Featuring the fabulous voice of Khalil Abboud! Forty minutes of VERY danceable Egyptian music compiled in Cairo, presented by Leyla Lanty.

"Golden Days, Enchanting Nights" (issued previously as "Ma Btisaloosh Leh?") is the debut solo release of the fabulous singer Khalil Abboud, who sings two NEW very danceable songs, two equally danceable favorites, and a mawal which can be used for a dancer's taqsim. The CD includes an ALL NEW 12.5 minute instrumental danse orientale show composed by Hassan Abou el Seoud, composer to the biggest singing stars of the Middle East. This is his first composition specifically for a dancer, Leyla Lanty. All selections are beautifully orchestrated, using acoustic instruments, oud, accordian, nay, qanoun, violin, saxophone, plus keyboard and *REAL* percussion instruments - NO DRUM MACHINES!

All selections were recorded in Cairo, Egypt, except "Mawal ya Hob" which was recorded in Berkeley, California. CDs and cassettes were duplicated in the US.

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Lyric Translations

"Ma btishaloosh leh?" (Why don't you ask for me?) 5:16 "Why don't you ask for me? You don't know how much I miss you." This beautiful, soulful new song was composed for Khalil Abboud's incredible voice by oda El Artist, with lyrics by Walid Zariqa. Many changes from slow to medium fast maqsoom and back, many breaks and drum rolls, a Danse Orientale piece. Arabs have compared this song with George Wassouf's "Kalaam el Naas".

"Ya Tayyeb el Galb" (Oh, good-hearted one) 5:56 "Where are you my good-hearted one? It's not fair for you to leave the one who loves you. I miss you and hope you return to me." Khalil and some of Egypt's top musicians give a refreshing, romantic new rendition of this popular dance song. This music is melodic and not too complex. Use for Orientale or balady styles.

"Musika Leyla" (Leyla's Music) 12:30 "Musika Leyla" is a fully orchestrated instrumental Danse Orientale piece like those played in the five-star nightclub shows in Cairo. It includes violins, keyboard, accordian, nay, oud, qanoun, tambourine, lots of percussions. The composer has composed songs for Warda, Ragheb Alama, George Wassouf, and other big name singers. The entrance begins with malfouf, changing to balady and back, great for an exciting veilentrance. Then strong medium fast balady, a short nay solo and an accordian taqsim are woven into this fabric of many designs. Next is a 10-count Samaii (Andalous) on violins and oud, great for slow romantic moves with or without a veil. Then follows a return to the first themes with malfouf, balady, maqsoom. The percussion piece starts simply and builds to a complex interchange among the five percussionists. The finale reprises the beginning themes.

"Walla keida `agbeen" (I'm not appreciated.) 5:20 "I do one thing, you don't like it. I do the opposite, you don't like it. What else can I do? I'm not appreciated. " This exciting new song was omposed for Khalil by Hoda El Artist, with lyrics by Mohammed Zaki, who often wrote lyrics for Sayed Makawi and other composers of the Om Kalthoum era. In it Khalil demonstrates masterful phrasing and statement. Somewhat fast balady throughout with many soft breaks and other changes for accents, change of focus, turns. Use for Orientale or balady styles.

"Sanateen wana hayyil" (For two years I've been trying) 8:00 "For two years I've been trying so hard. With tears in my eyes I call to you. That's my luck to be in love with you, the one who tortures me." Khalil gives an emoti nally charged rendition of this popular dance song. Balady and tsifte telli with many breaks. Use for Orientale or balady styles.

"Mawal ya hob" (An ode to love) 2:25 "Happiness, anger, suffering, that's the way you are, oh love. But I can't resist you, oh love." In this mawal, Khalil shows why the Arab community regard him to be the finest singer of mawal in the world. This mawal can be used for a dancer's taqsim.