1001 Nights Orchestra's New Cd Release Party!

After 13 years and 3 reprints since our 2002 release "Music From the Middle East & Beyond", the 1001 Nights Orchestra finally has a live release out! This live recording, "Music from the Middle East, Southwest Asia & the Baklans" was performed and recorded in the historic Dougherty Arts Center in Austin, Texas on May 23, 2014. The concert was part of City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department's Planet Music Series, a series of performances that brings the best of local Austin's international talent to the Austinites in free, family friendly settings. For this concert, the ensemble arranged their repertoire in two sets. In one set, the group presented what they call a "beats class" whereby they play one song (mostly instrumental) from the Middle East/Balkan region for a selection of musical beat cycle from 2 to 18. The music was coordinated with the participation of Austin International Folk Dancers (AIFD) who taught the dance for each song style to the audience. The collaboration was a great success. The other set of the concert, consists of folk, regional and traditional music from the Caucases, Southwest Asia and the Middle East. The songs in this section have a more melancholy and meditative mood and showcase the musical diversity of the ensemble. The songs in this segment are mostly sung in dialects of Persian where the subject matter is about love and longing. Please join us in the intimate space of Marakesh Cafe & Grill as we celebrate the release of our new digital-only CD. We will have several guest musicians from the album including the wonderful vocalist Bia Ali and great flutist Frances Elliott on the ney/nay joining. We'll also have the beautiful dancing queen Janete Mahaila! Enjoy a delicious meal, and a glass of wine while listening and clapping to the sounds of 1001 Nights Orchestra. No cover. But, reservations are highly recommended by calling the restaurant. See you all there! Inshallah! You may listen to samples and/or purchase the CD online at cdbaby, iTunes, Amazon, and many other online retailers worldwide. We will also have download cards for purchase at the event.,