NGUYÊN LÊ — Purple : Celebrating Jimi Hendrix (2002) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Guitarist Nguyên Lê pays tribute to Jimi Hendrix by performing ten of the late rock innovator's songs on this 2002 CD. Lê plays in the tradition of Hendrix without directly copying him, being creative and stretching himself. The occasional vocals by drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, Aïda Khann, and Corin Curschellas (which are sometimes spoken as much as sung) are unfortunately not as interesting and are mostly distracting. Bassist Michel Alibo is excellent during his solos and Lê shows originality in his improvisations, but the music overall is more heartfelt than essential, particularly since Hendrix's own records are easily available. Scott Yanow

"CD of the Month, November 2002: 'Nguyên Lê sets standards with 'Celebrating Hendrix'" - (STEREOPLAY) ACT
Tracklist :
1    1983... (A Merman I Should Turn To Be) 6:05
Electric Bass – Michel Alibo
Piano [Acoustic] – Bojan Zulfikarpasic
Vocals – Terri Lyne Carrington
2    Manic Depression 5:27
Electric Bass – Michel Alibo
Vocals – Aïda Khann
3    Are You Experienced 6:13
Electric Bass – Meshell Ndegeocello
Percussion [Loop] – Tino Di Geraldo
Vocals – Corin Curschellas
4    Purple Haze 5:19
Electric Bass – Michel Alibo
Vocals – Terri Lyne Carrington
5    Burning Of The Midnight Lamp 7:13
Electric Bass – Michel Alibo
Vocals – Terri Lyne Carrington
6    If 6 Was 9 4:06
Electric Bass – Michel Alibo
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Bojan Zulfikarpasic
Vocals – Aïda Khann
7    Voodoo Child (Slight Return) 6:42
Electric Bass – Meshell Ndegeocello
Percussion [Gumbri], Percussion [North African] – Karim Ziad
Vocals – Aïda Khann
Vocals, Handclaps – B'net Houariyat
8    South Saturn Delta 4:44
Electric Bass – Michel Alibo
Vocals – Terri Lyne Carrington
9    Up From The Skies 3:48
Electric Bass – Michel Alibo
Vocals – Terri Lyne Carrington
10    Third Stone From The Sun 5:44
Electric Bass – Michel Alibo
Vocals – Corin Curschellas
Credits :
Nguyên Lê - Guitars, Guitar-Synth
Michel Alibo - Electric Bass
Terri Lyne Carrington - Drums & Vocals
Aïda Khann & Corin Curschellas - Vocals
Meshell Ndegeocello - Electric Bass
Karim Ziad - Gumbri & North African Percussions
Bojan Zulfikarpasic - Acoustic Piano & Fender Rhodes Piano

KARIM ZIAD — Ifrikya (2001) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The Algerian-born drummer, percussionist, composer and gumbri player combines the North African music of his homeland with jazz and world music. After moving to France, he worked with many renowned musicians such as Joe Zawinul, Nguyên Lê and the Orchestre National de Jazz. Ziad is known for his ability to incorporate traditional rhythms from the Maghreb region, such as Gnawa and Rai, into modern jazz compositions. As musical director of the Orchestre National de Barbès, he shaped the Algerian music scene and contributed to the international recognition of North African music. Karim Ziad is an innovative artist who builds cultural bridges between traditional and modern music. ACT
Tracklist :
1    Aît Oumrar 5:15
 – Traditional
Arranged By – Karim Ziad, Abdelkbir Merchane
2    Ya Rijal 4:47
Written-By – Karim Ziad, Nguyên Lê
3    Awra 6:08
– Traditional
Arranged By – Hamid Mestari, Karim Ziad
4    Lebnia 5:52
 – Traditional
Arranged By – Karim Ziad
5    Alouhid 5:52
Written-By – Karim Ziad, Nguyên Lê, Takfarinas
6    Sandiya 4:40
 – Traditional
Arranged By – Karim Ziad, Abdelkbir Merchane
7    Amaliya 3:38
 – Traditional
Arranged By – Karim Ziad
8    Gwarir 4:51
Written-By – Karim Ziad
9    The Joker 5:32
Written-By – Bojan Zulfukarpasic
10    Nesrafet 4:41
Written-By – Karim Ziad
Credits :
Backing Vocals – Gaëlle Hervé, Marielle Hervé
Banjo, Backing Vocals – Abdenour Djemaï
Bass Guitar – Linley Marthe (tracks: 1, 5, 7 to 10), Michel Alibo (tracks: 2, 3, 4)
Design – Peter Krüll
Flute – David Aubel
Flute [Pehl Flute] – Ali Wague
Guitar – Nguyên Lê (tracks: 2, 5)
Lead Vocals – Hamid Mestari (tracks: 3), Karim Ziad (tracks: 2, 4, 5, 7), Abdelkbir Merchane (tracks: 1, 6, 8)
Percussion, Backing Vocals – Khliff Miziallaoua
Piano – Bojan Zulfikarpašić
Producer, Drums, Percussion, Guitar, Backing Vocals – Karim Ziad
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Alain Debiossat
Synthesizer – Jean-Philippe Rykiel (tracks: 3, 5)
Tenor Saxophone – Vincent Mascart