Psalms of Loneliness
by Seyed Adli Jaberi
Iran's tanbur master, Seyed Ali Jaberi, is classically trained in Iranian folk music. Seyed is joined on rubab, ney flute, kemancheh, guitar, daf, sound effects, and backing vocals. However, a majority of the songs are entirely instrumental with little if any vocalizations. The highlight of the album is the title track. The song takes on a symphonic overtone mixed with dervish rhythms and Mediterranean spice. The opener, 'A Traveler Through The Ocean of Abstraction', is a galloping tune with some vocalizations. The final track, 'A Story Told and Benumbed' begins with the beat of the daf drum and the violin-like shrill of the kemancheh fiddle. Seyed takes on folk music with such gusto he is enveloped in it's historical grasp, but not so much so he loses sight of futuristic visions. The tanbur lights up the tracks and it definitely surprises all who listen. Furthermore, all of the tracks range from five to ten minutes in length. Experience the folk music of Seyed Ali Jaberi for yourself or that special someone. ~ Matthew Forss