World Music, in the true sense of term incorporates the nuances of all cultures including Celtic, i.e. Western music. Most generally, it is all the music in the world and was initially described as Folk or Ethnic music. I had come across this intriguing term during my research on music and its genres and was determined to delve deeper into this branch. Needless to say, the music aficionados whom I knew did not have much knowledge of it sparing some much applauded Spanish, Latin and French artistes. I was tired of them- the sounds were not much different from that of what I had already heard owing to Enrique and Ricky Martin. Salsa was another reason why this did not hold me spellbound. The sounds were nothing more than a lot of Spanish guitar and the folk drums of Spain both clubbed together to give a foot tapping, but, not a genuine sound nevertheless.
I came across Idan Raichel’s mention for the first time in a weekend supplement. “Lose yourself to Idan”- it said as the bottom-line. And yes, I did, ever since. He totally quenched my thirst for that genuine music that I had so craved to hear. This was not an artist who made music for money or fame as they usually do. There was a certain divinity in the music that I heard, it came from another world altogether. It brought with it the voice of the desert, of waiting, pain, love and loss- it brought with it an honest appeal- it brought with in an identity. Bo’ee (Come with me) totally took one to the lone and distending sands, finally broadening one’s vision out into the space. Mima’amakim (Out of the depths) spoke out the depths of one’s mind and liberated one from all the inner shackles that bound us to ourselves. Im Telech (If you go) rendered the longing of a lover who promised to wait and was still waiting, teary eyed. His collaboration with the famed Ivri Lider, Flowers, a meditative track hypnotized one and gave the rare feeling of serenity with the world and the soul. Shuvi El Beyti (Return to my home), with its amazing vocals and outstanding blend of the sounds of the flute, guitar and traditional folk drums is a musical piece worth admiring and which too, like his other compositions mirrors the ethnicity of the middle east.
A glimpse at the translated versions of this utterly diverse composer shows his curiosity about the spiritual aspect of life and echoes his erudite nature. The same can be felt by the nature in which the songs have been composed.
There are those who play music for monetary gains, others for fame and some for expressing themselves. It is reflected in the kind of music they play and its quality. But there are others who do so for the love of it. And they truly romance the rhythm. That is the kind which is enjoyed by all and stays eternal.
I came across Idan Raichel’s mention for the first time in a weekend supplement. “Lose yourself to Idan”- it said as the bottom-line. And yes, I did, ever since. He totally quenched my thirst for that genuine music that I had so craved to hear. This was not an artist who made music for money or fame as they usually do. There was a certain divinity in the music that I heard, it came from another world altogether. It brought with it the voice of the desert, of waiting, pain, love and loss- it brought with it an honest appeal- it brought with in an identity. Bo’ee (Come with me) totally took one to the lone and distending sands, finally broadening one’s vision out into the space. Mima’amakim (Out of the depths) spoke out the depths of one’s mind and liberated one from all the inner shackles that bound us to ourselves. Im Telech (If you go) rendered the longing of a lover who promised to wait and was still waiting, teary eyed. His collaboration with the famed Ivri Lider, Flowers, a meditative track hypnotized one and gave the rare feeling of serenity with the world and the soul. Shuvi El Beyti (Return to my home), with its amazing vocals and outstanding blend of the sounds of the flute, guitar and traditional folk drums is a musical piece worth admiring and which too, like his other compositions mirrors the ethnicity of the middle east.
A glimpse at the translated versions of this utterly diverse composer shows his curiosity about the spiritual aspect of life and echoes his erudite nature. The same can be felt by the nature in which the songs have been composed.
There are those who play music for monetary gains, others for fame and some for expressing themselves. It is reflected in the kind of music they play and its quality. But there are others who do so for the love of it. And they truly romance the rhythm. That is the kind which is enjoyed by all and stays eternal.
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