on the composers included here as well as the words to the lyrics-- that she composed this ballad in 1917, the year her husband was killed in France just before the ending of World War I. There are other lovelies here as well: "I Love Life", "We'll Gather Lilacs", "The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise" as well as music by Noel Coward, Sigmund Romberg and Rudolf Friml. Heppner also sings "I'll Be Seeing You." It's such a relief to hear someone other than Liberace do that number since it was the song that he always used to close his television show in the 50's and unfortunately made into a syrupy cliche.

Mr. Heppner says these are songs of the parlour, stage and silver screen. His glorious voice which appears to be a combination of steel and gold fills a recital hall easily. He would need a huge parlour to sing in as well.

This CD is quite wonderful. There are no dull cuts. Since the songs are all about love, this would make a great February 14 gift.

He can keep his secret to himslef.......2003-12-13

This is OBNOXIOUS, this dude should be in operas. i am speechless, he is one loud mouthed dude!

What a 'crossover' album should be!.......2001-09-01

In general, I hate it when classical singers make 'crossover' recordings. Usually the singer has no idea how to sing 'pop' material in anything like the proper style - even someone who is singing it because he or she genuinely likes the music and not just to milk cash from the unsuspecting masses. But there are always exceptions to a rule, and this CD is one of them. Ben Heppner here scales down his huge operatic voice and shows his 'secret heart', a more intimate side of his musical personality.

There is no question that Heppner is one of the greatest tenors of our age. He is often compared with his fellow Canadian Jon Vickers (with whom he shares much of his repertory) but especially here, he is beginning to remind me more and more of Jussi Bjorling, and I can think of no higher compliment. Part of this is because Bjorling actually sang quite a bit of repertory similar to what Heppner sings here, but more importantly, both voices have an ideal combination of power and sweetness. Heppner's is essentially a very lyric voice despite its large size, and he is capable of great tonal beauty and sensitivity. This not only makes his Wagner, Giordano, and Berlioz very special, but makes him equally adept with the gentle little gems he sings on this disc. He is helped somewhat by the fact that these songs, most of which were written in the very early part of the 20th century, are a lot closer to the 'classical' style than more modern pop. But what really makes Heppner perfect for this material is his total identification with the texts, his tenderness, and his utter sincerity. Also, his diction is superb - you won't need the printed texts to understand what he is singing. In the hands of a lesser singer, some of these old fashioned songs would be absolute treacle. But an artist like Heppner can raise up even 'substandard' compositions and give them the aura of greatness.

In the more upbeat songs, Heppner sings with the thrilling, heroic tone that has made him in demand in every opera house in the world. He makes 'Let All My Life Be Music' into his personal mission statement. 'Homing' was also a favorite of another great Wagnerian tenor, namely Lauritz Melchior. 'I Love Life!', complete with splendid high C, is sung with enough cheer and vigor to bring anybody out of a depression. But this repertory is often gentle and introspective, and Heppner can also easily fine down his voice to a splendid pianissimo, drawing you in and enticing you to pay attention as opposed to banging you over your head like many other tenors do. Ivor Novello's 'Love is My Reason For Living' and Ernest Charles' 'Let My Song Fill Your Heart' are light, gracious Viennese waltzes. The familiar 'Roses of Picardy', 'Bird Songs at Eventide' and 'I'll Be Seeing You' are also sung sweetly and caressingly. Two more Novello songs are among the best tracks on the album. 'Someday My Heart Will Awake', is soft, gentle, and nostalgic, rising to a passionate conclusion. 'We'll Gather Lilacs' is obviously a love song from Heppner to his wife Karen (to whom the entire album is dedicated), full of yearning and deeply moving.

The operetta selections are even more special. In the Serenade from 'The Student Prince', which is alone worth the price of the CD, Heppner makes something truly thrilling of the declaration 'Oh, hear my longing cry!/Oh, love me or I die!', and ends with not one but two spectacular high Cs. What a pity that the chances of him ever recording the entire operetta are so slim! The cajolingly sung title song from 'The Desert Song' is almost as fine, as is 'Love Me Tonight' from 'The Vagabond King'. Finally, the title song 'I'll Follow My Secret Heart', with yet another brilliant high C, makes a splendid finish to this very enjoyable album.

I should also give credit to noted composer and orchestrator Jonathan Tunick for his warm, rich, and perfectly scaled arrangements of these songs. Like Heppner, he finds the perfect mood for each piece and never engages in schmaltz that one might expect from some of this material. The only complaint I have about this disc is the one I have about many contemporary CDs - why is there only 54 minutes of music on a medium that can hold almost 80 minutes? There are assuredly more than 18 songs Heppner could have recorded in this vein. I would have liked to have seen more operetta items in particular. Although I suppose they couldn't have recorded the Drinking Song from 'The Student Prince' as well as the Serenade without a chorus, it would have been nice if 'Deep In My Heart, Dear' had been included. Still, the quality of what is there far outweighs the quantity. The excellent documentation, in German and French as well as English, includes a personal note from Heppner, biographies of all the composers as well as Heppner and Tunick, and complete song texts. The cover shows Heppner surrounded by red velvet, designed, amusingly enough, by Red Herring Productions!

Whether you're an opera lover who wants to hear a great tenor in a lighter mood, or a fan of early 20th century popular music who is curious to see what it sounds like sung by a genuinely great voice, this disc is essential. It is an excellent introduction to Heppner's artistry if you haven't experienced it before, and after listening to it you might want to try some of his opera CDs, both solo recitals and complete recordings. There are few voices that could serve as a better introduction for a neophyte to the wonderful world of opera. If only more 'crossover' singers (both classical and pop) had Heppner's musical integrity...

This cd has left me speechless, wow!.......2001-02-18

Air give me air, I need lots of air, air, air.......This cd has caused me a lot of adverse breathing.

The things that I have read about Ben have been very true. He really is a lot more than I ever bargained for. He is THAT GOOD.

I need to go out on a limb and say that he is the best tenor I have ever heard. In my wildest dreams I never thought anyone could be that good.

For this cd Ben choose to sing a lot of standards. Bravo! This is my kind of music. Ben did an excellent job crooning us with his golden voice. He knew when to hold back and when to sing at full strength. This is marvelous how he worked each song to get the full meaning out of it.

The only complaint I have is there was not enough of the good olde songs that I wanted to hear Ben sing. I know it's hard to please all the people all the time and I understand where Ben was coming from.

This cd is a must for the fans of beautiful opera singers who crossover with popular music.

Average customer rating: Magnificent Hauntingly intimate, delicate and beautiful

in the shade of forests Manufacturer: Avie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Enescu, Georges | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0007RUSYY Release Date: 2005-05-24

Customer Reviews:

Magnificent.......2006-05-06

One of the best CDs we own. Terrific selection of material, exquisite renderings by sensitive masters. The Debussy Sonate Pour Violon et Piano is particularly gorgeous, the last complete thing he wrote. The expression here and everywhere on the disc is awe-inspiring. Flawless. It's hard to find words for such beauty.

Graffin is the perfect combination of perfection and invention, replete with the most masterful technique and expressive dynamics, and Desert is magical -- their synergy is unmatched. I wish they would come to Los Angeles to perform! I would be first in line.

Hauntingly intimate, delicate and beautiful.......2005-12-02

The image in front of the cover shows all the haunting beauty and delicacies that render this recording a first chioce over so many others.

I don't want to lose too words here, other than, if you buy this, you will not be disappointed. Graffin and Desert do a splendid job in bringing us the sadness and tragic of the gypsy life close to our ears.

Wonderful and unique. Especially listen to the Lutheal in ravel's "Tzigane"

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