Over the centuries they havve mystified pilgrims and princes, a Moslem saint and the Rolling Stones, and tonight the Master Musicians of Jajouka will caste their spell over Spaulding Auditorium.
From their remote village in northern Morocco, the 4,000 year old rock 'n roll band leads off a 17-city U.S. tour featuring Bachir Attar.
With undulating drones and shrill ecstatic fanfares, their sounds entrance the body, seduce the spirit, and dance through the mind.
From a place where music is believed to induce hypnosis and even heal the sick, the Master Musicians participate in a centuries old familial artistic tradition. Derived from pre-Islamic rites celebrating the god Pan, the music calls to primal energies and unseen spirits through spiraling flute patterns and mesmeric circular rhythms.
Having recorded with jazz saxophonist Ornette Coleman on his 1977 album "Dancing In Your Head" and featured on the Rolling Stones "Continental Drift" and "Steel Wheels," the Master Musicians have been hailed by the most recognized artists of today.
On the cutting edge of the world music scene, "Brian Jones Presents the Pipes of Pan at Jajouka," the original recording which introduced the Master Musicians to the world through 70's psychedelic rock, was reissued on CD on Sept. 26.
Tickets for the Master Musicians of Jajouka, featuring Bachir Attar, are available at the Hopkins Center box office for $7.50 (Dartmouth students) and $14.50 (General admission). Spot-light discussion will proceed the performance at 7 p.m. in the Faculty Lounge.
