The John Berberian Ensemble - Music Of The Middle East

After recording two thoroughly excellent LPs for the Mainstream label, Expressions East and Oud Artistry, John Berberian followed his benefactor, A&R man Peter Spargo, to the notorious Morris Levy's Roulette Records, where he waxed this standout album. Recorded in 1965 or 1966 and released around the same time, Music of the Middle East continues the oud master's progressive interpretations of traditional Armenian, Turkish, Greek, and Arabic material. Indeed, one can view this record as a logical transition between his previous releases and the trailblazing psychedelia of Middle Eastern Rock. There is more of an emphasis on the instrumentalists here compared to the Mainstream albums what with the numerous solos and taksims (improvisations) that grace many of the performances. In fact, only one track on Music of the Middle East features vocals. http://www.johnberberian.com/

* John Berberian — oud
* Hachig Kazarian — clarinet
* Emin Gunduz — canun
* Saouren Baronian — clarinet, saxophone, bongos
* John Valentine — guitar
* Bob Tashjian — dumbeg, vocals
* Chet Amsterdam — bass
* Steve Pumilian — finger cymbals, dumbeg


01. Dalé Dalé 04:07
02. Hijazker Longa 03:45
03. Chifte - Telli 05:28
04. Nehevent Longa 04:08
05. Oud Solo 04:29
06. Gamavor Zimvor 02:53
07. Tsamiko 04:33
08. Samra Ya Samra 07:22