Album Notes

From traditional Middle Eastern and Gypsy sounds to carnival tunes and film score excerpts, composer Rebecca Wolf-Nail has compiled a unique blend of her music to use in all styles of belly dance.

Track Notes for Experiments in Bellydance

Fusion: A mix of Middle Eastern and Flamenco rhythms with cello and ambient cymbals.

Distant Fire: A haunting melody for flute and percussion.

The Obligatory 3-Minute Drum Solo: A traditional Middle Eastern drum solo in the usually-demanded length.

Gypsy Dances: Originally written for the Seattle Composers' Alliance annual fundraiser for Gilda's Club, this piece for string quartet and percussion features Gypsy melodies and rhythms.

The Sol Bloom Jam: A circus-flavored tribute to the man who brought belly dance to the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. He also wrote the infamous "Snake Charmer" tune, which is heard in countless cartoons.

Nocturne: A 3-part Nocturne for orchestra and traditional percussion. Written for a dance that follows an imaginary nocturnal bird through its awakening, hunting and celebration of life before the dawn breaks and it returns to sleep.

Flame and Shadow: Inspired by the Zambra Moora, a dance showing the historical link between belly dance and flamenco. Dedicated to Maria Morca, one of the few teachers of this beautiful dance. For guitar and percussion--you add the finger cymbals and heelwork!

Warrior Medley, Last Battle, and Pyre: Excerpts from Rebecca Wolf-Nail's score for the film "Warrior's End," directed by Bjorn Anderson.

When Clowns Attack: Calliope, old-time piano and a music box make music for mischievous clowns.

The Poison Wine Dance: A comedy-noire tango for clarinet. From the score of "I24," in which 3 would-be murderers pass a glass of poisoned wine around and around a table…

Surf Forever: Caribbean meets rock in this song for surfing, dancing zombies.

Track Listing for Experiments in Bellydance

1. Fusion (3:01)

2. Distant Fire (3:38)

3. The Obligatory 3-Minute Drum Solo (3:00)

4. Flame and Shadow (5:25)

5. The Sol Bloom Jam (5:03)

6. Nocturne: The Awakening (2:39)

7. Nocturne: The Hunt (3:05)

8. Nocturne: Sunrise (2:03)

9. Warrior Medley (4:04)

10. Gypsy Dances (7:21)

11. When Clowns Attack (3:31)

12. The Poison Wine Dance (4:03)

13. Last Battle (1:56)

14. Pyre (1:45)

15. Surf Forever (1:39)