Illumination CD

1997

Timeless, exquisite... 'Illumination' transports listeners on a rare international pilgrimage, subtly entwining the old and new while mesmerizing listeners with passion, colorful beauty and intense serenity.

1. Maitreem
2. Song of the Water
3. White Shadows
4. Jinete
5.Tiruvai
6. Taktoka
7. Rhythmic Rain
8. Nabil
9. A la una yo naci
10. The Nineteen
11. Martil
12. Departure
13. Illumination
(54 minutes total)

A graceful and distinctive ensemble straddling continents in its cultural voice, centuries in its array of techniques. Opulent music forms are combined with rich and unusual instrumentation such as the oud (parent of the Renaissance lute) flamenco guitar, darbuka, ney, oudu, piano, violin. Vocals sung in Ladino, Arabic Sanskrit and Tamil, creating a sublime, passionate music filled with magical calm"

"Music & musicianship
that took our breath away!"
The College Music Society

LINEAR NOTES:
Al-Andalus: Between Antiquity & the Renaissance, 'Al-Andalus' refers to the Islamic empire in Spain which spanned the 8th-15th centuries. A unique moment in world history, Al-Andalus was where three worlds met. Under Moorish rule, Muslims, Jews and Christians lived together in relative peace & harmony inspiring a calm exchange of ideas and cultural flowering. These diverse cultures came together for a cultural explosion forming a unique social fabric.

This Andalusian tradition is our contemporary creative inspiration, a thread connecting many musical and cultural traditions. What is especially unique about Al-Andalus is that in addition to performing traditional Spanish & Arabo-Andalusian works, Al-Andalus also excels in composing contemporary works based on the Andalusian legacy. A creative journey that mirrors cross-cultural communication, subtly uniting sound and movement, merging poetry and fine arts, the old and new are entwined, captivating the audience with colorful intensity and beauty.

The performance group Al-Andalus began with Tarik and Julia Banzi together with Rasgui Boujemaa in Madrid, Spain in 1986 and was officially founded 1989 in Portland, Oregon by Tarik & Julia Banzi and Margarita Bruce. It has performed, given master classes, and offered lecture demonstrations to diverse audiences in Europe and the U.S.A.

flamenco painting A group of 2-9 artists (musicians, singers, dancers, visual artists). The members are from many diverse cultures including African, Arab, Spanish, Sephardic, Hispanic, Persian and South Indian communities. Respectfully uniting the past with the present, performing traditional works from these cultures with native artists as well as create new works uniting our cultural pasts, forging a graceful and distinctive ensemble sound.

A culmination of years of performing together, much of this music was recorded and mixed while the comet Hyakutake filled our northern skies (1996). It is a comet which passes the earth only once every 18,000 years and its presence in the sky filled us with awe and inspiration. We hope this recording illuminates your life the way it has ours.

May peace be with you--Al-andalus

ILLUMINATION INDIVIDUAL TRACK INFORMATION

1. Maitreem: 3:39 Arr.: Tarik & Julia Banzi
Vocals: Ranjani Krishnan
Lyrics: K. Paramaharya (sung in Sanskrit)
Tuning: M.S. Subalakshmi. (Tuning in Carnatic music is blending lyrics with the characteristic features of a chosen scale).
Ranjani interprets a prayer for world peace composed for a United Nations event. Flamenco traces its roots to Indian music. ABC RADIO: (sweetly melodious song delivered in Sanskrit by Ranjani. She's accompanied by Tarik's oud & percussion & Julia's guitar. The lyric is a prayer for peace, penned for a United Nations event).
Ranjani interprets a prayer for world peace composed for a United Nations event. Flamenco traces its roots to Indian music.
Let us conquer the world through
friendship and love.
Let us think of others
in the same way we think of ourselves.
Let us banish wars.
Let us eschew envious rivalry.
Let God almighty show mercy
and save this mother earth
from lust and grief.
Give and receive kindness from all people.
Let all the people of the world
be blessed with
happiness and fulfillment.

2. Song of the Water
5:51 Tarik and Julia Banzi. Water is our first music even before we are born. The peoples of Al-Andalus were well aware of the music of water, and utilized it wherever possible throughout their homes and palaces in the form of water clocks, fountains, pools and even handrails cascading with water.

3. White Shadows

4:14 Tarik Banzi
The oud is the parent of the Renaissance
lute and guitar. The oud's unique
possibilities as a concert instrument
gleam in this improvised solo by Tarik.

4. Jinete
5:26: Tarik & Julia Banzi Garcia Lorca was one of Spain's greatest poets and playwrights. His writings were influenced by early translations of Arabigo Andalus poetry. This is a song originally composed for Lorca's play Bodas de Sangre.

5.Tiruvai
5:51 Arr.: Tarik and Julia Banzi. Vocals: Ranjani Krishnan.
Lyrics: Bharatiyar (freedom struggler of India).
ABC RADIO: (Ranjani's Female vocal in Tamil with delicate, but limber flamenco guitar (Julia), & oud (Tarik) to fore, plus percussion. The lyric's author was an early 20th century poet/ activist who championed Indian independence, equality between sexes, & an end to discriminations based on caste or religion. Bio of Bharatiyar at: www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/6551/bharathi.htm

Sung in the Tamil language. This song
addresses the fate and uncertainty of life.
We depend on fate to be triumphant.
Knowing this, why do we get troubled?

6. Taktoka

4:24 Tarik & Julia Banzi
The pattern 9/8 is the basic rhythm of the
taktokah, a type of music of Andalusian
origin still played in pueblos of Morocco.

7. Rhythmic Rain
4:06 Tarik Banzi
ABC RADIO: (the composer's solo darbuka in a progressively-building piece. The instrument's name has innumerable other spellings, & the "dumbek" is the same instrument. It can be made of various materials, real & synthetic. Around the Mediterannean's eastern & southern shores it's the nigh ubiquitous goblet-shaped, hand-drum. The "original" was made of clay, with an animal-skin playing surface).

The fabric of time is explored in this improvised solo on darbuka. It exemplifies
the immense range of sounds available on this clay drum.

8. Nabil
5:24 Tarik & Julia Banzi Additional performers: Rasgui Boujemaa,
Billy Oskay. Based on a Classical Arabic
10/8 rhythm called Samaii Thakil.
To your soul, the noblest soul.
To your soul, Oh... Nabil....

9. A la una yo naci
5:35 Traditional Ladino, Arr. & performed by Tarik & Julia Banzi. Vocals: Ranjani Krishnan.
Viola: Billy Oskay.
ABC Radio: ( haunting Sephardic song, sung in Ladino the language of the Iberian peninsula's substantial Jewish population, pre-1492. Female Indian vocalist Ranjani Khrisnan is the singer, Billy Oskay plays the viola. Al-Andalus' co-leaders Tark & Julia Banzi play, repsecitvely the oud plus percussion & the flamenco guitar.

A traditional love song of the Jews of Al-Andalus, or Sephardim. It is sung in Ladino a language closely akin to Castilian Spanish.
At one I was born. At two I grew up.
At three I took a lover. At four I married.
Soul, life, and heart...

10. The Nineteen:
2:07 Tarik Banzi
ABC RADIO: (hypnotic piece built around water-percussion. "Bass" played {I think} on a sintir/guimbri definitely has more than a whiff of Gnawa music/ritual).

A water piece in the 19/4 Classical Arabic rhythm called Al-Aufar. It uses water as a percussive instrument.

11. Martil: 4:44 Composed, performed by Tarik & Julia Banzi with piano of Joe Heinemann. This piece is one of a series of original pieces dedicated to water and recalls the hypnotic effects of the sea. Martil is a seaside pueblo in the North
of Morocco.

12. Departure
3:27 Tarik Banzi Making the Samaii Thakil (slow 10/8) a Samii Saria'(fast 10/8) to bring it firmly into our times.

flamenco painting
13. Illumination
2:59 Tarik and Julia Banzi. Based on the flamenco rhythm Soliare por Buleria which are the quintessence of introspective dancing, restrained yet passionate, noble yet sensitive.

To order CD's
click to see all selections
You may now order our CD's online secure, fast and easy through CDBably.com

   Are you uncomfortable with ordering online? Thats ok, if you prefer you can...

  Order CD's toll-free from a real person! 9am to 6pm California time:
Toll Free Number: 1-800-BUY-MY-CD (credit or debit card)

  You can also fax CD orders here: Fax: (503)296-2370 (please include your email address)

  Or Contact CD Baby Email: cdbaby@cdbaby.com or call CD BAby for any reason at all (503)595-3000

Contact Al-Andalus for any reason at all directly E-Mail (music@andalus.com)
(we are in Morocco, so we don't have all those nice convenient numbers:)

WHAT FOLKS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT ILLUMINATION

*****(5 STARS)
Reviewer: joseph and mireille gustafson
We just finished listening to your exquisite CD Illumination. Well, we were just outrageously impressed with the composition, technique, recording proficiency, differing styles and vituosity. Please allow us to say Thank You for creating this gem of music. ***** (5 STARS) Reviewer: Roberto Almenar
This is an awesome album that ties in so many historical things. Like the previous reviewer, I also qualify myself as a Middle Eastern music specialist which is why this cd rings such a chord with me. It is steeped in a specialits understanding of history which is WHY there is indian music on it and shows the depth and bredth of al-andalus's historical understanding. At the same time that the Jews and Arabs were expelled from Muslim Spain (al-andalus) is when we have the first historical mentions of a massive migration of people from India. This mixture of Jewish, Arab and Indian influences are what gave rise to flamenco. The 2 indian pieces on this cd are masterfully melded with Jewish and Arab music and instrumention creating a rich and historically informed music of rare musicality. Its really a treat, especially when you know the history because it brings the history completly to life!

*****(5 STARS) Illumination is so beautiful it will send chills down your spine.
Reviewer: Sparky deVille
I went to CDBaby and bought Illumination, making me about the happiest person on the planet... with the possible exception of my girlfriend who seems to like it at least as much as I do. Maitreem is possibly the most beautiful song I've ever heard, and the recording of it is immaculate. The voice sends chills down my spine every time. *****(5 STARS) Pure magic!
Reviewer: Shari
The music and the vocals make this cd a great jewel! You won't be disappointed. Sometimes you just feel blessed to come across great music like this in your life.

***** (5 STARS) Awesome,Like never heard before. music that's enchanting and magical
Reviewer: D.Salas (click for website)
I enjoy listening to the samples,and currently own "Vision"; I intend to buy both "Illumination,and "Genetic Memories". I will feel a sense of pride in owning these Cd's, becuase I have come on to something great and special. **** (4 STARS) It's real music not New Age ambient boredom
Reviewer: Myer
The jazz/flamenco elements lift this into a special realm. Gentle but complex music on a different level to all those floating monotonous, boring, watery, rainforest, ambient nothingnesses you now hear in tourist and outdoor shops all over the place. This music is uplifting, contemplative, stirring, emotional. One of the best blends of different cutural styles you are likely to hear.

**** (4 STARS) Good for a specific taste
Reviewer: Marina Zona
I should qualify myself that I am a "Middle Eastern freak" and thus love all Levantine stuff. Maybe this is why the Indian songs didn't really strike the cord with me. For those without strong preferences - this might be OK. Overall - great music - "real" stuff!
Here are various printed reviews and interviews

Moroccan Review (french)

Wiliamette Week

kboo radio interview

Mongrel Press

Here is a page that is full of press reviews & other

***** (5 STARS) entertaining, interesting, and talented
Reviewer: Beverly Hills Outlook
Moorish Music from the Arabs and the Jews By Cynthia Citron Beverly Hills Outlook June 17, 2004 The John Anson Ford Amphitheatre has begun its outstanding summer season of music from around the world. On June 13th their offering was "Al Andalus to Jerusalem: Levantine Festival, presented by the Levantine Cultural Center. In earlier times the Levant was comprised of the territory that is now Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, but the Levantine Cultural Center, founded here in Los Angeles in 2001, claims the territory from Morocco in the west to Afghanistan in the east and from southern Greece to Kurdish Iran. Their purpose, they say, is to promote a "pan-cultural conversation beyond borders, passports, and dogmas." And on June 13th they did just that. Israeli composer Yair Dalal played oud and violin, accompanied by Yuval Ron, also on oud, Yegish Manoukian, who played an assortment of hauntingly melancholy flutes and clarinet, and Jamie Papish on the tablah, a vase-shaped drum made of colorfully decorated metal. They were accompanied by Najwa Gibran, whose powerful voice did ample justice to the trills and wails of Arabic music. This group was also joined by Kimberley Michelle, who performed a series of acrobatic strip-tease belly dances. The second half of the show featured Tarik & Julia Banzi, the Al-Andalus group, which was more entertaining, more interesting, and more talented. It consisted of Tarik Banzi on oud, ney, and vocals, Julia Banzi on flamenco guitar, viola, and percussion, Rasgui Boujemaa on kamanja, ney, percussion, and vocals, and Charlie Bisharat, a star all on his own, on violin. A Grammy Award-winning violinist who often sits in with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and accompanies pop, jazz and classical artists, Bisharat was awesome and worth the price of admission all by himself. Al-Andalus was joined by classical flamenco dancer Ana Montes, who was also spectacular, especially in one number where she wielded a huge Spanish shawl as if it were her dance partner. The music was soulful, atonal, and sometimes jarring. It came from Persia, Israel, Moorish Spain, and other points around the Arabic world and was played on a gorgeous assortment of ethnic instruments: flamenco guitar, oud (a variation of a lute), ney (a reed pipe), kamanja (a form of fiddle), woodwinds, percussion, castanets, and daff (tambourine). Since the songs from their CD "Illumination" were sung in a variety of languages that were not identified, I can't say much about them. Suffice it to say they were much appreciated by the audience (the amphitheater was nearly full), who sang along, hummed along, and clapped in accompaniment to the music, which they obviously recognized.

DOUG SPENCER: ABC RADIO (Lucky Oceans) : Al-Andalus - in its own words - "focuses on music inspired by Moorish-ruled Spain.. when Muslims, Jews & Christians peacefully coexisted ..in an inspired cultural exchange." The flexible ensemble's much-traveled co-leaders now live in Morocco, where Tarik Banzi was born. Julia Banzi - his partner in life & music comes from America. She is a flamenco guitarist. He plays many instruments, but is primarily a virtuoso of the oud {the fretless, Arabic lute}. The ensemble's size & composition shifts according to the music's needs. Its repertoire is a multicultural mix of new compositions, traditional songs & tunes. The music is both delicate & vibrant.

Special Thanks:
Rick McMillen at Super Audio
Showcase Sound: Don & Jamie
Whitehorse Studios: Billy Oskay, Bob Stark, Tim & Dave. Bob & Heisha Shipley
Marta & Bruce Colburn, and all our loving family & friends.

Much of Illumination was recorded at Billy Oskay's 'Big Red Studio.' If you need a place to record, we highly reccomend it. (www.bigredstudiio.com). " Elegant, organic and modern, Billy Oskay's Big Red Studio is located on a 26-acre country setting just east of Portland, Oregon. The Russ Berger designed facility features flexible performance spaces, large windows to the outside and a spacious, finely-tuned control room. A classic Trident TSM console, vintage gear, and balanced acoustics provide musicians and producers with big, natural, and warm recordings in an inspiring environment."

You may now order our CD's online secure, fast and easy through CDBably.com

   Are you uncomfortable with ordering online? Thats ok, if you prefer you can...

  Order CD's toll-free from a real person! 9am to 6pm California time:
Toll Free Number: 1-800-BUY-MY-CD (credit or debit card)

  You can also fax CD orders here: Fax: (503)296-2370 (please include your email address)

  Or Contact CD Baby Email: cdbaby@cdbaby.com or call CD BAby for any reason at all (503)595-3000

Contact Al-Andalus for any reason at all directly E-Mail (music@andalus.com)
(we are in Morocco, so we don't have all those nice convenient numbers:)

click to see all selections

1. Maitreem: 3:39 Arr.: Tarik & Julia Banzi Vocals: Ranjani Krishnan Lyrics: K. Paramaharya (sung in Sanskrit) Tuning: M.S. Subalakshmi. (Tuning in Carnatic music is blending lyrics with the characteristic features of a chosen scale). Ranjani interprets a prayer for world peace composed for a United Nations event. Flamenco traces its roots to Indian music.	ABC RADIO: (sweetly melodious song delivered in Sanskrit by Ranjani. She's accompanied by Tarik's oud & percussion & Julia's guitar. The lyric is a prayer for peace, penned for a United Nations event). Ranjani interprets a prayer for world peace composed for a United Nations event. Flamenco traces its roots to Indian music. Let us conquer the world through friendship and love. Let us think of others in the same way we think of ourselves. Let us banish wars. Let us eschew envious rivalry. Let God almighty show mercy and save this mother earth from lust and grief. Give and receive kindness from all people. Let all the people of the world be blessed with happiness and fulfillment.
2. Song of the Water 5:51 Tarik and Julia Banzi.	Water is our first music even before we are born. The peoples of Al-Andalus were well aware of the music of water, and utilized it wherever possible throughout their homes and palaces in the form of water clocks, fountains, pools and even handrails cascading with water.
3. White Shadows 4:14 Tarik Banzi	The oud is the parent of the Renaissance lute and guitar. The oud's unique possibilities as a concert instrument gleam in this improvised solo by Tarik.
4. Jinete 5:26: Tarik & Julia Banzi	Garcia Lorca was one of Spain's greatest poets and playwrights. His writings were influenced by early translations of Arabigo Andalus poetry. This is a song originally composed for Lorca's play Bodas de Sangre.
5.Tiruvai 5:51 Arr.: Tarik and Julia Banzi. Vocals: Ranjani Krishnan. Lyrics: Bharatiyar (freedom struggler of India).	ABC RADIO: (Ranjani's Female vocal in Tamil with delicate, but limber flamenco guitar (Julia), & oud (Tarik) to fore, plus percussion. The lyric's author was an early 20th century poet/ activist who championed Indian independence, equality between sexes, & an end to discriminations based on caste or religion. Bio of Bharatiyar at: www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/6551/bharathi.htm Sung in the Tamil language. This song addresses the fate and uncertainty of life. We depend on fate to be triumphant. Knowing this, why do we get troubled?
6. Taktoka 4:24 Tarik & Julia Banzi	The pattern 9/8 is the basic rhythm of the taktokah, a type of music of Andalusian origin still played in pueblos of Morocco.
7. Rhythmic Rain 4:06 Tarik Banzi	ABC RADIO: (the composer's solo darbuka in a progressively-building piece. The instrument's name has innumerable other spellings, & the "dumbek" is the same instrument. It can be made of various materials, real & synthetic. Around the Mediterannean's eastern & southern shores it's the nigh ubiquitous goblet-shaped, hand-drum. The "original" was made of clay, with an animal-skin playing surface). The fabric of time is explored in this improvised solo on darbuka. It exemplifies the immense range of sounds available on this clay drum.
8. Nabil 5:24 Tarik & Julia Banzi Additional performers: Rasgui Boujemaa, Billy Oskay.	Based on a Classical Arabic 10/8 rhythm called Samaii Thakil. To your soul, the noblest soul. To your soul, Oh... Nabil....
9. A la una yo naci 5:35 Traditional Ladino, Arr. & performed by Tarik & Julia Banzi. Vocals: Ranjani Krishnan. Viola: Billy Oskay.	ABC Radio: ( haunting Sephardic song, sung in Ladino the language of the Iberian peninsula's substantial Jewish population, pre-1492. Female Indian vocalist Ranjani Khrisnan is the singer, Billy Oskay plays the viola. Al-Andalus' co-leaders Tark & Julia Banzi play, repsecitvely the oud plus percussion & the flamenco guitar. A traditional love song of the Jews of Al-Andalus, or Sephardim. It is sung in Ladino a language closely akin to Castilian Spanish. At one I was born. At two I grew up. At three I took a lover. At four I married. Soul, life, and heart...
10. The Nineteen: 2:07 Tarik Banzi	ABC RADIO: (hypnotic piece built around water-percussion. "Bass" played {I think} on a sintir/guimbri definitely has more than a whiff of Gnawa music/ritual). A water piece in the 19/4 Classical Arabic rhythm called Al-Aufar. It uses water as a percussive instrument.
11. Martil: 4:44 Composed, performed by Tarik & Julia Banzi with piano of Joe Heinemann.	This piece is one of a series of original pieces dedicated to water and recalls the hypnotic effects of the sea. Martil is a seaside pueblo in the North of Morocco.
12. Departure 3:27 Tarik Banzi	Making the Samaii Thakil (slow 10/8) a Samii Saria'(fast 10/8) to bring it firmly into our times.
13. Illumination 2:59 Tarik and Julia Banzi.	Based on the flamenco rhythm Soliare por Buleria which are the quintessence of introspective dancing, restrained yet passionate, noble yet sensitive.

*****(5 STARS) Reviewer: joseph and mireille gustafson We just finished listening to your exquisite CD Illumination. Well, we were just outrageously impressed with the composition, technique, recording proficiency, differing styles and vituosity. Please allow us to say Thank You for creating this gem of music.	***** (5 STARS) Reviewer: Roberto Almenar This is an awesome album that ties in so many historical things. Like the previous reviewer, I also qualify myself as a Middle Eastern music specialist which is why this cd rings such a chord with me. It is steeped in a specialits understanding of history which is WHY there is indian music on it and shows the depth and bredth of al-andalus's historical understanding. At the same time that the Jews and Arabs were expelled from Muslim Spain (al-andalus) is when we have the first historical mentions of a massive migration of people from India. This mixture of Jewish, Arab and Indian influences are what gave rise to flamenco. The 2 indian pieces on this cd are masterfully melded with Jewish and Arab music and instrumention creating a rich and historically informed music of rare musicality. Its really a treat, especially when you know the history because it brings the history completly to life!
***(5 STARS) Illumination is so beautiful it will send chills down your spine.** Reviewer: Sparky deVille I went to CDBaby and bought Illumination, making me about the happiest person on the planet... with the possible exception of my girlfriend who seems to like it at least as much as I do. Maitreem is possibly the most beautiful song I've ever heard, and the recording of it is immaculate. The voice sends chills down my spine every time.	***(5 STARS) Pure magic!** Reviewer: Shari The music and the vocals make this cd a great jewel! You won't be disappointed. Sometimes you just feel blessed to come across great music like this in your life.
*** (5 STARS) Awesome,Like never heard before. music that's enchanting and magical** Reviewer: D.Salas (click for website) I enjoy listening to the samples,and currently own "Vision"; I intend to buy both "Illumination,and "Genetic Memories". I will feel a sense of pride in owning these Cd's, becuase I have come on to something great and special.	** (4 STARS) It's real music not New Age ambient boredom** Reviewer: Myer The jazz/flamenco elements lift this into a special realm. Gentle but complex music on a different level to all those floating monotonous, boring, watery, rainforest, ambient nothingnesses you now hear in tourist and outdoor shops all over the place. This music is uplifting, contemplative, stirring, emotional. One of the best blends of different cutural styles you are likely to hear.
** (4 STARS) Good for a specific taste** Reviewer: Marina Zona I should qualify myself that I am a "Middle Eastern freak" and thus love all Levantine stuff. Maybe this is why the Indian songs didn't really strike the cord with me. For those without strong preferences - this might be OK. Overall - great music - "real" stuff!	Here are various printed reviews and interviews Moroccan Review (french) Wiliamette Week kboo radio interview Mongrel Press Here is a page that is full of press reviews & other
*** (5 STARS) entertaining, interesting, and talented** Reviewer: Beverly Hills Outlook Moorish Music from the Arabs and the Jews By Cynthia Citron Beverly Hills Outlook June 17, 2004 The John Anson Ford Amphitheatre has begun its outstanding summer season of music from around the world. On June 13th their offering was "Al Andalus to Jerusalem: Levantine Festival, presented by the Levantine Cultural Center. In earlier times the Levant was comprised of the territory that is now Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, but the Levantine Cultural Center, founded here in Los Angeles in 2001, claims the territory from Morocco in the west to Afghanistan in the east and from southern Greece to Kurdish Iran. Their purpose, they say, is to promote a "pan-cultural conversation beyond borders, passports, and dogmas." And on June 13th they did just that. Israeli composer Yair Dalal played oud and violin, accompanied by Yuval Ron, also on oud, Yegish Manoukian, who played an assortment of hauntingly melancholy flutes and clarinet, and Jamie Papish on the tablah, a vase-shaped drum made of colorfully decorated metal. They were accompanied by Najwa Gibran, whose powerful voice did ample justice to the trills and wails of Arabic music. This group was also joined by Kimberley Michelle, who performed a series of acrobatic strip-tease belly dances. The second half of the show featured Tarik & Julia Banzi, the Al-Andalus group, which was more entertaining, more interesting, and more talented. It consisted of Tarik Banzi on oud, ney, and vocals, Julia Banzi on flamenco guitar, viola, and percussion, Rasgui Boujemaa on kamanja, ney, percussion, and vocals, and Charlie Bisharat, a star all on his own, on violin. A Grammy Award-winning violinist who often sits in with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and accompanies pop, jazz and classical artists, Bisharat was awesome and worth the price of admission all by himself. Al-Andalus was joined by classical flamenco dancer Ana Montes, who was also spectacular, especially in one number where she wielded a huge Spanish shawl as if it were her dance partner. The music was soulful, atonal, and sometimes jarring. It came from Persia, Israel, Moorish Spain, and other points around the Arabic world and was played on a gorgeous assortment of ethnic instruments: flamenco guitar, oud (a variation of a lute), ney (a reed pipe), kamanja (a form of fiddle), woodwinds, percussion, castanets, and daff (tambourine). Since the songs from their CD "Illumination" were sung in a variety of languages that were not identified, I can't say much about them. Suffice it to say they were much appreciated by the audience (the amphitheater was nearly full), who sang along, hummed along, and clapped in accompaniment to the music, which they obviously recognized.