Rough Guide To Ali Hassan Kuban CD - Import

The late Ali Hassan Kuban was Nubia's greatest musical treasure, a man who helped make the region's music internationally known with a fire and a funk few have managed to duplicate. While this draws mostly from his five albums (with a big emphasis on Nubian Magic and Real Nubian: Cairo Wedding Classics), that's none the worse, making it a perfect introduction to the man from Nubia whose heart was in Muscle Shoals (or maybe Memphis -- either Tennessee or Egypt). And for the diehards who already love him, there are two excellent live cuts; the first, "Henna," from 1992, simply screams with energy, a man with a lot to say who is eager to be heard. "Gammal," from five years later, is equally powerful, but more subtle; Kuban had learned he didn't have to get in anyone's face to be listened to. The man made some remarkable music, blending Nubian and Egyptian elements with a natural feel for soul that crossed all geographical boundaries. He'll be missed, and this is an ideal tribute. ~ Chris Nickson

Trad.Nubian Music W/Jazz

Personnel includes: Ali Hassan Kuban, Sukkar Sukkar Sukkar, Mabruk, Hadouda, Habibi, Bettitogor Agil, Walla Abshero, Henna, Mabrouk Wo Arisna, Maria Maria, Samiry, Gammal, Eshmana, Daiman.

Recording information: Berlin, Germany; Cairo, Egypt.