Ahmed Fakroun

PMG present an anthology of Ahmed Fakroun's work. "Insanely popular across the Maghreb, name-checked in international spy novels and beloved of music adventurers like David Byrne, Libyan superstar Ahmed Fakroun is the most astounding raï-disco-electronica pioneer ever to be heard. His 1983 album, Mots D'Amour (PMG 005CD/LP, 1983) is regarded as a global fusion classic. This self-titled anthology of songs from the late '70s is an altogether mellower affair. The grooves are slower and sweeter and Fakroun's multi-instrumentalist chops on the saz, mandol and darbouka drum really come to the fore. The album includes tracks from two of Ahmed's rarest and most sought-after 7 inches. 'Nysan' has an almost west coast vibe: think Ned Doheny via Benghazi. Balearic-minded collectors will love the haunting flute runs in 'Awedny', produced by Tommy Vance, and 'Njoom Al Leyel'. There's even a touch of lilting reggae on 'Falah' and 'Yu Hussad.' Ahmend Fakroun is the perfect late night, come-down album, especially after a hot and sweaty evening in a raï club, somewhere in North Africa." - Peter Moore.