Album Description"A sound that knows no borders." - LA TIMES "A delightful oasis of sensual rhythms and superb musicianship that makes you dance. I always enjoy sharing the bill with these entertaining performers." - MARIA MULDAUR "They offer a bridge?in the wake of terrorism and stereotyping. Americans need to recognize our kinship with other cultures [and] here come the Brothers as if on cue: a group of Americans with a new CD of traditional Middle Eastern music." - THE OREGONIAN "Brothers of the Baladi are the ?real deal? ? a fresh take on an ancient idea." - THE BEAT A delicious mezza of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern favorites with a few original songs for aperitif! Presence of the Past is a tasteful combination of songs performed on traditional acoustic Middle Eastern instruments alongside keyboards and bass guitar, sung in Arabic, Turkish and Armenian. This CD celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Brothers of the Baladi, five Americans who successfully " bridge the gap" to bring Middle Eastern music to the world and are one of the largest sellers of belly dance music both nationally and internationally. Includes the 1938 Greek classic "Miserlou," made famous by "King of the Surf Guitar" Dick Dale. Features kanoon master Ishmael, nay & oud master Boujemaa Razgui (star of the Boston-based Arabic band SHARQ) and multilingual vocalist/drummer Michael Beach, founder of Brothers of the Baladi.