Alim Qazimov

Azerbaijan is on the portals of Europe, but its tradition is closely linked to Iran. This record is an example of Azerbaijani art music with an appealing bite and energy to it, by a group with several other recordings issued in the West. The impressive and much-recorded Qazimov sings three short mugham (Middle Eastern modal structures like Indian ragas) and a longer piece backed by tar lute, kamancha fiddle and frame drum. Most of the texts are classical love poems. Good notes. ~ John Storm Roberts, All Music Guide