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CD review: Zein Al-Jundi ‘Sharrafouni’
Austin’s Zein Al-Jundi is a multi-hyphenate — concert promoter-importer-entrepreneur-belly dance instructor-singer — so it’s no surprise that her second album is a high-energy affair.
Recorded mainly in Beirut, Lebanon and Al-Jundi’s native Damascus, Syria, the 11 tracks blend traditional Arabic music with a variety of Western influences and a sensibility likely to appeal to fans of both world music and chill-out electronica. “Tab Toll” launches with a stinging rock thrust that gets absorbed into a polyrhythmic swirl, while “Tamalli Habibi” incorporates discofied salsa and a smooth jazz-funk bassline. Accordion and synth strings almost tango on “Habib El Alb,” where a male chorus acts as a foil for Al-Jundi’s gauzy, supple soprano. The title track begins the album with swooping synth strings and a lilting vocal over skittering percussion, and recurs at the end in a more driving, bass-heavy dance remix. Al-Jundi occasionally veers into something like the Arabic equivalent of easy listening, but overall, appealing melodies, interesting arrangements and complex, agile beats prevail.
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