Wewantsounds Vinyl & CDs

Review: Ammar El Sherei's intoxicating instrumental album Oriental Music was written in 1976 and has remained a cult classic for all the deep diggers, world music lovers and curio obsessives. For this record, the iconic Egyptian artist, composer and producer actually served up his own take on six classic compositions by another Egyptian legend, Mohamed Abdel Wahab. The results are utterly hypnotic and majestic melodic affairs with organic drums and percussion and North African melodies that worm their way deep into your brain and transport you to the hustle and bustle of a dusty open air market or street side coffee spot.

Review: Ammar El Sherei's 1976 instrumental gem is one of those cult albums that record collectors love to have in their arsenal to, well, show off with. It finds the legendary Egyptian composer reinterpreting seven classics by Mohamed Abdel Wahab and in doing so he waves traditional Arabic melodies into funky arrangements and electric keyboard experimentation. This hypnotic fusion highlights El Sherei's unique perspective and knack for bridging heritage and innovation. Curated and annotated by Arabic music expert Mario Choueiry from Paris' Institut du Monde Arabe, this reissue features newly remastered audio and original Soutelphan artwork so is a no-brainer for fans of vintage yet adventurous Arabic grooves.