Interactive Mediterranean Poll

My nomination is:

Chano Dominguez Trio: Afro Flamenco (Album: Chabem, 2022)

Stringtronics - Mediterranee. It has a relaxed, kind of jazzy feel to it. I love the interplay between the bass and the electric piano. Some quite melancholic strings are added, as well as a discreet guitar in the left channel. I only wish it could have gone on for a few more minutes, but very enjoyable track.

Joan Biblioni - Sa Fosca. This one is filled with synths, but there is also an understated guitar, as well as a repeated acoustic guitar figure in 5. There is kind of an "underwater" feel to it. Around halfway, some very 80's sounding drums enter the soundscape. There is even some gated percussion. Quite jazzy overall.

Officina Zoe & Tarranta Nera - Santu Paulu. Combining an African music culture with a European folk music tradition is rather tongue-in-cheek (how often do I see a violin and an accordion on the same stage as African drums), but it works very well nevertheless. Also interesting to watch the drum solo at the beginning. He is obviously adjusting the pitch of the drum with his elbow. Harmonically, the song features the Lydian mode which I don't hear very often. I love the rhythmic "lightness", f.e. the fact that it doesn't emphasize the downbeat. Only thing is, after the vocals have set in, I miss a break or two at some point (f.e. with percussion only). Apart from that, very enjoyable track.

Monsieur Doumani - Alavrostishiotis. I wonder if they were inspired by the film Pink Floyd Live at Pompeii. I knew the band, but I hadn't heard this song before. It's quite minimalist, building a tension very slowly. I also love the wonderfully restrained vocals. Strong contender.

Dhafer Youssee - 39th Gülay (To Istanbul). This one mixes instruments like the oud and the cimbaom with jazz, featuring a complex rhythmic structure.

Derby Motoreta's Burrita Kachimba - Nana Del Caballo Grande. We're moving towards the area of metal here. It blends well with the Arbic melody and singing. Taste-wise I personally prefer the Monsieur Doumani track.

Thanks to those commenting! It doesn't make the choice for nomination easier...

I've already nominated Orange Blossom before and I might reserve Debout sur le zinc for another time, because initially I thought to nominate Tarmac. And, for now, Tarmac suits Kees.

I know I cannot count on Lorenzo's vote so, especially for him, here's the whole Tarmac album!

So, Tarmac is my nomination.

I had a listen to the playlist but didn't have the time to really concentrate on all of it, so I don't have much to say. Under these circumstances Dhafer Youssef and Tarmac made most of an impression, meaning that I like these, but it doesn't mean I don't like the others.

I'll nominate Patrizio Fariselli - Iqbal, as I'm somewhat embarrassed by not having had on the radar that Ederlezi had already been nominated, and I have difficulties nailing down who exactly did Black Cat White Cat (OK that wouldn't be a problem with nominating it but anyway, a decision must be made).