Americanistan's latest CD, Live at Luna, is a collection of classic belly dance
music. For anyone who loves vintage middle eastern dance music, this CD is a delight. Like the popular internet program Radio
Bastet,which serves up a delicious mix of old-style belly dance music on the web, Live at Luna offers a wide
range of styles, both vocal and instrumental. So many great old songs, like "Miserlou," "Mustapha" and "Rompi Rompi," sung
with great feeling by vocalist Anna Armaiti. So many great instrumentals like "Nassam Alayna" and "Behlembeek." So many different
styles, from Gypsy-style clarinet on "Turkish Coffee" to the haunting ney flute of "Sahara." So many moods, from upbeat drum
solos to the slow, heartfelt songs "Bir Demet" and "Dere."
There are two complete bellydance routines included on the CD. Each routine includes an entrance
piece, a slow piece, drum solo, and exit piece. Both routines have an Arabic flavor, being organized around "Nassam Alayna"
and "Behlembeek," respectively. There are also several Turkish tunes and folk dance numbers. And there are original pieces
composed by band members in the spirit of classic belly dance music.
Though it was recorded live, there is minimal crowd noise and the sound quality is excellent.
With twenty tracks, this CD is a treasure-trove, especially for the cabaret or old-style
dancer. It also has several pieces that are beloved by the folk dance community. And it's just plain wonderful for listening
or practicing when you are in the mood for some good old-fashioned belly dance music.
About the author: Jeanine Ethridge is a long-time belly dance enthusiast. She has been
attending and photographing shows in the Eugene area since 1995. She is an artist and the mother of a teenaged son.
