Gypsy Fire Most Exciting Bell [Import]

It's lots of fun to listen to. Those who are _completely_ new to middle eastern music might not like a few of the tracks the first time they hear them, but at least half of them are perfect for all audiences.

I recommend it to dancers of all levels: it's great for beginners because the pieces are classics they should be familiar with, and they're easy to dance to. At the same time, they're played with such energy and finesse that experienced dancers (who have heard them a million times) will have plenty to work with and won't be bored.

WARNING TO DANCERS: this CD can spoil you for other bands! Very few will play these songs with this much STYLE!

My personal favorite is Minoush, which has a great jazzy sound that reminds me of the photos of the "golden age" 8th avenue dancers from the 60s.

I noticed that Amazon didn't include track lengths (which I'm always interested in as a dancer), so here they are:

-Konyali 2:34
-Beledy 3:05
-Minoush 3:37
-Istemem Babacim 4:10
-Rompi Rompi 4:13
-Fincan 4:38
-Nihavent 4:48
-siseler 4:59
-Kadife 5:54
-Muhabbet 8:13 (the first 2:16 are a taqsim)

I hope they put out a sequel some day.

Rhythmically this cd is a dream. Melodically it's just as good. Richard Hagopian (oud), Omar Faruk Tekbilek (ney and zurna), and Yuri Yunakov (alto saxophone) are probably the most well-known musicians here (and they are all brilliant, each providing many highlights throughout this cd), but I want to make special mention here of Harold Hagopian (violin) who may be overlooked in the shadow of his father, Richard. I first got turned onto the Hagopians from the Armenian Music Through The Ages cd, again under Richards name, but his son Harold is a stunning violinist. This isn't one of those "Oh my mom and/or dad is famous so I got lucky and have a career because of them" situations. Harold is a flat-out brilliant violinist.

Aside from just being fantastic music, I also love the spirit of this cd. This is such joyful, jubilant music. All brought about because some people of different backgrounds and ethnicities realize that diversity and "the whole" can reap amazing rewards. You will never ever get depressed from listening to this cd.

I too am puzzled by the earlier "too authentic" comment. "Too authentic" doesn't even exist in my world. I fear this comment probably came from having a case of Ry Cooder-itis. You know, really bland guy with some fame decides to water a certain "ethnic music" down so that it is more popular and palatable to the American mainstream.

This cd is one of those perfect examples of The Anti-Ry Cooder syndrome.

I do know that I listen to alot of recordings that would not appeal to many people. That's fine. This cd though, this is one of those things that I think a vast number of people would love if they were exposed to it. If you're on the fence about whether or not to get it, just buy it. I think your chances of not enjoying it are very slim.