"What we need is some positive effect." These words from the first song on Doc Jazz's album make it perfectly clear that as far as he is concerned, the struggle for Palestine is far from over.
The album 'Front Door Key', his first professionally produced album, is dedicated to the Palestinian right of return. But that's not all. The man behind this is not a musician by profession, but a medical doctor, in fact a surgeon. Being in the proud possession of an original copy of this unique album, we decided to write a review about this astonishing and heart-touching musical pamphlet for the Palestinian cause.
First of all, the music of Front Door Key has a sound that is very pleasant to the ears, with musical craftsmanship of a high level. This is obviously due to the professional production by Forrest Thomas, and the other American session musicians he included in the recordings. What struck us most, were the amazing sounds of the saxophone player, Susanne Alt.
The track 'Running Out of Time', after the positive and funky opening with 'Positive Effect', sets the standard for the album's irresistible and catchy sound. Also, the 'Wall Must Fall' with its strong political message and its laid back beat, illustrates how this album was put together to high musical standards. We were happy to see that Doc Jazz also included a song for Jenin, 'Home', a melancholic but nevertheless hope-giving tune that touches on the Palestinian people's most sensitive issue, their home.
In 'Intifadah', our favorite song, he introduces one of the most authentic Palestinian instruments, the shibbabeh, in a powerful and funky rap song that sums up almost the entire Palestinian cause.
Doc Jazz's lyrics are at times brilliant, but they don't limit themselves to political issues. Maybe he is trying to tell the world that Palestinians are not only about politics, but are human beings whose emotions and aspirations are no different than those of any other people because he included some sensitive love songs too, namely 'My Love' and 'For Life'. There is a lot to say about every song, but this review would become too long, if we said something about every one of the twelve amazing songs on the album.
We believe that doctor Tariq, Doc Jazz, has given the world a precious gift by making this CD. This gift is not only the gift of great music that will uplift your spirits even in these hard times, but also a gift to the world by having made music that is accessible to all age groups and cultures, in a language that most people in the world can understand, so that everyone can hear the message.
This is why we believe that anyone who loves music, and who loves Palestine, or who wants to learn more about the cause, should try to obtain a copy of this CD. With all the credit due to other artists who dedicated their music to Palestine in the English language, what Doc Jazz has made stands unique and unchallenged as the best Palestinian pop music in the world. Doc you rock, any self respecting DJ anywhere in the world should include your songs in their program. Palestine loves you back!
Dalia Hatem & Khaled Mansour, Amman, Jordan
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