Blues For Tahrir

Todd Marcus Jazz Orchestra – Blues for Tahrir (Hipnotic Records 2014)
Reviewed by Ramzi S.--All tracks FCC safe

Todd Marcus is one of the few jazz artists worldwide to focus their work exclusively on the bass clarinet. He has recently been exploring Middle-Eastern sounds from his Egyptian-American heritage, culminating in this CD with his Jazz Orchestra. The group’s instrumentation, compositions, and arrangements create a rich sound with music that incorporates straight-ahead jazz with other influences from classical to Middle-Eastern themes.
Tracks: TRY: 5, 7, 10
1. Many Moons (Intro) (1:28) Lush, symphonic intro.
2. Many Moons (9:24) Progresses from tenderness to intensity.
3. Adhan (4:29) Sinuous track evoking the Muslim call to prayer.
4. Reflections (7:38) Contemplative movement
**5. Tears on the Square (4:57) Sad lamentation about Egypt.
6. Protest (6:59) Vigorous track, drum solo, military feel.
**7. Alien (10:13) A vocal piece with pop leanings ft singer Irene Jalenti..
8. Wahsouli (7:42): Arabic for ‘My Arrival.’ Fusion of jazz and Middle Eastern sounds.
9. Summertime (7:55) Transformation of a well known favorite ft Irene Jalenti
**10. Bousa (5:34) Track inspired by Abdel Halim Hafez