Sir Richard Bishop: The Freak of Araby

This the first time EVER that Sir Richard Bishop has performed ANY of his solo material with a band. I’m really digging the groove of this record  – Sir Richard’s guitarwork slithers across beguiling hand percussion and ethnic flourishes in a way that I’ve never quite heard, even from the musicians he emulates. This is no ‘world music’ record; this is an original statement by a consistently innovative artist. The record drops on May 26th, just in time for hazily roaming windswept desert bazaars or throwing pool / opium parties this summer.

From Drag City:

“Sir Richard Bishop celebrates the musical voices of the Middle East and North Africa, especially from the late 1960s and early 1970s. Electric guitar with percussion is the main focus of the album and include interpretations of songs by some of the Middle East’s most vibrant composers (Mohammed Abdel Wahab, the Rahbani Brothers, Farid Al-Atrache and others). Many of these songs are inspired by the late Omar Khorshid “King of Arabic Guitar”, who played in Abdel Wahab’s orchestra and also accompanied the great Oum Khoulthoum on many occasions. This album is melodic, vibrant and dynamic, and a rare treat to listeners who may not be familiar with the electric sound that permeated the countries of Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria 40 years ago. The Freak of Araby is a collection of songs that nicely represents the changing moods and energies that always permeate this region of the world. When you listen, take in the rhythm and endless spurts of melodic and psychedelic transcendental guitar.”

[ stream ] Kaddak el Mayass

=tyler=

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Arthur Benefit CD: Transmissions From Sinai

“Here are sixteen reports, differing approaches that, through their own individualized methods, access the one ground. It’s a privilege and blessing to have known many of the musicians on this disc, to have shared in song with some, and stages with others. In all cases I have been the healed recipient of their craft sitting alone with my headphones… Here is their auditory journal.”

—Al Cisneros February 2009

1. Lichens – “Kopernik Trip Note” (previously unreleased)
2. Linval Thompson – “Wicked Babylon”
3. Grouper – “Everyone in Turn”
4. Current 93 – “Mockingbird”
5. Quixotic – “The Breeze”
6. Scott Kelly – “The Ladder In My Blood”
7. Hush Arbors – “The Valley”
8. Mia Doi Todd – “Night of a Thousand Kisses”
9. Six Organs of Admittance – “Bar-Nasha” (previously unreleased)
10. Holy Sons – “Drifter’s Sympathy”
11. Pantaleimon – “At Dawn”
12. Grails – “Acid Rain”
13. Sir Richard Bishop – “Almeria” (previously unreleased)
14. J. Mascis – “War” (previously unreleased)
15. Wino – “Silver Lining”
16. Alpha & Omega – “David and Goliath”

All proceeds go to supporting Arthur Magazine’s mission.                             Curated by Al Cisneros (of Om, Sleep). Edition of 1,000.

Pre-Order

-kevin-

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