The Word: Ahlan wa sahlan (welcome)! Here find the very best authentic classics by the masters (for dancers), hip/funky/psyche East-West hybrids (for DJs), and other rare, unusual, sensational LPs, many with great jackets (for collectors). We cut our teeth in Brooklyn on this stuff, met Ray Rashid (the leading US importer/distributor of Mid-East vinyl), saw Eddie Kochak perform, etc.
Many of these titles are the best and rarest--cause for real collector excitement, while others are the very best of the best-sellers--great values for everyone. No junk, in other words. If you're a dancer or musician or have something to trade, please let us know. See our LP trade wants at page end, but all kinds of things considered.
Meesha Tayoun at Hip Wax --
-- Joe Tayoun & Adeeb Refela performing in concert at the Hip Wax Casbah
Further below: Mid-East 45s & trade wants
Links: are to artists bio/discog pages in the Hyp Records guide:
Images: accurately represent items but are not always the exact copy listed/purchased
Discount: ALWAYS try to buy more than one item at a time
SPECIAL: belly dancer's tote bag
holds LPs!
1 only -- first come, first served
FREE!!! with purchase of 3+ LPs
(just ask)
Abood Abdel Aal: The Caravan; Orient SLPO-131; [1970s] N-/E- S $25 -- Mideast instrumental; jacket subtitles "Melodies of the Middle East" and "Arabic Music for a Joyous Occasion"; authentic and rare!; recorded in Lebanon and distributed in the US by our friend Ray Rashid of Brooklyn; four long tracks, great for dance: The Journey, The Oasis, Adventure in the Souks, The Return (Al Raja's)
Abbud Abdel Aal & his Golden Strings: Belly Dance for Arabian Nights; Peters International PILPS-10046; 1973; E-/N- S $20 -- Mideast instrumental recorded in Lebanon, licensed for US release; very good, modern/hip, by a leading light who made a few other LPs distributed worldwide; Sahara City, Aatini El Naya El Kalb Yachak Kol Jamil, Ya Salat El Zein, El Ataba Khadra, Afrah El Chaab, Layaly Assiout, Hizzy Ya Nawaem, Ya Ain Moulayeten, Cham El Nassim (drum solo)
George Abdo & his Flames of Araby: The Art of Belly Dancing; Monitor MFS-752; 1973; sealed [w/instruction booklet] S $20 -- major classic by one of the leading lights of authentic belly dance music
Elias Abourjailly: Belly Belly--Music from the Middle East; Fiesta FLPS-1671; N-/N S $20 -- seriously authentic import, with chorus and partly vocal; Babar Alayak, Habarni Yani, Ya Boumijana, Gani Ya Albi, Jinit Ourban, Kina Mutifikine, Ya Habib, Kadeich Kina, Oyoun Ssoud, Haji-Tihin, Habibi Zein, Samra Ayouka
Naif Agby: Bedouin Sahda (Pretty Dancing Girl); Audio Fidelity AFSD-6122; 1964; cutout black N/N shrink S $30 -- great!; much rarer than the first LP (El Debke); snap it up while you can
Naif Agby & the Lebanese Radio Orchestra: An Evening with Uncle Tanous; Audio Fidelity AFSD-6268; 1974; sealed S $40 -- terrific music (best of his three for the label), great jacket, very hard to find!
Khamis El Fino Ali w/the Mohamed Madi Orchestra: Oriental Nights; Monitor MFS-766; 1975; E+/E+ S $25 -- Egyptian vocal & oud; belly dancer Shimira depicted; one of the scarcest titles in the Monitor mid-east/belly-dancing series and one of the most authentic and welcome (few of the many great oud records also feature vocals); recorded at Voice of Cairo Studios in Cairo; Ya Habib Al Ruih (Darling of My Heart), Ya Za'ra (Mawal)(The Gardener), Min Awal Nazarah (From the First Glance), Leh Hil Amar (My Love is Gone), Ezzai Ansak (How Could I Forget You?), Ya Mayssa (Oh, Mayssa), Essal Aleik (I've Been Asking About You), Yelli Sakin (Come Live in My Heart)
[George Mgrdichian as] Aram Arakelian Ensemble: The Oud!; Carlton LP12-109; N-/N $30 -- impeccable artifact of both the hi-fi era (the enigmatic, tiny Carlton "handcrafted" label boasts "the unlimited high fidelity sound") and authentic oud-led, pan-Mid-East ensemble music, circa-1959; and as your surest sign of quality, Arakelian is really a pseudonym for maestro George Mgrdichian dodging contract, so oud and Mgridichian fans won't want to miss it; Oriental Mood, Arabic Waltz, Izmir, Memories, Halay, Reverie, Gay Sultan, Kings Entrance, Fountain Scene, Arabic Dance, Oriental Rhythm, Grecian Fantasy
Armenian Folk Ensemble: Armenian & Caucasian Songs--The Folk Music of the Armenian People; Mace MXX-10026; N/E+ shrink ES $15 -- field recording (nearly); arr./cond. A. Bartevian; 16 cuts, 44:14 mins. long!; similar to Monitor but even rarer; nice TWA jacket photo; a top value!
Armenian State Chorus/Armenian Song & Dance Ensemble: Monitor Presents Armenian Folk Songs; Monitor MF-303; deep groove N-/N $15 -- field recording (nearly); conducted by Aram Ter-Oganesian & Tatul Altunian, respectively
Farid el Atrache: Belly Dance; Cairophon LPCXG-6; 1980/1972 (reissues LPCXG-124); N-/N- S $20 -- Beirut import by one of the major composers; belly dancer jacket is different than the 1972 issue
Ross Bagdasarian: The Mixed-Up World of Ross Bagdasarian; Liberty LRP-3451; 1966; promo label E/N $50 (or stock N-/N $50, specify) -- odd pop/mod Mid-East rock-jazz; historically a rock-pop collectors item (Liberty producer Bagdasarian more famous as David Seville/Chipmunks inventor) but of supreme importance to those seeking vintage Mid-East-rock hybrids; "Navel Maneuver" and "Bagdad Express" are the hip such tracks, but also there are "Armen's Theme" and "Come On-a My House" (perhaps the most famous Armenian-penned tune ever); the rest is goofy rock-novelty stuff, but good, swinging (in high mod '60s style--even some Esquivellian wordless chorus!), and often funny!
Mohammed El-Bakkar & his Oriental Ensemble subpage
Artie Barsamian: Minute Man Goes East; Virgo HP-1801; sealed $80 -- incredible stuff and rare (one of his best and most creative early ones!) on the original small Virgo label; partly jazz and even covers "Jingle Bells" (think about it!); Bossa Nova Goes Hye, Oud Meets Rhythm, Minute Man Rock, Tootin Tzara, Yari Yerk, Minuteman Goes East, Taksin, Serenade, Autumn Mist, Jingle Bells
Artie Barsamian: Minute Man Goes East; Virgo HFS-1801; E/E- S $60 -- incredible stuff and rare (one of his best and most creative early ones!), especially in stereo on the original small Virgo label; partly jazz and even covers "Jingle Bells" (think about it!); Bossa Nova Goes Hye, Oud Meets Rhythm, Minute Man Rock, Tootin Tzara, Yari Yerk, Minuteman Goes East, Taksin, Serenade, Autumn Mist, Jingle Bells
Artie Barsamian: Gems of Sesame; Fiesta/Virgo 1802; red label N-/N S $125 -- "Again the great Barsamian band in the open door of music"; rare early great one on Fiesta (Virgo imprint) in collectors-item grade; so very excited to offer this one!; Russel Gasparian Special, Oriental Jump Four, Seeretzi Cha Cha, Duldula, Apple Tree Song, Girl from the East, Drink and Be Merry, Oud Taksim, Step Lively, Black Eyes
Artie Barsamian: Gems of Sesame; Fiesta/Virgo 1802; black label E-/E- $30 -- "Again the great Barsamian band in the open door of music"; rare early great one on Fiesta black (Virgo imprint); so very excited to offer this one!; Russel Gasparian Special, Oriental Jump Four, Seeretzi Cha Cha, Duldula, Apple Tree Song, Girl from the East, Drink and Be Merry, Oud Taksim, Step Lively, Black Eyes
Artie Barsamian: Shadows in the Casbah; Kapp KS-3043; 1959; 2nd press E-/N S $25, specify) (or 2nd cutout E-/E- shrink S $20, specify) -- essential, one of the best-selling of the authentic, good Middle Eastern records released in the US in the 1960s; second of just two for the label, it's the classic follow-up to The Seventh Veil (an LP recorded for a tiny label and picked up by Kapp for national distribution) and a great place to start collecting Artie Barsamian!; Shadows in the Casbah, Misirlou, Tamara, Song of the Oud, Armenian Love Song (Chinar Boyov), Perfect Love, End of the Night, Desire in the Night, Lament (Chifte Telli), Soode Soode, Magic of the Khanoon, Kale Kale, Balkan Rock
Artie Barsamian: Return to Baghdad (aka Destination Baghdad); Standard/Colonial 860; E/N S $40 -- rare item whether this version (great combination of favorite artist and label!), the Virgo original, or the one licensed by Epic; fans need both, as the sound is markedly different, and you get different jacket art, liners, and personnel listing (found on this version only); there are four Barsamians here!; Dumbeg Maddness, Enzelee Dance & Hava Nageela, Sweet Spring, Oriental Jump III, Oud Interpretations, Destination Bagdad, Hey Hey Hey, Young Mans Fancy, Greek Sirto, Mystic Dreams, Heddy Lou, Road to Bagdad
Artie Barsamian: Caravan East; Standard/Colonial 952; E-/N S $50 -- hot one and one of the rarest!; Caravan East, Lively Girl (Aghvorig Aghchig), Oriental Jump #2, My Love (Siroohis), Fancy Fingers, The Vagabond (themes from Arshin Mal Alun), Little Boy (Pokrig Dughah), Perfect Girl (Harmar Aghchig), Hye Hop, You Are the One (Meg Hadig Es)
Artie Barsamian: Belly Dance au Go-Go [Music of the Middle East]; Fiesta FLP-1468; cutout 1st/black N-/V+ shrink $15 -- rare original pressing has the best sound, nice jacket too; the Fiesta records are similar to his early work on other such labels as Truart and Virgo; the music is authentic, not "Americanized" and production standards are pretty high (the original pressings tend to have livelier sound!); Hy Achig, Fin Junim, Sen Gel, Khnozri Tzara, Bari Yerk, Sev Acher, Konyali, Yaree Yerk, Eezen Hyer, Tootin Tzara, Babajin, Duldula
Artie Barsamian Today!; Truart 1450; 1968; gatefold E-/E+ $60 -- rare!; deluxe gatefold gives you photos of the group (and one full-size of AB); Today, Yerevan, My Inspiration, Sirto Today!, Lullaby-Hy Bar, Hey-La--Hey-La, My Heart Calls, Pusant's Delight, Siroon Siroon, Happy Time La La La
John Bilezikjian: Dream of Sheherazade; Audio Fidelity AFSD-6281; 1977; cutout E-/E- S $20 -- oud/drums; "Belly Dance to the oud with John Bilezikjian"; one of his great pair of LPs from 1977 for the label (VERY comparable to John Berberian, although we're told his stronger influence was George Mgridichian)--very few AF LPs rate as highly!; only two people, only 4 long cuts, so you know it's not standard pop!; Antonio's Delight, Jemilleh's Joy, Dream of Sheherazade, The Wish of Alexandria
John Bilezikjian: A Thousand & One Nights; Audio Fidelity AFSD-6287; 1977; black-label N/N- shrink S $35 (or sealed cutout, S $35, specify) -- oud/drums; "Instrumental Music for Belly Dancing"; one of his great pair of LPs from 1977 for the label (VERY comparable to John Berberian, although we're told his stronger influence was George Mgridichian)--very few AF LPs rate as highly!; made just before he next cut a terrific limited-edition direct-to-disc LP (fantastic audiophile wonder); 5 long cuts of Bilezikjian solo w/Tony Ayad on percussion: Bint il Beled, Dance of Sultana (14-minute dance routine), Nihavent Longa, Shenaz Longa, Sultani Yegah Sirto
Anita Darian ("the Armenian Yma Sumac") -- Exotica-World
Duke Ellington's Far East Suite -- jazz
Ibrahim Farrah: Music of the Qaria; Orient SLPO-155; 1976; E-/E- S $20 -- excellent, different, very exciting LP on top label (distributed by Ray Rashid) by a famous authority on the music; very much like El-Bakkar though with much more to offer the dancer or dj; two-thirds mizmar and percussion (authentic tunes for dancers) and a third drum solos; Raks El Assay, Raks Hassan, Zaffa, Ala Hesbe Wedad, Malee Bee, Raks El Qaria, Bedouin Wedding, Mohaya, Jaddilee, Egyptian Drum Solos: Balady, Maksoun, Masmoudi Sagheer, Masmoudi Kebeer, Darag, Sima'ee, Tawasheeh
The Feenjon Group: Recorded Live at Cafe Feenjon; Fran FRS-106; 1966; N-/N- shrink S $30 (or 2nd N-/E+ shrink S $20, specify) (or N-/V shrink S $15, specify) -- pan-Mid-East/Mediterranean; the original!; the classic first LP by the famous, first, ecumenical, multi-cultural, pan-Near-East group comprised of Menachem Dworman on oud, Hevron Levi on dumbeg, Avram Grobard on accordion, and Tasso Mavris, guitar; round-the-sea songs include some pan-Eurasian too (Arab, Israeli, Turkish, Greek with some Russian, Spanish, etc.); plenty of local NYC references--Eartha Kitt used to drop by the Greenwich Village boite for which it is named regularly after her own gigs; copious liner notes; Walla Dai, Seloh Haadom, Mustapha, Chto Myne Gorye, Zorba, Azziza, Rampe Rampe, Cuando Caliente el Sol, Az de Rebbe Zingt/Chiri-Biri-Bin, Sallah, Babadjim, Hebrew Medley (Ma Yaffim Halelot, Shnei Chaverim, Feenjon)
The Feenjon Group: Jerusalem of Gold; Monitor MFS-488; [probably] 1967; sealed S $25 (or N/E+ shrink S $20, specify) -- "Israel's Great New Hit Song...Jerusalem of Gold...Sung by Margalit"; the original pan-Middle-Eastern group's fourth and final LP offers several very uptempo/exciting songs (2 Arabic, the rest Israeli or Yiddish) from the good old days; Yerushalayim Shel Zahav, Migdalim, Erev Ba, Chriribim, Habena Badena, Rad Halailah, Aravah, Rumania, Daber Elai Bifrachim, Rachel, Shiftatlli, Ayil Ayil
The Feenjon Group: An Evening at the Cafe Feenjon; Monitor MFS-497; 1968; N/N shrink $25 (or N/N- shrink S $20, specify) -- pan-Mid-East/-Mediterranean musical traditions; "America's most exciting Near-Eastern ensemble"; after doing some locale-dedicated LPs (Greece and Jerusalem), this fourth and final is their only other one just like the classic first album (if you have the Fran LP, you need this too!!!); Bei Mein Rebbe is Givaizin a Ganayva, Beryuzovye Kalyuchki, Erev Shel Shoshanim, Aina Zorga, Lomer Alleh Singen, Biklibidia, Marinella, Donna Donna, Shishelai, Efiges, Mach Mach, Doce Cascabeles
Ganimian & his Oriental Music: Come with Me to the Casbah; Atlantic/Atco 33-107; E-/V+ $40 -- Mid-East rock/-jazz; Charles "Chick" Ganimian's (with a strong Lennie Tristano stamp on it) hip rarity, long sought by psyche collectors and those into unusual Mid-East music with some Mid-East rock (it has been covered on a Jungle Exotica comp); essential for anyone interested in classic East-West hybrids--it's one of the first LPs of its kind, and you'll want the original US/Atlantic/Atco release for the best sound; Oriental Jam, Over the Rainbow(!), The Whirling Dervish, Play Girl Play, Swingin' the Blues, Daddy Lolo (listed elsewhere as "Dari Lo Lo"), My Funny Valentine, Come with Me to the Casbah, Hedy Lou, Hayastan Moods, Halvah, Nine-Eight
Ganimian & his Oriental Music: Come with Me to the Casbah; Atlantic/Atco SD-33-107; 1st/deep groove cutout E+/V+ S $75 -- Mid-East rock/-jazz; Wow!!!; impossible stereo (early for the label, too!) of Charles "Chick" Ganimian's (with a strong Lennie Tristano stamp on it) hip rarity, long sought by psyche collectors and those into unusual Mid-East music w/some Mid-East rock (it has been covered on a Jungle Exotica comp); essential for anyone interested in classic East-West hybrids--it's one of the first LPs of its kind, and you'll want the original US/Atlantic/Atco release for the best sound; Oriental Jam, Over the Rainbow(!), The Whirling Dervish, Play Girl Play, Swingin' the Blues, Daddy Lolo (listed elsewhere as "Dari Lo Lo"), My Funny Valentine, Come with Me to the Casbah, Hedy Lou, Hayastan Moods, Halvah, Nine-Eight
The Gomidas Band: Rendezvous in Armenia; Roulette R-25230; E-/E $25 -- arranged and led by the great George Mgrdichian, it's wonderful, rare, and one to snap up while you can; Tamara, Gneega, Halay, Voch Me Dzaleeg, Sepastia Bar, Kadeh Yes Em, Dari Me Na, Armenian Caucasian Dance, Ooska Gookas, Shalako, Hye Dughak, Mayr Arazi Aperov
Gene von Hallberg: Fess Parker Presents Behind the Veil--Modern Melodies of the Middle East; Cascade CA-1005; deep groove E+/E S $25 -- rare LP on rare label!; Fess Parker (Davy Crockett) lends his name to a famous Disney orchestra leader; orchestral but unique music (great for production) similar to the Mid-East stuff you hear on old religious-epic soundtracks (but better); Bashraf Aman, Song of Zuleika, Dervish Dance, Turkish Toffee, Behind the Veil, March of the Khedives, Drum Dance of Damascus, Maid of Athens, Chant of the Snake Charmer, Persian Fantasy, Desert Flute, Dance of Darkness
Hanaan & her Ensemble: Music Of Arabia; Request SRLP 8083; N/N shrink S $20 -- Lebanese/Arabic vocal (good, as are almost all things on this best-of-the-world import label); Essabh (Night & Day), El-Ameh (Wheat Song), Nider Alia (I Promise), Shway Shway (Oh! Notice Me), Ma Bihwa Gayrak (No One But You), Claire Fantasy, Ya Zein (Handsome Boy), Dallou'a (My Darling, Al Lala (No! No!), Ya Mit Hala (Pleasant Day), Ye'a (I Love You So Much), (Mawal) Allah We Akbar (Our God)
Institute of Arabic Music, Cairo: Arab Music; Lyrichord LLST-7186; N-/E+ S $30 -- first-rate rare title, top sound and production, great music (oud, kanoun, nai, tabla, etc.) by professors Hassen Ashmawy, Ahmed El Rashedy, Farouk Amin Zayed..; Ya Saide, Yallel Baladna, Asuit, Auminaity Ashufeak Ya-alby, Samaie Agam, Samie Thakiel Bayaty, Bayaty Mode Variation, Bayaty for the Nai and Kanun, Bayaty for the Oud Kanun and Nai
Institute of Arabic Music, Cairo: Arab Music Volume 2; Lyrichord LLST-7198; N-/N- S $30 -- first-rate rare title, top sound and production, great music (oud, kanoun, nai, tabla, etc.) by professors Hassen Ashmawy, Ahmed El Rashedy, Farouk Amin Zayed..; Samaie Shad Araban, Bayaty El Erian, Tahmilla, Samaie Nahawand, Lastw Adry, A Piece on Nahawand, Variation on Nahawand (Baheia Nahawand), Variation on Bayaty, Oriental Melody
Chris Kalogerson & the Ensemble Sharqi: Belly Dancing for Everyone; Monitor MFS-771; 1975; E+/N- S $20 -- not many know about this great LP, apparently, so it's a bargain; great music, beautiful jacket of dancer Shamira Azad; liners show thumbnails of other good Monitor LPs (Abdo and Feenjon); recommended; Raksat Ala Al Oud (Dance to the Oud Sound), Rampi-Rampi, Shish-Kabob, Monaagah (Arabian Serenade), Haso-Eliniko (Greek Hasapiko), Banat Iskandaria (The Girls of Alexandria), Raksat Al Souk (Market Dance), Maharayias (The Maharajah),Baklava, Opa, Raksat Al Neal (Dance of the Nile), Mustafa
Joseph Karkour, Setrak Sarkissian, etc.: Belly Dance!--Spectacular Rhythms from the Middle East; Philips International PILPS-10210; 1974; cutout N/N shrink S $30 -- rare one on PI (same as EMI Voix de l'Orient GVDL-74 but different jacket face); high marks for both jacket and music, which features nay, violin, kanoun, accordion, tabla (including a solo), and organ
Youssef Kassab: Nadira Belly Dances for Youssef Kassab; Peters International PILPS-10075; 1974; E/N- S $20 -- five songs on Side 1, and a side-long full routine for dancers on Side 2; recorded in Damascus with top musicians, great sound
The Kaya Orchestra (Juliana Presents Belly Dance Music for the Connoisseur); Request SRLP 10124; 1977; import E/E S $20 -- rare import of Turkish music, spectacular jacket; Mahalle, Kara Cali, Hicaz Oyun Havasi, Tamir Hane Dansi, Ringo Karshilima, Salon Chiftetelli, Hicaz Dans, Gelibolu Karshilima
Eddie Kochak (Hakki Obadia, Fred Elias) subpage
Sonny Lester: Little Egypt Presents How to Belly Dance for Your Husband; Roulette SR-42021; N/N- shrink S $25 -- mideast jazz; few know this, but the original LP with different jacket art is Emus ES-12012 (rare!), the liners of which tell you this "Little Egypt" was actually 21yo Lorraine Egypt, who starred as Orpah (not Oprah) in the Broadway show "Gideon" and earned hot reviews (the booklet is pretty juicy too, although in this case it's the booklet for the second volume); but you'll want it more for the great Sonny Lester's unique oriental jazz (with the original version of the cut "Rebecca from Mecca" you may know from the Time LP); Turkish, Fertile Desert, The Unveiling, Boom Boom, Calcutta Rag, Salome's Veil, Daughter of the Nile, The Belly Dancer's Waltz, The Dream, Jasmine, Cad of Bagdad, Queens Night Out
Sonny Lester: Little Egypt Presents How to Belly Dance for Your Husband; Roulette SR-42021; with booklet E-/E S $25 -- mideast jazz; few know this, but the original LP with different jacket art is Emus ES-12012 (rare!), the liners of which tell you this "Little Egypt" was actually 21yo Lorraine Egypt, who starred as Orpah (not Oprah) in the Broadway show "Gideon" and earned hot reviews (the booklet is pretty juicy too); but you'll want it more for the great Sonny Lester's unique oriental jazz (with the original version of the cut "Rebecca from Mecca" you may know from the Time LP); Turkish, Fertile Desert, The Unveiling, Boom Boom, Calcutta Rag, Salome's Veil, Daughter of the Nile, The Belly Dancer's Waltz, The Dream, Jasmine, Cad of Bagdad, Queens Night Out
Sonny Lester: Little Egypt Presents How to Belly Dance for Your Husband; Roulette SR-59029 (1984 reissue); with booklet E/N S $25 -- mideast jazz; few know this, but the original LP with different jacket art is Emus ES-12012 (rare!), the liners of which tell you this "Little Egypt" was actually 21yo Lorraine Egypt, who starred as Orpah (not Oprah) in the Broadway show "Gideon" and earned hot reviews (the booklet is pretty juicy too!); but you'll want it more for the great Sonny Lester's unique oriental jazz (with the original version of the cut "Rebecca from Mecca" you may know from the Time LP); Turkish, Fertile Desert, The Unveiling, Boom Boom, Calcutta Rag, Salome's Veil, Daughter of the Nile, The Belly Dancer's Waltz, The Dream, Jasmine, Cad of Bagdad, Queens Night Out
Sonny Lester: Middle East After Hours; Time S-2096; deep groove N/E+ shrink S $40 (or deep groove N-/E $35, specify) -- mod Mid-East jazz; the best, definitive, swingin'est LP by famous jazz producer Sonny Lester and a vital, unusual conception of Mid-East jazz--we love this record! (get it and play it LOUD); updates (uptempo's!) some of his tunes for Emus/Roulette (Little Egypt vols.) and adds some terrific originals; fantastic percussion, vibes, horns--the works; one percussionist is Peter Gutierrez (who could be Latin superstar Pete Terrace doing session work); great sound comes from heavy vinyl!; nifty modern-art jacket completes the magic; Port Said, Dance of the Beggars, Oasis, Desert Love, Hejaz, Farewell to Port Said, Id, Ali Baba Cake Walk, Mocha Jazz, Rebecca from Mecca, Dancing Maiden of Port Said, Beautiful Blue Nile
Hank Mardigian Sextet featuring George Mgrdichian on the Oud: Oriental Delight; Forum SF-9010; blue label N/N- S $25 -- classic set and a favorite jacket: fez-wearing man offers hookah to laughing reclined woman while another peers out of curtains; features the great George Mgrdichian and Roger Mgrdichian; tho a popular seller on an ordinary label, it is nevertheless one of the most essential LPs of its kind, and we're delighted to have it in top shape!; Oriental Delight, Dance of the Veil, Village Dance, Dreams of Home, The Halleh, Caucasian Dance, Sweet Spring, Kismet, Mood Orientale, Zebeck, Seeds of Joy, Come My Sweet One
Eddie Mekjian & Ensemble: Armenian Dance Party--Music from the Middle East; Fiesta FLPS-1489; red label E/N S $30 -- with Bill Aliferis; groovy mod jacket and his most exciting music!; possibly his first LP (earliest number on the label)
Eddie Mekjian & Ensemble: Belly Dance Music from the Middle East; Fiesta FLPS-1551; sealed S $30 -- w/Bill Aliferis & Joe Kouyoumjian; Chesmeh Bashi, Nor Pessa, Catherine, Hye Vahn, Choban Kuz, Telegrafin Telleri, Indim Yarin, High Heel Shoes, Kurdish Bar, Dalleh Dalleh, Kharnarsee
Eddie Mekjian & Ensemble: The Seventh Veil; Fiesta FLPS-1599; E/N- S $20 -- authentic, in top sound, with Joe Kouyoumjian, oud and Eli Nazarian, kanun; beautiful jacket photo is so nice they used it twice--for Fiesta FLP-1372 (Maha)!; Mymish Ugha, Yangin Var, Hureshdagus, Votch Mi Dzaghig, Mia Pidamofi Tsigana, Harpoot Havasi (Wedding Song) Shuffle, Halimeh, Harpoot, Seni Geurdum, Hijaz Karshlima, Madzoon, Oud Taksim-Hijaz
Edward Mekjian & his Ensemble: Belly Dance Music from the Middle East; Fiesta FLPS-1649; E+/N shrink S $30 -- probably his best LP!; all excellent with some very exotic strong favorites; beautiful dancer-at-night jacket; yes, it's the second LP with the same title but totally different (should have been "volume two" but that's the title of the next one)
Marko Melkon & his International Oriental Orchestra: Hi-Fi Adventure in Asia Minor; Decca DL-9061; red/silver label, 1st press N-/E+ $50 (or 1st press E-/E+ $30, specify) -- despite being on a major label, it's highly unusual and very important; Melkon Alemsherian (a.k.a. Marko Melkon) with the great George Mgrdichian--arranger and drum-doumbag, Roger King Mozian--composer (famous for "Asia Minor") and Melkon's son-in-law (wife/daughter Rose is one of four dancers pictured on the gorgeous jacket), Gary Alexanian--doumbag, Souvastaki--clarinet, Ahmet Yatman--kanun; strong uptempo music (exciting percussion): Armenian, Greek, Turkish, Arabic, plus something listed as a Mohammedan War Dance ("Jezayire")
George Mgrdichian, Oud & his Ensemble: The Now Sounds of the Middle East; Monitor MFS-709; 1969; E/N shrink S $30 (or E-/E- S $20, specify) -- mid-east/oud; one of the most intriquing and best-loved of all the fantastic records by the great Philadelphian George Mgrdichian (the first name in oud, before John Berberian, who led the Gomidas Band and many others) in a quartet with Menachem Dworman, leader of the Feenjon Group (we like it even better than the Feenjon LPs); unique, great, and the version of "Take Five" (Dave Brubeck's hit) alone is reason to buy and play!; Nehavend Longa, Sultan Yoga, Yesterday (Beatles!), Laz Bar, Chat Araban, Aley Giva, Caderemen Ustune, Israeli Medley, Marinella
The Ray Mirijanian Oud & Clarinet (Vol. 1, No.1); Mirta MR-1001; 1965; E/E+ $25 (or E-/V+ $15, specify) -- classic LP by headliners of Philadelphia's Middle East Restaurant (Mirijanian also was with the Gomidas Band), produced by Jim Tayoun, whose children still perform (see photos above); also one of the first and most significant groups to play a wide variety of styles representing most of the Middle East; rare elsewhere but priced low here where we can find it once in awhile; 13 tracks: Hasapiko, Jameela, Bandar (Persian!), Chifte Telli, Manee Rayida, Halay, Hava Nagila, Mee Melancholis, Kale Kale, Karsilamas, Bint El Shalabiyeh, Efem, Kalamatianos
The Ray Mirijanian Middle East Band: A Night in the Middle East, Vol. 2; Middle East ME-1011; N-/N shrink S $25 (or E+/N $20, specify) -- premier Philly artist (scarce elsewhere) and we'd charge a lot more but it does turn up for us clean, so here you go!, really good!; dir. Bob Sarkisian; great jacket, liners by Jim Tayoun, historic liner photos of Philly's Middle East restaurant and belly dancer
The Ray Mirijanian Middle East Band: A Night in the Middle East, Vol. 1; Middle East ME-1010; E/N shrink S $25 -- another great one by premier Philly artist (rare elsewhere) that should be in everyone's collection; with Bob Sarkisian, Mona Liban (vocalist), Bob Kelly, Ed Tayoun..; groovy photos and notes by Jim Tayoun; Nina Nai Nai, Doktor, Armenian Medley, Siseler, Hala Laya, Arabaya Tas Koydum, Aman Koyzoym Aman Yavroom, Al Asfooreyeh, Siroon Aghchig, Erev Shelshoshanim, Ah Ya Zein
The Silhouettes: Conversations with the Silhouettes -- Jazz
Mike Sarkissian & his Cafe Bagdad Ensemble: Grecian Holiday; Audio Fidelity AFLP-1866; 1958; 1st/gold/deep groove N-/E- $30 -- rare; given the musicians, it's really as Armenian/belly dance as it is Greek, and it's the second of three such LPs in series--all good, all hard to get, from the prized early days of this label; unusual tunes, acclaimed group (Sarkissian owned the Cafe Bagdad); terrific goofy jacket (as most are on this label) with belly dancer (model) who resembles actress Debbie Mazar!!!; extensive, colorful liner notes; Sou Sou Ratha, Naftopoulo, Bagdad Sirto, Minore Katsi, Tsingenella, Palamakia, Anapseta, Opa Opa, Apopse, Spartiatopoula, Arapina, Hasapiko
The Sheik's Men: The Belly Dancer; Reprise R9-6056; 1961; deep groove E-/E S $60 (or deep groove V+/E- S $45, specify) -- Mid-East/mod/rock; for the modernist/hybrid collector, it's total manna; wow, like a whole LP of great 45s! (or like "Las Vegas Grind" if it were with top musicians and arrangements)--even the sound is loud and fantastic--but wait, there's more: it's a magical trifecta of irresistible greatness: 1) hip jacket of a belly dancer; 2) Mort Goode's always-sensational liner notes--a mini-history of pop belly dance in all its carnival glory ("Their abdomens gyrate...You'll want to join the movement."); and 3) fantastic, cool, reverb-enhanced, electric-guitar-led, drummery, Mid-East-rock instros: The Belly Dancer, Lady Unveiling, The Dance They Do, Navel Observatory, Dance of the Scimitars, Caravan, Song for Belly Dancer, Misirlou, Shish Kebab, In a Persian Market, Bangcock Cockfight (improves the original by Les Baxter!), Sherry's Dream
Ali Srour?/Uncredited: Cairo by Night [Exotic Oriental Dances Volume 1]; EMI/Sout el Hob SHB-323; 1976; E/N S $150 -- probably the most exciting one-off item yet offered on this page; rare '70s import features hot drums, crazy organ/moog, transporting nay, and generally uptempo greatness; 11 cuts, all fantastic, with several to write home about (DJs will love); this is why we check out every "Voice of Lebanon" import we can--to discover such wonders as this; no telling from the item itself who it is on this one, but the Volume 2 is by Ali Srour
Ali Srour: Cairo by Night [Exotic Oriental Dances Volume 2]; EMI/Sout el Hob SHB-335; 1977; E/E- S $75 -- not quite as fantastic as the first volume but still definitely a cut above the bulk of even the better 1970s imports of this kind; Rakset Nelli, Raskset Mona, Rakset Dounia, Rakset Sehr
Bebi Stergiou & the Alector Anatolian Ensemble: Greek Town, USA--A Salute to New York's Bouzoukee Casbahs; Alector ALP-5004; E+/E- S $30 -- early, exotic Greek belly-dance music; jacket face features fascinating jacket photos of defunct NYC boites; jacket back shows the performers; rare period piece and snapshot of old-NY life; first of two volumes; Nina Na'i, Manoula Tha Figo, Moustafa, O Haros, Makria Sou Liono, Never On Sunday, S' Agapisa St' Alithia, Ela Kane Mou Parea, A Modern Widow, Our Romance, Pastourma, Bebi's Lament
The Sultan's Caravan: Belly Dance to Great Navel Music; RCA Victor AFL1-1820; 1976; N/N shrink S $30 -- led by Joe Castellon, with Gus Vali, Hakki Obadia, Souren Baronian (of Asia Minors/Nor-ikes fame), and Chet Amsterdam.., it's truly a "super-group" record; high production values include deep bass, so it's very much a modern record but with old-school clarity, soul, and musicianship; Ouzo, Tokat, Zexra, Ah Ya Zain, Sauda Sauda, Al Jazayer, Shiftitelli, Siseler, Mustapha, Chant
The Sultans Middle Eastern Band Volume 1; The Sultans Recording S-001; 1981; E-/N- S $20 -- good and rare first of three volumes; Yollar Uzak, Yarim Kalan Ask, Yeselim, Taksim, Rhythm Solo, Sallasana Mendillini, Ney Taksim, Dere (9/8 Karsilama), Adanali, Organ-Ney-Drum (improvisation), Esmerim, Beledi Rhythm Solo
The Toraia Orchestra of Algiers: Arabian Love Songs; Request SRLP-8127; N-/N [S?] $20 (or E/N [S?] $15, specify) -- arabic vocal; excellent reissue of rare 1956 LP Music of the Arab People (Esoteric ES-547) minus one Turkish song but with new jacket art; one instrumental, the rest exciting vocals by two famous female singers in the group; excellent value!
Ozel Turkbas: How to Make Your Husband a Sultan; El-Ay 2687; with booklet N/N shrink S $30 (or with booklet E+/E+ S $25, specify) -- Turkish belly dance; a classic, recorded with the very best Turkish musicians; hers are among the most varied (she sings on some cuts, but most are ensemble playing with great solos) and hippest (later ones feature Moog and breakbeats) of US-made Mid-East LPs; ideal for dancers, listeners, and jacket-gapers alike; celeb photos of lovely Ozel with Mike Douglas, Kirk Douglas, Charles Aznavour, David Steinberg..; collect all 5 Ozel LPs!; Ozel's Dance Music (17.35 mins.!), Hoplada (Tarik Bulut), Tin Tin (Tiny Little Lady--sung by Ozel), Tokat (Tokat City Song), Kandirali Chiftetelli, Taksimler (improvs for violin, kanun, clarinet), Andolu (Asia Minor), Fasulya (Gypsy Dance)
Ozel Turkbas: How to Belly Dance for Your Sultan; El-Ay 2789; with booklet and order form N/N shrink S $60 (or E+/N- S $50, specify) (or E-/E+ S $40, specify) (or V/V S $15, specify) -- the big one!; with the great Tarik Bulut, piano and Joseph Kassab, oud (top Turkish musicians on all of Ozel's records); chief among its virtues is a legendary deep-funk break (about one minute's worth within a 15-min. tune, not just a drum solo, great for DJs); all her LPs are intense, modern, thrilling--especially after the first; Ozel's Dance Routine, Lovers Look Alike, Hey Bili Bili Bom, Missourlu, He is in That Train, Home of the Twirling Dervishes, Helvaci, Organ Improvisation (by Jimmy Linardos, who had several LPs on Fran)
Ozel Turkbas: Dance Into Your Sultan's Heart; El-Ay 2877; with booklet N/N S $50 (or N/N- S $40, specify) (or cutout N-/E+ S $30, specify) -- one of the two killers with Moog, funky drums/breaks, and funky waka-guitar; never easy to find!; Ozel's Belly Dance Routine, Ali Baba, The Dance in the Garden, A Wedding Song, Organ Improvisation, Halime is a Coquette, Azeri Dance Number, Popular Circle Dance, Violin/Kanun/Bouzoukia Solo
Ozel Turkbas: Alla-Turca (The Turkish Way); El-Ay 2982; 1975; with booklet E-/E S $35 -- very hard to find in the original complete with booklet!; Ozel's Belly Dance Routine (14:27), Rampy Rampy (Karshilama), Sultaniyegah, Wave To Me (Salla Salla), Bride from Bursa (Bursali), Keep Dancing Keep Turning (Ha Un Ele), The Camel Driver (Deveci), Improvisations (Clarinet, Oud, Kanun, Violin)
Ozel Turkbas: Kismet; El-Ay E-5436; 1978; with booklet N/N- shrink S $60 (or no booklet E/E- S $40, specify) -- rare! (rarest of Ozel's 5 LPs); "the first belly dance record to capture the mystic sound of Middle Eastern dervish music"; her last (all the previous and her two books are shown on the jacket back) and one of the best, super scarce; arranged and conducted by the great Tarik Bulut; Ozel's Dance Routine (14 mins.), Horses of My Carriage Giddap Giddap, Nihavent Sirto, My Mouth is So Dry--Can't Beg You Anymore, Telegramme Wires, My Sugar Boy, Halay, Wheat & Barley, Oud Improvisation Double String, Karshilama Taksim
Ozel Turkbas: Music for Belly Dancing BOXED SET; Murray Hill 944332; 3-LP box with booklet N-/N- S $50 (or no booklet E/E S $30, specify) -- Turkish belly dance with breakbeats and side-long dance routines; reissues How to Make Your Husband a Sultan, Dance Into Your Sultan's Heart, & Alla-Turca; 1 low price for 3 of her 5 terrific LPs!!!; see above descriptions of the three individual titles in this set; booklet where included is from All-Turca
Gus Vali & his Casbah Ensemble: Belly Dances--For Men Only; United Artists/UnArt 21017; 1967; E-/N- $15 -- excellent compilation and introduction to the master; Uskudar, Doktor Doktor, Bachelerde, Delilah..
Gus Vali: Motion Picture Music for Belly Dancers; Musicor MM-2050; deep groove E+/N- $25 -- exotic, Mid-East versions of More, Charade, Topkapi, Exodus, Lawrence of Arabia, Cleopatra, Never on Sunday, Funny World (from Malamondo)..
Gus Vali: The Exciting Sounds of the Middle East; United Artists UAS-6404; N-/N S $35 (or mono UAL-3404; E+/N $30, specify) -- one of his rarest, good, early records, with a full 14 cuts (the two "Val Taxim" cuts at each side end are brief, more like cues); Kalamationos, Tamzara, To Takounaki, Lirge, Psara to Krima, Tsiou Tsiou, Val Taxim #1, Golfo, Hava Nagila, Yasena Mana, Adanali, Glari, Feta, Val Taxim #2
Gus Vali: Greek Soul; United Artists International UNS-15563; 1970; promo E-/E+ S $40 -- with production help from Chet Amsterdam, it's a most welcome counterpart to Chimera (pop rather than jazz but hip and funky) and even rarer; Those Were the Days, Aquarius, Istes Ginekis, Mi Tharis, Ela Ela, Good Morning Starshine, Vatikiottisa (hear it on YouTube), Silver & Gold, Windmills of Your Mind, Popi
Gus Vali: Belly Dance Navel Academy; Peters International PI-LPS-30; 1972; N/N shrink S $25 (or E+/N S $20, specify) (or E/N- S $15, specify) -- one of his best!; with George Mgrdichian, oud and Hakki Obadia!; deep, hip bass--great for DJs and dancers alike; 14 great cuts and you can't beat getting top shape in a range of low prices (for jacket condition only): Navel Academy Theme, Savgulum, Sauda Sauda, Kashlarin Ingee Ingee, Ahyazain, Port Said, Taxim, Semra Semra, Sesame, Farfara, Siseler, Byr Demet Yasemen, Rahks Taxim, Taxim Bassclaro
Gus Vali: Belly Dance Navel Academy Vol. 2; Peters International PLD-2003; 1977; N/N- shrink S $30 -- released five years later than the first volume but we think from the same session, and in any case it's far rarer than the first; all-star band including George Mgrdichian, Hakki Obadia, Souran Baronian, and John Vartan!; deep, hip bass--great for DJs and dancers alike; Atlas, Folk Play, Daka Wo Noss, Shiftitelli, I Wrote a Letter, Ena Wenta, Kabbir Aklatack, Green Silk, Ghroub, Nagmat el Hayat, Atchan Ya Sabaya, Sultans Three, Taxim Bassclaro
Yousef & his Bagdad Ensemble; Bagdad Cabaret BG-1001; 1957; first press/first jacket N-/E- $20 -- Yousef Kouyoumjian leads a pan-mid-east group (Armenia, Turkey, Iran all represented) in a great private-press rarity from a San Francisco restaurant; the tunes/songs and playing are first-rate and unusual and it would be well worth for that alone; still, the best part may be the spectacular jacket art (bluer in color on the first press), and this rare first press also gives you the original jacket back/design/photo; Elef Leila Wa Leila (1001 Nights), Dulab el Houb (The Wheel of Love), Bagdad Havasih (Bagdad Air), Wen El Habib (Where is the Beloved?), Fantezy Nahawand, Jara el Helwa (The Sweet One Nearby), Siroun Aghchik (Beautiful Maiden, Baba Karam
Bachiri Zoutni, his Muscians & Dancers: Arabic Songs & Dances; Request SRLP-8163; N-/N shrink S $25 -- rare opportunity to land yet another wonderful surprise in this great series (top recordings licensed for US release and well presented); top shape (flawless), great sound; very unusual music--flute and drums--and just a handful of long tracks; Andebdoea (Nice Girl), Finshabi (Artists Religion), Zinde (My Love), Larousa Hmis (Tale of Marriage), Snara (Lament for a Girl)
Uncredited: The Art of Belly Dancing [With Music & Vocal Instruction]; Gateway GSLP-3527; sealed S $30 (or E/N- S $25, specify) (or V-/N- S $15, specify) -- music/instruction (spoken w/music); yes! this is the LP Dee-Lite famously sampled ("We're going to dance and have some fun") at the start of their smash hit and sampling icon "Groove is in the Heart"; the whole thing is at least as great/sensational as that choice moment; unique, impelling, it's a strong favorite (like most LPs on favorite regional oddball label Gateway) for all these reasons; belly-dancer jacket and illustrated instructional liner notes; Bust Exercise, Hip Thrust & Vibration, Belly & Snake Movements..
Uncredited: The Art of Belly Dancing Volume 2; Gateway GSLP-3531; sealed S $20 (or E-/N S $15, specify) -- far rarer than the famous first volume and a good companion to it and any belly-dance collection; this time it's straightforward, authentic instrumental music without any hokey instruction (perfect for dancing); Side 1 Turkish (6 cuts), Side 2 Arabic (all one routine); with production help by Jilana, NYC belly dance instructor
Various: Aphrodisia--Music of Afghanistan & Iran; Hanover HM-5004 (reissues Evergreen EVR-002); V+/V+ $20 -- 12 great songs courtest of the Mission of the University of Indiana (rec. by J.C. & S. Lubtchansky; ed. G. Rouget); the original release gives you liner notes and photos in classic field-recording style, but you'll never find it; this one gives you the saucy nude jacket and, among other fascinating sounds, one way-out mouth-harp cut
Various: Keyif in Istanbul (Party in Istanbul); Nina L-82; E-/E- $30 -- Turkish; rare; with the Haydar Tatliyay Orchestra, Sukru Tunar Orchestra, Yian Sim, Melahat Mardin; recorded in Greece and Turkey and featuring both instrumentals and vocals (also oud and drum solos), it is famous especially for an early photo of Ozel Turkbas (predates her own US records) as the jacket art, although it would be a lot more famous if it weren't so rare!; the Ozel fan may not have this opportunity again
Various: Music of the Harems; Nina L-72; E/E $25 -- Turkish; rare; with the Haydar Tatliyay Orchestra, Sukru Tunar Orchestra, Sen Sisters, Melahat Mardin; liners by the great Tarik Bulut (leading Turkish bandleader in the US); though probably best known for its jacket art, it's also a wonderful, early, small-press musical survey of authentic music; includes vocal folkloric, Kurdish dance, belly dance, clarinet taksim..; Rast Cifte Telli, Cargah Oyun Havasi, Sari Kiz (Blonde Girl), Yunt Dagi Zeyubegi/Zeybek, Gel Guzelim (Come, My Beautiful), Sehnaz Longa (Classical Prelude), Hicaz Cifte Telli, Bugday Tarlasinda (In the Wheat Field), Lorge Lorge, Klarinet Taksim, Gulerken Ben Agliyordum (Love Song), Ege Zeybegi
Various: Musical Memories of Turkey; London International TW-91299; deep groove N/N $20 -- uncommon compilation of folk songs & dance tunes rec. in Turkey probably in the late '50s (probably issued otherwise elsewhere, but this is a nice production); Aycan Can, Hamiyet Duygulu, Ylmaz Sanliel, Gulcan Sevim (Tell Me, Are the Wild Cherries Ripe?), Handan Toksoz, Ertan Ulusu, Ayse Yurdanur (Our Dolled Up Bride, Ahmet's Done Me Wrong)
Various: Super Belly Dance!; Voice of Lebanon VLMX-60; 1976; N-/E- S $60 -- Mid-East/psyche guitar; yes, it's one of those fantastic '70s imports in the Omar Khorshid vein (one of his and three others are shown in color thumbnails on the back); drums, organ, and best of all guitar that takes Dick Dale's Misirlou "to eleven" (probably features Omar Khorshid); Side 1: Sahar (Rafic Hobeika), Ya Dalla Dallaa-Bil el Jamal (Farid El Atrache); Side 2: Rakset el Fadaa (Nour El Mallah), Nada, Ghazaliyeh (Nicolas El Dik/El Dick), Ya Salat el Sein (Zakaria Ahmed)
Various: Tunisia, Vol. 1--The Classical Arab-Andalusian Music of Tunis; Folkways FW-8861; 1962/1960; w/booklet N/E+ shrink $20 -- rec. by Wolfgang Laade; not everyday you get one of these in top shape, fully intact, and this is a good one
Collectors items! Standard, Colonial, Standard-Colonial -- our favorite US label from "Mecca East" (New England and later New York) mystifies, delights, challenges, and rewards us with some of the most intriguing, authentic, and varied music of the greater Mid-East and Mediterranean world. Titles may be under any of these imprints: Standard [Phono Corp.], Colonial, or Colonial World of Music. Many titles, all very difficult to find. Got some already? We are seeking certain titles in trade (see below) and gladly will consider other titles that we don't already have.
Hanoum Ayse's Belly Dance Music: Authentic Music of Belly Dancers (The Same Music You Hear in Night Clubs); Standard/Colonial LP-937; (2nd jacket) cutout N-/N S $50 -- impeccable, rare, YOU NEED IT!!!; curiously, the original Standard LP also is in true stereo (our copy, anyway), whether or not there was ever a mono release; in any case you get new jacket art and all the same sound with this Colonial issue, plus it's in top shape; features some great oud and kanoun solos, too!; Semra Semra, Karsilama, Arap Oynunu, Ussak Cifte Telli, Arap Oyun Havasi, Kanun--Nihavent Taksim, Sudu Sudu, Bahcelerde, Oyun Havasi, Dance Havasi, Raks Oyun Havasi, Ud--Hicaz Taksim
Artie Barsamian: Return to Baghdad (aka Destination Baghdad); Standard/Colonial 860; E/N S $40 -- rare item whether this version (great combination of favorite artist and label!), the Virgo original, or the one licensed by Epic; fans need both, as the sound is markedly different, and you get different jacket art, liners, and personnel listing (found on this version only); there are four Barsamians here!; Dumbeg Maddness, Enzelee Dance & Hava Nageela, Sweet Spring, Oriental Jump III, Oud Interpretations, Destination Bagdad, Hey Hey Hey, Young Mans Fancy, Greek Sirto, Mystic Dreams, Heddy Lou, Road to Bagdad
Garam Chiba with Typical Orchestra: Holiday in Lebanon & Syria; Colonial ST-LP-821; E+/E+ shrink S $30 -- we'd be thrilled just to tell you the first track is called "Ramshit" but it's a really terrific record throughout (one of our favorites on the label); the best cut is "Lebanese Dance" but there is a lot to enjoy; best of all the LP is 1st/stereo/clean, which is tough!
Dave Tarras Orchestra & Allen Street Gypsies: Music of the Jewish People; Colonial LP-120; deep groove E/E- $40 -- "12 complete authentic Jewish dances"; super rare and good, with a sound that's loud and proud, it's like early Mickey Katz (the instrumentals, not the parodies); Congratulations Zelda, Grandfather's Dance, Ora--Sirba a la Dave, Ternovker Sher, Joyce's Tantz, South Fallsburg Bulgar, I Am Yours--Sher, Jolly Sher, Gypsy Bulgar, Dance of Happiness, Dance the Bulgar, Be Happy--frailach
Uncredited: Exciting Sounds of the Boujouki: Music of the Near East; Colonial LP-307/807 (both stereo); white-label promo E-/N- S $30 -- Greek instrumental; wonderful sound with good tunes; this rare promo for the mono version is actually stereo, so there probably is no mono version!; Dance from Zorba the Greek; At the Races; Misirlou; Happy Beat; Sirtaki Dance; Under Mediterranean Skies; Never On Sunday; Soul Dance; Sailors Dance; Let's Dance Together; You and Me; Blue Clear Waters
Uncredited: Fatima's Belly Dances--Exotic Music of the Near East; Standard/Colonial LP-931; cutout E-/E S $30 -- "featuring Genuine Music of Near Eastern Night Clubs"' very exciting title on a favorite New England label; Olu Tavuk, Boyagi (chant by Saffet in Turkish), Adana Cifte Telli, Tamzara, Daragik Sokaklar, Mevlene, Bahrie Cifte Telli, Neva Gazel (chant by Saffet in Turkish), Kalaizilar, Angara Kosmasi, Cigaramin Dumani, Doctor-Doctor Givanim (singing by belly dancer Ayse in Turkish)
Uncredited/Hanoum Ayse's Belly Dance Music: Belly Dancers' Music; Standard 423 N/E- $30 (or N-/V- $20, specify) -- "Exotic-Fascinating-Captivating...a music roundup of the night spots featuring belly dancers"; one of the top titles on one of the best & most authentic (desirable, collectable) small US labels dedicated to Mid-East music--YOU NEED THIS!!!; jacket of belly dancer posing on oriental carpet; Misirlou, Dance of Veils, Dance of Hips, Kurdish Style Dance..
Uncredited/Hanoum Ayse's Belly Dance Music: Belly Dancers' Music; Colonial World of Music LP-923; N/N- shrink S(ES?) $35 -- "Exotic-Fascinating-Captivating...a music roundup of the night spots featuring belly dancers"; one of the top titles on one of the best & most authentic (desirable, collectable) small US labels dedicated to Mid-East music--YOU NEED THIS!!!; jacket of belly dancer posing on oriental carpet; Misirlou, Dance of Veils, Dance of Hips, Kurdish Style Dance..
Uncredited/"Near East Orchestras": Music for Belly Dancing; Standard/Colonial LP-901; N-/N ES? $30 -- originally as "Istanbul [Authentic Music of the Near East]" (Standard LP-401), this is a great way to get a top copy at a good price; 14 tracks include an Oud solo piece and other delights; Rambi-Rambi, My Heart Aches--cifte telli, I Saw You Yesterday-karsilama, Neva Cifte Telli, Aptal Havassi, Missir Havassi, Rast Taxim, Hanoum Cifte Telli, Your Beautiful Hand-karsilama, Bam-Boum-zeibek, I'll Be Drunk Tonight-karsilama, Istanbul Cifte Telli, Missir Havassi, Anatolou Cifte Telli
The John Buzon Trio: Side Saddle/Lizette; Liberty F-55189; N $40 (or E+ $30, specify) (or white-label promo E- $20, specify) -- Armenian-esque pop organ/instrumental; 2 great, scarce sides (on neither of their two Liberty LPs!) by the famous "Inferno" combo; similar to Ross Bagdasarian/David Seville's non-Chipmunk work
[The Music of] David Seville: Gotta Get to Your House/Camel Rock; Liberty F-55079; E+ $20 -- pop/rock/whistling; Armenian Ross Bagdasarian/David Seville's non-Chipmunk work is fantastic, and both sides here are great; (hear the B-side on YouTube)
© Hip Wax
to order