Simon Shaheen - Saltanah (LP)

Simon Shaheen's "Saltanah" is a captivating journey through the enchanting world of gnawa music, released on December 6, 2011, under the Water Lily Acoustics label. This album, spanning a little over an hour, is a testament to Shaheen's virtuosity and his ability to blend Middle Eastern and Western musical traditions seamlessly.

The album features five tracks, each a unique fusion of ragas and maqams, showcasing Shaheen's deep understanding and mastery of both Indian and Arabic musical scales. "Dawn" opens the album with a mesmerizing blend of Rag Kirwani and Maqam Nahawand, setting the tone for the rest of the journey. "Ghazal" follows, combining Rag Vasant Mukhari and Maqam Hijaz to create a hauntingly beautiful melody.

The title track, "Saltanah," is a standout piece, merging Rag Bagashri and Maqam 'Ajam Mu'addal to produce a rich, evocative soundscape. "Mists" continues the exploration of this fusion, with Rag Pahari and Maqam 'Ajam creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. The album concludes with "Dusk," a piece that blends Rag Bhairavi and Maqam Kurd, providing a serene and contemplative end to the musical experience.

Shaheen's skillful use of the oud and violin, along with his deep understanding of both musical traditions, makes "Saltanah" a compelling listen for anyone interested in world music and the fusion of different musical cultures.