"Mesmerizing and romantic with its lush instrumentation and hypnotic melodies"
says Emily Stavrou, production coordinator for Schuler Books and Music
"... the music of Ensemble Al-Asdeka combines riveting Middle Eastern folk music with a modern jazz/rock twist. Listen to the track "Shashkin" and tell me it's not mesmerizing stuff. "
John Sinkevics, music reviewer for the Grand Rapids Press
Our CD was produced and mastered by Robyn Robins.
Ensemble Al-Asdeka takes listeners on a melodic journey melding traditional Arabic music from long ago and far away with the modern instrumentation of jazz and rock. The fiery guitar work of D. Adam Estner, velvety flute melodies by Dan Giacobazzi, and evocative violin played by Natalie Beversluis weave a prismatic tapestry accentuated by driving Middle Eastern rhythms played by Kathy Roberts creating a sound that is uniquely their own.
Founded in 2005 by tabla-player Kathy Roberts after years ofliving off and on in North Africa with versatile guitarist D. Adam Estner; Dan Giacobazzi, a long-time artist of many instruments and genres; and second generation fiddler Natalie Beversluis, the ensemble churns out danceable tunes that are greater Middle Eastern in flavor, seasoned with rock and jazz influences.They performed weekly at Mezze’ Café’ and Cabaret in Grand Rapids, MI in 2006 and Bliss Music Festival in Goodheart, MI in 2006 and 2007, and various other musical events around western Michigan.
Sounds kind of like Santana meets Laurence of Arabia and Rodrigo y Gabriela for belly dance: Influences include the Mermen, Dick Dale, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Jose Luis Monton, Pharaoh’s Daughter, Ozel Turkbas.
Artist’s statement: There is a Western pop sound to much of the popular music coming from Egypt and surrounding areas these days.Many traditional instruments and musical phrasings have been replaced by Western elements.Countering this trend, Arabic musicians in the US are studying, teaching and performing traditional songs in the traditional way and composing modern pieces using this concept.Forming a similar ensemble in our area was the original intent; but after hearing D. Adam Estner’sBrazilian-style guitar work, it became apparent that the sound should reflect the backgrounds and techniques of the musicians comprising the ensemble. We listen to a lot of Mid-Eastern traditional music, study the musical vocabulary—then have some fun with our improvs.We hope our versions of these Turkish, Egyptian or Sephardic melodies create a unique experience for the listener.
Visit our Myspace page for music clips and make us your friend and favorite www.myspace.com/alasdeka
Want to be added to our mailing list for concert updates and CD release? CLICK HERE
