A wonderful example of Elias Rahbani’s distinctive blend of Mediterranean melody, sophisticated orchestration and late-70s groove. Originally issued on Beirut’s legendary Voix De L’Orient label, this highly collectable LP finds Rahbani moving effortlessly between lush orchestral pop, bossa nova, funk, disco and dreamy easy-listening territory.
The album opens beautifully with “Green Bird”, setting the tone with its elegant arrangement and unmistakable Rahbani touch, while “Danse Ma Chérie”, “Moonlight Melody” and “Midnight Bossa” reveal his talent for combining light, cosmopolitan rhythms with rich Middle Eastern melodic sensibilities. On the flip side, tracks such as “Happy Theme”, “Kiss Me More”, “Diala” and “When We Used To Meet” deliver the kind of sophisticated, cinematic groove that has made Rahbani’s records firm favourites among collectors of Lebanese and Middle Eastern sounds.
A beautifully crafted record that sits somewhere between orchestral pop, jazz-inflected lounge, bossa and Middle Eastern groove. Highly recommended for DJs, collectors and anyone drawn to the more cosmopolitan side of Lebanese music.
A real Elias Rahbani classic and a great addition to any Middle Eastern vinyl collection.
Record is NM plays flawless / Sleeve is NM
