The Music of Islam, Vol. 5: Aissaoua Sufi Ceremony, Marrakesh, Morocco
Produced and recorded by David Parsons, this volume presents thehadraof an'Aissaouateam held at a house deep in the medina  - the old section of Marrakesh, Morocco.Recording conditions for this  volume inThe Music of Islamseries were unique and challenging. For  instance, the microphone had to be taped to an orange tree and oftentimes  covered with a white cloth as its black color was not allowed to be seen  during the ceremony. The production team was also restricted from wearing  any black clothing.While listening to this recording, shifts in the  stereo imaging and balance can be detected as the participants moved around  the courtyard. Rather than record the musicians in anartificialsetting, Parsons wanted to catch the music live with an audience, including  people going into trances. This setting was much more conducive to the  spirit of the music, which is played to serve the dual purpose of devotion  for members of the brotherhood and healing for members of the assembly.