Album Notes

Lush instrumentation and evocative interpretations of folk melodies from a geographical area covering Turkey and Armenia all the way to Andalusian Spain. Guitar, flute, sax and violin punctuated by Middle-eastern rhythms and seasoned with jazz and rock influences-- exuberance coupled with restraint. This is the penultimate dancer’s CD with rhythmic and a-rhythmic solo pieces and enough upbeat selections to create a captivating and cohesive medley. For the world music lover, a complete album, created with attention to every detail, using the very best production gear. Produced and engineered by Robyn Robins. Ensemble Al-Asdeka takes listeners on a melodic journey melding traditional Arabic music from long ago and far away with the modern instrumentation of jazz and rock. The fiery guitar work of D. Adam Estner, velvety flute melodies by Dan Giacobazzi, and evocative violin played by Natalie Beversluis weave a prismatic tapestry accentuated by driving Middle Eastern rhythms played by Kathy Roberts creating a sound that is uniquely their own. Founded in 2005 by tabla-player Kathy Roberts after years of living off and on in North Africa with versatile guitarist D. Adam Estner; Dan Giacobazzi, a long-time artist of many instruments and genres; and second generation fiddler Natalie Beversluis, the ensemble churns out hip shaking tunes that are greater Middle Eastern in flavor, seasoned with rock and jazz influences. -"Beautiful and interesting music. So hard to find and so well done.", George Young, Country Club Productions Pty. Ltd, Australia -"The hypnotic gypsy melodies of Ensemble Al-Asdeka will spice up a cold winter's night by transporting your shivering body to the hip-shaking shores of the Mediterranean with just one listen!", Emily Stavrou, production coordinator for Schuler Books and Music -"... the music of Ensemble Al-Asdeka combines riveting Middle Eastern folk music with a modern jazz/rock twist. Listen to the track "Shashkin" and tell me it's not mesmerizing stuff." John Sinkevics, music reviewer for the Grand Rapids Press. We are SO happy to hear that dogs love our music! See review below: More reviews on iTunes