The Wire (7/02, p.70) - "...ROUGH GUIDE TO BELLYDANCE is a near perfect balance of libidinous impulses and casual virtuosity..."
This compilation from the far-reaching and authoritative ROUGH GUIDE series highlights the variation to be found in music for Raqs Sharqi, or Eastern Dance, the different types of which turn out to be as varied as the Eastern and Western cultures in which the tradition flourishes. The selections found here reflect the various forms and also the differing mood of this ancient dance, which has been an object of fascination in the West since international travelers first started journeying regularly to the East in the 19th century. All the tracks are traditional-sounding (no synths here); some incorporate oud and strings, while others feature only percussion or a combination of percussion and accordion. Fascinating and entertaining for dancers and listeners alike, ROUGH GUIDE TO BELLYDANCE is an eye-opening glimpse into a venerable yet eternally sensual form of expression.