In review--Out of Egypt
Hossam Ramzy Rhythms of the Nile Introduction to Egyptian Dane Rhythms Arc Music Hossam Ramzy Presents Egyptian Sufi Sheikh Mohamed Al Helbawy Arc Music Hossam Ramzy’s Rhythms of the Nile goes back to 1997, but this double-CD set provides a primer for drummers wishing to check out Egyptian drums and rhythms. The recording features two workshops that Ramzy taught for an Egyptian Dance school in London, England. Ramzy gives clear demonstration of various rhythms, their context, and explains the different beats. The list of rhythms include, Masmoudi, a broad rhythm used in Egypt, Fallahi used by Egyptian farmers, Zaar, which is used to drive evil spirits away complete with a ceremony, and the classical rhythm Samaai for starters. The CD might seem out of context for a non-drummer or for someone just wanting to hear Egyptian drums. However, I would recommend Rhythms of the Nile for anyone researching Egyptian...