Algerian six-string banjo

Subject: Algerian six-string banjo
From: Jack Campin
Date: 12 Jul 11 - 09:37 AM

Saharan bluegrass? Two six-string banjos, lauta, two dumbeks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx3wUx9bhuc

Subject: RE: Algerian six-string banjo
From: Big Ballad Singer
Date: 12 Jul 11 - 09:48 AM

That's some of the best tone I've ever heard out of ANY banjo-style instrument in my entire life.

Want. One. NOW.

Subject: RE: Algerian six-string banjo
From: Crowhugger
Date: 12 Jul 11 - 07:10 PM

Ditto. Yes a rich sound, and a beautiful appearance too. I wonder what the strings are tuned to...

Anyone know what 'touchia' means? My internet search on touchia and meaning returned lots of foreign language music-related links and definitions of touché.

Subject: RE: Algerian six-string banjo
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 13 Jul 11 - 03:05 AM

Pretty good by any standard.

Dave H

Subject: RE: Algerian six-string banjo
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 05:50 AM

Anyone know what 'touchia' means?

I believe it's the term for an introductory section or piece in Algerian music.

It's a Francophile spelling. A more neutral transliteration of the Arabic spelling would be
tūshiya.

I have to admit, that even though I played in a Middle Eastern music group for years (mostly Eastern Arab stuff)...and even played my tenor banjo in the group... that this sounds a bit like "noise" to me. I mean that as a totally subjective, honest reaction of someone unfamiliar with the music, despite an open mind and good familiarity with nearby music genres. A surprising reminder of how lack of familiarity or knowledge can make something difficult to appreciate! Hope to be able to enjoy it more now that I've been "exposed."
Thanks for sharing it, and giving my brain a good jolt.