Product Description Smadj, the shaman of oud, uses acoustics and technology to shape a superb musical jigsaw whose charm arises from an affectionate marriage between tradition(s) and modernity. Reflections of the blues, fado, tango, flamenco and Arabic classical music all weave through the music. Jean-Pierre Smadja, aka Smadj, was raised by Tunisian parents in the suburbs of Paris. Smadj developed an early obsession with combining jazz and Arabic music together. His fusion of global influences and Parisian jazz funk expresses an extraordinary breadth of influences, from oriental to Brazilian music, to jazz, funk and soul. He makes his Jazz Village debut his latest album, Spleen, recorded over a period of five years 2010-15. Smadj utiltises acoustic oud, electric oud and electronics on the album, which also features guest appearances by Ballaké Sissoko, Ibrahim Maalouf and Bojan Z among others. "I was thrilled to work on these themes dear to my heart: nostalgia, exile, melancholy, the blues, in short... spleen." Smadj Review 4 STARS 'Dark, introspective, but cinematic and futuristic close to trip hop this new record brings together some terrific guests...in a quite sentimental record, adding new lines to the history of this ancient instrument.' --Songlines Oct 2015
C**A
Exceptional Excellence
This is a particularly outstanding collection of songs from Smadj, who's music I've followed with great appetite throughout the years. His individual style shown all along is complex and varied throughout his eclectic history. He typically sets the bar very high, and now brings his best to the forefront with this album. Born in Tunesia, now living in Paris, he blends his roots in jazz with a unique world flavor of acoustic electronic sounds pulsating with life. I never know what's next with this artist, there's a surprise around every corner. Sample some of these songs, look him up and check out his bio on his website. He is undeniably gifted, and shows his powerful imagination here in ways I've not heard before.
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