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Avishai Darash featuring Marmoucha Orchestra: Andalusian Love Song
ByThe title tune opens the set with a sprightly dance rhythm and a sinuous melody which features the composer's piano, along with a full array of orchestral colors. Trombonist Pablo Martinez takes a commanding solo, capped off by a brief restatement of the theme. "Kartana" slows things down with a lyrical orchestra theme, then makes space for Mohamed Ahaddaf 's oud solo. "Longing-Sadness" focuses on the strings, but again features the oud in a solo role. "Twishya Hijaz El Kbir" is distinguished by Arin Keshishi's bass solo, as well as a percussion section spotlight.
"Prakriti" is a rhythmic workout for the piano and the rhythm section, showcasing Darash's piano playing as well as Yoran Vroom's drums (along with the other percussionists). "Mohamed's Blues" also focuses on the core band, including another bass solo. "The Day After" reintroduces the whole orchestra, with the strings, brass and woodwind instruments making a strong impression. "Arriving Home" concludes the album with an upbeat rhythmic groove, an exciting ending to a powerful multifaceted collection of music. Darash's best album to date, Andalusian Love Song continues his evolutionary path as composer and pianist.
Track Listing
Andalusian Love Song; Kartana; She's The Perfume In The Wind; Longing-Sadness; Twishya Hijaz El Kbir; Prakriti; Mohamed's Blues; The Day After; Arriving Home.
Personnel
Avishai Darash
pianoMohamed Ahaddaf
oudJessy Hay
guitarArin Keshishi
bassEmad Ghajjou
percussionUdo Demandt
percussionYoran Vroom
drumsMaria Cristina Gonzales
fluteGidon Nunez Vaz
trumpetClaudia Valenzuela
violinSophie de Rijk
violinOene Van Geel
violaLucas Stam
celloAdditional Instrumentation
Avishai Daarsh: piano, compositions, arrangements; Pablo Martinez, trombone; Mohamed Ahaddaf: ud; Emad Ghajjou: darbuka; Udo Demandt: world percussion; Maripepa Contreras Gamez: oboe, arrangement for “The Day After;” Claudia Valenzuela: 1st violin; Sophie De Rijk: 2nd violin.
Album information
Title: Andalusian Love Song | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Marmoucha/SENA