Randana

Album review

The brothers Joubran, native Palestinians, unite in this trio to play music inspired by improvisation but based in the music of their heritage. The title Randana is a combination word meaning resonance and humming. All siblings play the oud; they jam in a fashion that suggests their shared spirited brotherhood and utilize acute listening, an easily heard dynamic balance, a certain amount of showmanship, and a clear virtuosity. Each piece is internally defined by humanistic qualities and a love for life. In light of the continuing Palestinian-Israeli dispute that affects the world in general, this is a music based on hope, peace, and all the proper values of living and working together. There are four studio tracks, the most varied being the opener, "Hawas." You hear melodic unison playing; tempos ranging from mid- to upbeat; back-and-forth counterpoint; and a playful concept filled with passion, emotion, and a little mystery. "Misage" is purely sensual with a slowed late-night imagery of exotic dancers, while the balladic "Shangaf" is more of a spirit song based on a hide-and-seek theme. The most powerful and lengthy piece (18 minutes), "Safar" expresses a patient virtue with several solo segments, reflecting repast, recourse, and perseverance. It has parts of phrases that are sped up, slowed, but not stretched out -- more like teasing. The finale, recorded live in concert, is the spacious and free love song "Ahwak," played by the ouds with lyrics. As world music and ethnic fusion, here's a group unique from them all, quite talented and set apart from other oud leaders who utilize a band with a rhythm section.
© Michael G. Nastos /TiVo