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Middle-Earth Ensemble : Passage
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Original and traditonal bellydance friendly Mediterranean fusion music, from upbeat and danceable, to dark and mysterious.
Genre: World: Middle East Contemporary
Release Date: 2009
Passage
Middle-Earth Ensemble
Record Label: Middle-Earth Ensemble
  • Buy CD - $12.97
  • Download Album (MP3) - $9.99

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Preview Song Name Time Buy
1. Gibraltar 4:35 + MP3 $0.99
2. El Helwa Di 5:42 + MP3 $0.99
3. Passage 4:02 + MP3 $0.99
4. Uskudara Giderken 4:58 + MP3 $0.99
5. Cairo Beats (drum solo) 4:19 + MP3 $0.99
6. Galiciana 4:22 + MP3 $0.99
7. King Ramzy 4:46 + MP3 $0.99
8. Rompi Rompi 5:03 + MP3 $0.99
9. Mirayah\'s Veil 6:05 + MP3 $0.99
10. Shobi Time (drum solo) 2:26 + MP3 $0.99
11. Tamr Henna 6:39 + MP3 $0.99
12. Lileta 3:28 + MP3 $0.99
13. Nadya 3:56 + MP3 $0.99
14. Ottomar 4:51 + MP3 $0.99
15. La Leyenda del Beso 3:46 + MP3 $0.99
16. Bonus Track: King Ramzy (Toonsee Remix) 5:55 + MP3 $0.99
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Album Notes

Middle-Earth Ensemble from San Diego, Ca creates a unique gypsy infused sound, inspired by music of the Mediterranean and Middle-East. Their music has fueled the hips of many a belly dancer in the Southern California area and worldwide. The latest CD "Passage" goes beyond what they they have achieved before, with more emphasis on original material, while continuing to draw on traditional and fusion styles as varied as Arabic, Turkish, Moorish, Spanish, Gypsy, Celtic, and Classical. The title track "Passage" includes Indian tablas and exemplifies the fusion that Middle-Earth has created, capturing an urgency and tension/release throughout its journey. Other notable tracks include "Mirayah's Veil" a dream-like ballad set to a chiftetelli and marked by harmonics of 12 string acoustic guitar and stirring vocals. Bellydance afficionados will surely recognize the new renditions of " Rompi Rompi" and "Tamr Henna". Another original "King Ramzy" will appeal to tribal belly dancers, and also includes a stunning re-mix as a bonus track. Two new drum solos appear with powerful, complex yet danceable arrangements. This release transcends the belly dance genre however, and includes a variety of styles and sounds that would be sure to please anyone interested in or curious about Middle-Eastern music.
Professionally recorded and mastered. and clocking in at over 74 minutes, this is a package that delivers.


Middle-Earth Ensemble:
Andy Villas-Boas- Bass, vocals, guitar
Anthony Sarain- Flute, saxophone, piccolo
Frank Lazzaro- Doumbeks, riqq, deff, zills, percussion
Michael Mesleh- Oud, guitar
Robert Rotzler- Violin, mandolin, viola

with:
Toonsee- oud on "Ottomar", “Rompi Rompi “and keyboard on "King Ramzy"
Remix on “King Ramzy (Toonsee Remix)
Jas Ahluwalia- Indian tablas on "Passage"


Produced by Middle-Earth Ensemble
Recorded and mixed by Jon Russo, CV Studios La Jolla. CA
Mastered by Sandy Solomon

Booking Info: contact Frank Lazzaro 760-703-1487
http://www.middleearthband.net

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REVIEWS

Urge to dance...
author: Liliana Sanchez, Belly Dance Magazine
                            
Middle-Earth is what I consider to be a belly dancer's band. As I listened to the first track on their new CD Passage, I immediately had the sudden urge to dance, and share with our readers my new find.
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Enjoyable World Fusion...
author: Frank Kocher, San Diego Troubadour Magazine
                            
Passage offers a montage of many sounds and musical places. It is an enjoyable experience for listeners who are fans of world fusion music and offers an interesting glimpse who are new to this genre. All of the players are masters of their craft, and the 74 minutes gives each moments to shine.
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President, San Diego Area Middle-Eastern Dance Association (SAMEDA)
author: Lucia
                            
When first listening to Passage, I was impressed with the soulful, unique gypsy infused sound. It reminds me of a journey through Spain, Turkey and the Middle East. In track fifteen, a visit to old world Spain is delivered. The rhythms are complex and dramatic. This CD demonstrates Middle-Earth’s diverse repertoire. A collection of delightful music – for any occasion and dancers of all levels. This CD is a fine blend of classical Arabic music, influenced by Middle-Earth’s notable sparkling fusion blends.
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Fantabulous!!!
author: Taji
                            
These guys just get better and better. Too bad that i don't live closer so i could dance to them more often. The Cd quality is good and they have gone in some new directions. There is a little something for everybody on here--Egyptian, Turkish, Spanish-influence, dreamy veil and of course the great drum solos.
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