The musical traditions of the Middle East have been adapted by Yuma, AZ-formed and Portland, OR-based band, Brothers of the Baladi. Combining traditional instruments with Western instrumentation and singing in seven languages, the group uses Middle Eastern sounds to create a unique, highly rhythmic dance music. According to the L.A. Times, the Brothers of the Baladi's sound "knows no borders." Portland newspaper the Oregonian praised the band for "the sound that makes regular guys loosen their ties and dance on the table," while, pop vocalist Maria Muldaur described the group's performances as "a delightful oasis of sensual rhythms and superb musicianship that always makes me dance."
The inspiration for Brothers of the Baladi was sparked when Niagara Falls, NY-born drummer/percussionist Michael Beach became romantically involved with a belly dancer who introduced him to the traditional music of the Middle East. Enchanted by what he heard, Beach joined with multi-instrumentalist Joseph Pusey to form Brothers of the Baladi in 1975. Beach and Pusey continued to play together until 1990 when Pusey was replaced by J. Michael Kearsey. The band has undergone numerous other personnel changes in the 24 years that they've been together. The current lineup also features bouzouki and keyboard player and vocalist Geoff George, drums, daval, and riq player Dennis Elmer, and guitar and jimbush player and vocalist Brad Rapp. Although they initially focused on traditional Middle Eastern music, Brothers of the Baladi have expanded their repertoire to include reggae and Latin music. Their 1994 album, Eye on the World, produced by ex-Santana drummer Michael Shrieve, included a Middle Eastern-ized version of the Rolling Stones tune "Paint It Black," while their 1998 album, Heart of the Beast featured a unique rendition of the Yardbirds' song, "Over Under Sideways Down." The group continues to make their music palatable to American audiences by alternating verses sung in Turkish or Arabic with verses sung in English.
In addition to his work with Brothers of the Baladi, Beach conducts workshops in Middle Eastern drumming. He recently released a video and companion cassette, Basic Middle Eastern Drums and Rhythms. Kearsey, who also performs with the Rockin' Razorbacks, has recorded two solo albums -- Suite for the Columbia Gorge in 1981 and Silverthaw in 1989. Suite for the Columbia Gorge was reissued on CD in 1999. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide
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