1969 JOHN BERBERIAN Fuzz Psych LP - "MIDDLE EASTERN ROCK" Verve Forecast

$ 34

$ 34 Sold For

Nov 2, 2011 Sold Date

Oct 26, 2011 Start Date

$ 10 Start price

3 Number Of Bids

USA Country Of Seller

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Description

Excellent, guaranteed original, 1969 EXOTIC EASTERN-FUSED PSYCH/ROCK JAMS LP by JOHN BERBERIAN & THE MID-EASTERN ENSEMBLE entitled "Middle Eastern Rock" on Verve Forecast Records (#3073, Stereo). Highly sought after (for goood reason) 1969 original first-pressing of a more often than not killer Eastern/Psych jammer! JOHN BERBERIAN was a master OUD player (Eastern stringed instrument) and I believe it for he sounds in parts like he's tearing the strings off in fury complimented by burning fuzz guitar within the rhythms time changes. For those who dig the Eastern psych jams of early albums by EMBRYO and the like... One of the "classic" albums that bridge classical Arab lute playing with rock music, and beyond, is this one, partly because of the involvement of Joe Beck and his fuzz guitar adding electric guitar skills, grounded in blues and R&B, trying to open up one world and bridging with the other. Other members were Bill LaVorgna on drums and Peter Spargo and Harvey Cowen, not really knowing who was responsible for the groovy reeds and mix of Arab/Middle eastern and rather jazz drumming. Armenian born John Berberian is a masterly oud player, while this album might still be his most rewarding performance. But besides the excellent oud/fuzz opener, most tracks, with some more peaceful calmed down moments, quickly build up it’s groove through rhythmical drives (from 4/4 to 6/8 on the first few tracks). They build up brilliantly like complex jazz rock, even when they are in fact based upon traditional Middle Eastern folk, with fusing reeds and guitar and a rock energy. “The Oud and the Fuzz” is an original sound that derived from the Druze tribe of Northern Africa. “Chem-O-Chem” is a popular Armenian song. 6/8 is the traditional rhythm for Armenian dances. This features lead vocalist Bob Tashjian. “Flying Hye” (with ‘hye’ referring to “(flying) Armenian”) starts in 9/8 which changes to 6/8, and has a melody taken from the Greek dance form of Tsamiko. Also “3/8 + 5/8= 8/8” refers to how complex Middle Eastern melodies can build up, based upon Turkish classical music. Because here, the 8/8 is broken up it gives the piece a special and also typical Turkish drive. “The Magic Ground” is a based upon A minor (or Kurdi for Arab music), which takes off in 2/4, then breaks into a swing. The variety of bursting cooperative energies, calmer and just a few smooth moments makes this album a perfect listen. A must-have. TRACKS: "The Oud & the Fuzz," "Tranquility," "Chem-Oo-Chem," "Iron Maiden," "Flying Hye," "3/8+5/8=8/8," and "The Magic Ground." Condition: Cover = solid VG/VG+ (light wear, small 1" seam split at the lower left hand corner area, drill hole in the same area, small edge wear), Record = beautiful VG+ (very light paper scuffs - plays through fine though!). Winning bidder to add $3.50 postage in the USA. Good luck - check out my other auctions for more vintage records for sale and save on postage costs!

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