REVIVAL

"Revival" is the debut full-length studio album by Iraqi music artist/guitarist Al Basim (real name: Basim Al-Hashimi). The album was originally released in 1979 and it was a self-released vinyl, which Basim paid for himself. Basim re-issued "Revival" on CD in 1989 (another independent release). Basim was born Baghdad in 1970 and performed with various groups until he left in 1978 to settle in the USA. He soon found American musicians to record bass, drums, saxophone, and flute, in addition to him performing the guitars. "Revival" was his sole release for many years, but after relocating to France in the 1990s, he recorded and released the sophomore full-length studio album "Songs From Iraq" (released in 2007).

"Revival" is a fully instrumental release, featuring 5 tracks and a total playing time of 37:40 minutes. Stylistically it´s an eclectic release featuring elements from jazz-rock/fusion, progressive rock, classical music, folk/ethnic folk, and psychedelic rock...even visiting avant-garde rock territories once or twice (strangely enough there´s not much here to reveal that Al Basim is a middle eastern artist). Artists like Santana and Mahavishnu Orchestra aren´t the worst references. While the dark and brooding cover artwork may suggest otherwise, "Revival" is for the most part a relatively light and uplifting listening experience, dominated by the talented guitar playing by Basim. The flute has a pretty dominant role in the soundscape too though, and there´s generally nothing wrong with the level of musicianship found on this release.

"Revival" is a relatively unpolished and at times a bit lo-fi sounding release. It has a demo sound quality to it, but the sound production only further enhances the authenticity and mystique surrounding this obscure release. Upon conclusion "Revival" is overall a good quality progressive rock release and it´s obvious that Al Basim is a both talented guitarist, but also a clever and skilled composer. The many classical music influences heard throughout the album aren´t composed by someone who isn´t trained in classical music composition (take a listen to "Souvenir" for proof of that). A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

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