Persianna Rec.      Mehrpouya : African jumbo -LP/CD- (IR,1976)****°

(Original lable : Ahange Rooz).

There was little time left before the last radioshow for some tracks from this album to review this album in time, but I will try to describe. It is a great album with a deep and somewhat independent and distinctive vision on progressive fusions between genres, with a rather dominant Indian influence with sitar. 2 tracks have afro-funk influences, like the first track, and the 11 minute title track. Only one track, the second clearly is based upon a Persian tune and mode. The nostalgic Indian flavoured voice and songs sound even more matured than the previous single. Highly recommended !

The translations of the Persian titles (in Arabic writing) were not given. The bonus track, together with two other tracks could be found on the previous compilation. The funky tracks are also worth tracing/checking out for dance floor DJ’s. One of those impossible to find progressive minded LP's from 70s Iran!

Other EP : http://updatesdario.blogspot.com/2009/04/mehrpooya-mehrpouya-lilis-tribe-45.html

Uncomplete discography : http://www.studentprice.de/singer.php?singer=Mehrpouya

Caltex Rec.        Mehrpouya : Ghayeghran -CD-(IR,197?-198?)****°

It's really strange to hear genres with similarities in expressions from all over the world. Mehrpouya's low voice in general reminds me very much of Indian music. Also there are various tracks which sound very Indian. But there are many more styles noticeable, varying from 40's styles to Western progressive crossover pop with a Persian or Indian touch. The singing itself creates a beautiful melancholic mood. The playing always is relaxed. The quality of the recordings might not always have been preserved in good condition but the final result on the CD is a bit more so in the low registers as it should be, the music is still very enjoyable. This is a compilation of Mehrpouya's work.

There are two chachacha's on this CD, "Gonjishka", with a ballroom orchestra, including brass, and a complex rhythm section. My favourite "Nemiyayam/Khale Siah", which is even much more original through it's adaptation of a Persian melodic feel. A couple more tracks have more quiet arrangements, varying from Persian, orchestral, classical chamber music with additional bluesy middle eastern electric guitar ( : "Gole Gham/Mare Ghoo", "Kouli Gool Foroosh", "Ghesehe Vafa/Guitar-E-Man", "Koocheh/Kolie Gool Foroosh"). "Adama/Ghoroobe Paeez" has a samba rhythm with electric guitar, middle eastern bells and clarinet, and "Doe Pajereh/Ghabilehe Leili" starts with an instrumental part with orchestral arrangements, funky wahwah guitar, drums. It's a nice crossover between western progressive pop with middle eastern elements. One track, "Jaddeh" is very odd through its use of experimental noises of a Persian sounding melody, with sparse violin arrangements and something that sounds a bit like an electric guitar but probably is another middle eastern instrument. A couple of other tracks, like "Hargez Dobaareh Aasheghi" sounds more Indian, and use sitar with tabla as accompaniment. "Sahel va Darya/Saaz-e Ghamgin" with sitar could be Indian music. "Mordab/Aseman Migeryad Emshab" is a wonderful slowly played melody with sitar, organ, tabla & flute. "Eshareh" is a crossover with sitar. is a song with quiet classical arrangements, and electric guitar. And also "Bizar/Hergaz Dobareh Ashegh" is another song with sitar & tabla.

I'm sure Mehr Pouya/Mehrpouya's music will appeal to anywhere in the western, eastern and middle eastern world. It's melancholic, but warm and is played in a typical relaxed way.

Audio : http://www.taranehbaran.com/music/mehrpooya_1.php4 and http://www.caltexrecords.com/.. or http://www.geocities.com/irannostalgia/mehrpooyaaseman.html

Webpage with soundfragments of album : http://www.iranian.com/Music/Mehrpouya/

Extra track only available at "Yaadhaa va Khaaterehaa" : "Nassim-e Mehregaan"

Older track of rock'n roll and other things on

http://www.iranold.net/Singer/Abbas%20Mehrpouya/Mehrpouya-To%20Bemani%20Va%20Man.htm (browser left)

Persian Psyche,Progressive & Crossovers presents

Mehrpouya

CD (197?-198?), LP (?), videos

Go back to overview 60s artists from Iran