Ez-Zouhour - Music of Tunisia (Music CD)

A basic compilation of Tunisian music, taking a stab at showing off the diversity and influences of the region. In this, Ez-Zouhour is surprisingly adept. The album starts off with a pounding beat courtesy of a Moroccan bendir, moving into a love song and a pastoral with more proper maqam foundations. "Sidi Bou Said" is a stunning instrumental, beautiful if perhaps a bit stereotypical. Bits of Ottoman influence, Middle Eastern influence, and even a touch of Spanish all get displayed before the end of the album, but the music is always distinctly North African regardless of what informs it. As most North African albums focus more specifically on Morocco, this one is a fine addition to the collection of anyone interested in the region's music. ~ Adam Greenberg