Last Saturday night, I attended a Greek baptism party for one of my friends daughters. The party was quite big, wedding sized, at a beautiful hall. There must have been about 250 people there (Greeks seem to really go all out on baptism celebrations).
Anyway, after the ceromonies and children’s entertainment, the lights went out, and the DJ started blaring Greek music, and people flooded the dance floor. He also played Arabic music which I thought was cool, but it didn’t surprise me due to the musical similarities of both cultures. During the course of the night, various music was played, Greek mostly, some Arabic and western dance music as well. However 95% of the music played was Greek.
All of a sudden, I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard a bhangra song come on (I don’t know which one, or by whom). It shocked me. I’ve been to many Greek parties, and have never experienced this before. The folks on the dance floor looked pretty confused. They didn’t know how to react to it either, and it showed in their dancing. Many of them just left the dance floor to sit that song out.
It was quite intersting to see. Has anyone else heard any “surprises” coming out of the speakers at non-desi parties or weddings?
Greek music is good.. almost indistinguishable from other East Med stuff.
Haven’t been to a wedding party in a long time. But other parties.. never really ran into anything like that, I’m in Germany.. they’re not exactly known for their musical tastes here… but then I could say I’m surprised when they play good stuff
hehe thats interesting...actually i was listening to radio yesterday...and on this channel 92.5 (Toronto people would know about it....that Mo-D guy is the host)....he was playing that Monsoon wedding bhangra song. Its supposed to be a national English channel, but now they are starting to play bhangra and hindi remixes on it which sounded really cool.
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Majestic: *
Fret you should see some of the Afghan parties they are full of Arabic music, its soo strange at times.
[/QUOTE]
I've been to one Afghani party, and there was a mix of Arabic and Afghan music. I didn't find it strange however, since the music is relatively similar.
I've been to one Afghani party, and there was a mix of Arabic and Afghan music. I didn't find it strange however, since the music is relatively similar.
[/QUOTE]
What I meant by strange was that fact that at the party itself I heard Afghans dissing Arabs and there they were listening to Arabic music. Thats what I meant by strange.
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Majestic: *
What I meant by strange was that fact that at the party itself I heard Afghans dissing Arabs and there they were listening to Arabic music. Thats what I meant by strange.
[/QUOTE]
What I meant by strange was that fact that at the party itself I heard Afghans dissing Arabs and there they were listening to Arabic music. Thats what I meant by strange.
[/QUOTE]
Maj, do you know of any good Arabic "bouzouki" music (bouzouki, the instrument, not sure what arabs call it)?
Maj, do you know of any good Arabic "bouzouki" music (bouzouki, the instrument, not sure what arabs call it)?
[/QUOTE]
sorry Fret but I don't even know what a "bouzouki" is, maybe if you help me understand what it is, I can help you get some.
But Fret there is this nice arabic song, has some good beats, and mostly nice if your out at night sailing or whatever its called "Ah Ya Lail" bye Shareen
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Majestic: *
sorry Fret but I don't even know what a "bouzouki" is, maybe if you help me understand what it is, I can help you get some.
[/QUOTE]
Bouzouki is synonymous with Greece. If I'm not mistaken, Arabs also use the same instrument, or something very similar to it. There is also an Irish Bouzouki as well. Check the photo below.
Bouzouki is synonymous with Greece. If I'm not mistaken, Arabs also use the same instrument, or something very similar to it. There is also an Irish Bouzouki as well. Check the photo below.
[thumb=B]bouzouki.JPG[/thumb]
[/QUOTE]
ohhhhh that was nice of you to show me a pix, yaar you are asking the wrong person I know nothing about music at all. I don't even listen to much of any kind of music. However, I will check for you.
other then that feel free to ask me about ANYTHING other then music :)
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Majestic: *
ohhhhh that was nice of you to show me a pix, yaar you are asking the wrong person I know nothing about music at all. I don't even listen to much of any kind of music. However, I will check for you.
other then that feel free to ask me about ANYTHING other then music :)
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Fret Wizard: *
All of a sudden, I couldn't believe my ears when I heard a bhangra song come on (I don't know which one, or by whom). It shocked me. I've been to many Greek parties, and have never experienced this before. The folks on the dance floor looked pretty confused. They didn't know how to react to it either, and it showed in their dancing. Many of them just left the dance floor to sit that song out.
[/QUOTE]
:D Fretty, were you getting down and dirty on the dance floor when the bhangra song came on?
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Fret Wizard: *
Bouzouki is synonymous with Greece. If I'm not mistaken, Arabs also use the same instrument, or something very similar to it. There is also an Irish Bouzouki as well. Check the photo below.
[thumb=B]bouzouki.JPG[/thumb]
[/QUOTE]
I never learned the names of any performers.. but in Turkey and some Arab areas those kind of instruments are called "saz". Baglama saz is probably the most popular variety. There are many famous people that play this (kinda like guitarists over here) and its really not hard to find. Sorry, I can't give you names.. but I'll try digging some up and post it in Audio if I find it. In the meantime try some Turkish or Arabic sites.
"The Saz is the grandfather of the Greek Bouzouki. It originated in Central Asia where Turks lived before their westward migration. Like the guitar in Spain and the bouzouki in Greece, the Saz is the most popular stringed instrument in Turkey. Although similar in shape to the Greek Bouzouki, the construction, size and sound of the Saz is different. You need a baglama saz to be able to play the microtones (Perde) of Arabic music. These instruments have traditional tied frets that are movable, and 3 courses of strings. "
that sounds funny..
