Collage A' Trois
Alan Scott Bachman
Mary Williams
Rajab Juma
"The Original"
Return to the Goddess by Desert Wind
This recording had never been released on CD until the Fall of 2004, yet it had been ordered “by the hundreds” by dance instructors and their students as a cassette since originally released in the 1980’s. Alan happened to “find” the original DAT tape, and as cassettes have been essentially replaced by CDs, well, Alan decided to release this CD for Desert Wind fans who just won’t let go of the request for this music.
Alan had to actually borrow a copy of the original cassette from Thia in order to list the songs as they were originally known.
This CD is now available through the Desert Wind Website for die hard Desert Wind fans. Just like that “Original” cassette, this is a “home brew” copy with no fancy liner notes or cover. Just the unmixed, unedited music for the fans.
Reviews from the 2nd Quarter, 2005
Issue of The Belly Dancer Magazine
So far, everyone that I have told about this CD has "grinned or giggled" and said they were heading for the web site: (www.desertwindmusic.com)
I Am, Return to the Goddess, Beladi Jam, Dona, then a set for the dancer called "Goddess Dance" which includes Habena, a Chiftitelli, and Mastom. The CD is rounded off with Masmoudi, Persia and just about my all time favorite veil piece - the finale "MISERLOU", in it's beautiful, original format. I have worn my cassette version nearly to shreds - so this came just in time.
"When Alan Bachman handed me this re-released CD in October and said, "it is the original - the 80's version that was on cassette - but now on a CD" - well, I could have kissed him. Instead, I was jumping up and down, I am sure, making a spectacle of myself. For those of you who have been in the business "awhile" you will remember the cassette version of Return to the Goddess, with Desert Wind's original "MISERLOU" - it came out in the late 80's. Apparently I am not the only dancer out there who LOVED, really LOVED that version of the song. They had so many requests for that original version that Alan decided he would go back in, and set it to CD.
By the way, even the cover photo and artwork are the original design, and the photo of Alan, Mary and Rajab (Raj) is wonderful! "Collage 'A Trois" - - faaaaantastic. And I just love Raj's hair in this one - outstanding
. Proof that things are cyclic - even hair.
Alan, I would like to personally than you for giving us back the original - - the memories it brings are fond indeed and now I will create new memories with this favorite. For many of us dancers, who listened to this piece early on, it is like coming "Home" again. The sense of serenity and peace is "sublime".