How is this Middle Eastern music and condusive to Middle Eastern/Belly dancing. I guess would be my question. I'd have to hear it first. Right now, it doesn't sound like anything that would allow a belly dancer to execute Middle Eastern steps and movements to. The dancing would really be interpretive dance by a dancer who knows Belly Dance.

My initial response is the same as Masani's. I'd have to hear the music first.

Happy composing!

I'm feeling precisely what these two lovelies have expressed thus far (being said guitarist being referenced, to disclaim)... there will be a very discernible line between what I do presently (and you and I have collabed on thus far) and where I would require _myself_ to go if I were performing for belly dancers. (I.E. if I want to view myself as a gunslinger guitarist, I've gotta play what the gig requires, etc.) Present goodies for our set in Columbia are pure folk, with merely an accompaniment rhythm and all that - I can't see this as dance music in any sense of the word in it's present form, more something in the background while folks sip wine and/or coffee.

Having said all of this, however, I've certainly got the bug. The dilemma has been a weak attempt at evoking a middle eastern "sound" or "texture" with the guitar (aided by a handful of effects that in all honesty just don't get it much closer to the sound of a Sitar or gottuvadyam in the first place). It's the classic "cart before the horse" problem. (Of course, this thing would be kinda neat, but I digress.... www.musiciansfriend.com/produc...-Guitar )

What I think would be absolutely essential if Larry and I are sincerely up on performing something for Belly Dancers, is more education on my part, and most likely a foray into the world of an absolutely new instrument. I'd need to start with the basics in terms of the drum beats and meter, as they're different than the basic blues/pop/folk/rock background I have... in short, I'd need to purchase a real sitar if I really want to do it right, and learn how to play it well.

I, for one, don't let things like this discourage me, however. I find what little I know about Indian influenced music utterly fascinating, beginning with the obvious influences on the George Harrison and the Beatles, Kula Shaker, and more specifically Ragas performed by the likes of Ray Spiegel.

So um... can anyone recommend some music (specifics I can go obtain, albums, etc.) I could begin listening to, or even study for that matter, as we consider the coming spring thaw? I just found out this morning I have a new joby-job, and start in the morning. I expect I'll be attempting my transition into my desired middle-eastern influence and looking at such an investment... I also get the impression that belly dance music isn't exclusively Indian - I'm presuming there are Arabic, Iranian/Iraqi influences as well as a host of others...

Ick - hope I haven't totally hijacked the thread here, I got long winded as I scroll back and proof read.