Moroccan singer/songwriter Aziz Sahmaoui got his jazz chops performing with Joe Zawinul a number of years ago, and on this disc he mixes elements of Middle East grooves, jazz and even a tad of folk/rock on a festive session. Some tunes such as “InchAllah” are rich on Middle Eastern percussions that you’d expect at a late night wedding, while on the other hand you get some amazing work with folk stringed instruments on intoxicating tunes such as the charged “Mazal” and the enchanting starry eyed “Water-Line.” Sahmouai’s voice is middle tenor, richly nasal and earnest as he delivers an almost Byzantine call to worship on the intro “Lawah-Lawah” while he shows incredible chops here as well as on instrumental “Hada Majari.” A feel of the blues pops in on “ Yasmine” and a hint of East Africa guitar licks, Middle East Strings and western vocal harmonics make “Firdawss” for a melding of tastes that you hope stays in your mouth hours after digesting it, just like any worthwhile exotic meal. Dig in!
Harmonia Mundi