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You've
been taking classes for a few weeks now; you like the music and
would like to begin a small collection. But where to start? Here's
your guide...
The best place to start is your instructor. Pick her brain
- ask her to show you what she uses in class, ask who the artist
is, and why she chose that particular piece of music. Some instructors
provide tapes for practice, and this is a great idea. Not only
does it mean that you can practice between classes, but you will
do better in class because you'll be familiar with the music.
Moving further afield, there are various options to explore:
the public library, record stores, Middle Eastern shops, and
mail-order.
The Public Library
The price is right - a library card - but this option may
take some legwork. Many world music recordings are not catalogued;
this means that only the item number has been entered into the
library database, not its title, artist, or subject. So
if you search on any of these, you won't get a hit on the item.
In other words, you have to find the item on the shelves to know
that it exists. Ask the librarian to tell you if any of the branches
carry Arabic music recordings, then if possible visit the branch
and borrow whatever looks interesting. A word on searches: use
both "belly dance" and "belly dancing" as
your subject. You may get different results. Later, as you become
more knowledgeable, you can search an artist or title.
Record Stores
Most mainstream record stores have a world music department
or section. The big chains such as HMV and Sam the Record Man
often have a belly dance section within the "Middle Eastern"
or "Arab World" area. These stores usually carry major
record labels such as EMI and Mondo Melodia. ARC is a reliable
label for world music, with lots of belly dance. Almost everything
by Hossam Ramzy is good.
One disadvantage of a large record store is that they rarely
carry tapes nowadays, and CD's can be expensive. But there are
benefits to shopping at the chain stores mentioned above. One
is that often you can listen to a recording before you buy it.
The other is their refund policy. If you absolutely hate what
you've bought, it can be returned for a full refund.
What should you avoid? Compilations. Often the artist or origin
of the music isn't given, so you won't know what you are hearing,
nor will you learn anything. Watch out for one called "All
the Best of Belly Dancing," with a cover that features the
torso of a dancer wearing a red cabaret costume: this isn't even
belly dance music. What else? Avoid anything Moroccan or Turkish
(unless you are looking for that type of music in particular).
Most belly dance music is either Egyptian or Lebanese in origin,
and both Moroccan and Turkish music are very different.
Middle Eastern Shops
Consider yourself lucky if there are Middle Eastern shops
where you live. Many grocery stores also carry some recordings,
and in large cities, you may even find Arabic video stores with
a large selection of cassettes and CD's.
These stores usually carry record labels not found in the
big chains, and tapes are quite inexpensive. Some stores will
let you hear tapes before you buy. What to buy? Just about everything
on the Hollywood Music Center label is good - the musicianship,
the recording quality, and the music itself. The covers are colorful
and appealing: often they feature pictures of instruments used
on the recording, and thankfully song titles are transcribed
into Roman characters. Setrak Sarkissian - a dumbek player -
is another name to look for. His music is lively and oh boy does
it make you want to dance!
Mail Order
Consider this only as your last resort. After you factor in
shipping and handling, plus the difference on foreign exchange,
the price can be exorbitant - and sales of recordings are final.
The best source is Artemis Imports. The regular catalog includes
a large section devoted to music, offering almost everything
that is available. Illustrations of the cover are included as
well as a brief description of the album, and occasionally, song
titles are listed. It's an invaluable resource and well worth
sending for. Contact Artemis Imports, P.O. Box 68, Pacific Grove,
CA 93950. Phone (+1) (831) 373-6762 (regular catalog $4, pattern
catalog $3, book catalog $3).
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