SMITH & DRAGOMAN: Open the Gates (Double CD)

Smith & Dragoman

Open the Gates (Double CD)

© 2004 Live Unity & Smith and Dragoman (776127229227)

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

(About MP3 downloads at CD Baby)

A soul-stirring and rich blend of Middle Eastern, African and Western instruments and melodies culminating in a harmony of sound that unites cultures and rhythms. A true sonic experience - pensive, haunting and uplifting.

notes

Smith & Dragoman
Guelph, Ontario

Biography
The singer-songwriter duo, Brett Smith & Michael Dragoman began performing music together in 1996 in Guelph, Ontario. Their music, largely folk-based at the time, has gradually evolved into the genre of world music incorporating sounds and rhythms from Africa, the Middle East and traditional sounds from the West. Instruments used on
Open the Gates include duduks, Turkish drums, dulcimers, djembes, ouds, wooden flutes, guitars and pianos, among other instruments.

Their haunting melodies and lyrics, supported by world-class musicians such as Stephen Fearing, Ron Allen, Rob Piltch and Shaheed Ali Khan take the listener on an emotional spiritual journey, exploring themes of love, courage, honour, tragedy and victory.

They currently reside in Guelph, Canada with their families and have begun working on their next CD.

"The music we offer to you serves only as a humble backdrop for the magnificent stories of individuals in recent history who mirrored in their lives a degree of human virtue that will inspire others for centuries to come. It is our hope that these songs will encourage others to read about the profound character of these precious souls who exemplified the pinnacle of human nobility, helping to shape the future destiny of this planet."

Smith & Dragoman
___

"The CD is AMAZING! I have been pushing the repeat bottom ever since yesterday. I have so many people that I think would love it too. It is a real work of art and so soothing to the heart. It is wonderful!"

- Toronto

"I'm sitting here in the middle of nowhere, remote yet lose because of your wonderful CD set "Open the Gates". Wonderfully recorded, performed and especially composed and authored. The texts are clearly direct from the hearts of pure souls. The music does not distract from the message and at the same time provides a solid basis and atmosphere for relaying the message. Very nice indeed."

- Greenland

"The music, lyrics, instrumentals, everything is haunting and beautiful."
- Vancouver

reviews

Please log in to review this album.

  • Absolutely Amazing!
    author: Babak Ivoghlian

    Such powerful and soul-moving music. Every song beautiful, unique and inspiring!

  • The first cut needs headphones, absolutely magical
    author: Jeff Schwagler

    The first cut on this CD is very addicting - like a spiritual drug. How can a song which is not in English have this kind of effect? Heavenly

  • It touched my soul
    author: Friedlinde Moshref

    This CD was recommended to me and it has truly touched my heart and soul. The voices are just beautiful and the music is out of this world. Thank you!

  • inspiradora
    author: Gibrham

    estas canciones son muy inspiradoras y llegan al alma, felicito el trabajo hecho en estas canciones.

  • daily listening
    author: Sonja

    I love this double CD set and often listen to it at the end of the day following prayers. It is soothing and inspiring at the same time. Absolutely professional in every way. I can't wait to get the next release.

  • Awesome - beautiful - timely for me - uplifting - no words are adequate
    author: Christine

    I know that a person should not use anyone else's music for publication - so I'm not, but if you ever get to Anchorage, look me up through the Anchorage LSA and I'll share my slide show presentation with you. As I worked on my Pilgrimage slideshow, I had your music playing in the background for motivation. As I worked, I noticed the music was awesome with my intents, and pictures, and memories. Songs I used were Break of Dawn, The Passing and Messenger. I will always have a beautiful memory of Akka, and Haifa. Thank you!

  • Very Uplifting!
    author: Patrick Head

    The uplifting and varied music tells The Story of the beginnings of the unification of mankind in a very touching and inspiring way. The album sets the mood for the phase of awareness that we are entering today. Thank you!

  • Haunting, spiritual melodies that go directly to the soul
    author: Ray Rudolph

    The haunting spiritual melodies go directly to the soul and then the songs become even more significant when the implications of the powerful lyrics are considered. A beautiful blend of harmonies. Each track is unique. A year ago I bought this CD and 6 months later one of my frineds "borrowed" it. I'm so glad I bought it again and it is back!!

  • Very professional and soul embracing CD
    author: Masiar

    i heard one song from the CD in a flash presentation about the bab, the founder of the babi religion and predecessor of Bahaullah the founder of the bahai religion. The song was so illuminating that i had to buy the whole CD which is also fantastic. I am looking forward for the next CD from the artists.

  • Thank you for such a professional recording of international music.
    author: Janet Lang

    The heroic stories told in mystic ballad tradition, from the early history of the Baha'i Faith are a master work, and will be sung for many generations to come. How long I have waited for this. I will use it for all occations especially for private prayer, and Holy Day observances and celebrations. Please keep me informed of any new developments. Janet Lang

  • A true transformation
    author: Martin, MartinsQuest.com

    I must make known that this whole genre of music was outside of my general tastes before reviewing this debut album. After a few spins in my CD player and watching them perform live, I gradually fell in love with their rich, poignant songs, especially: The Letters *****, and Messenger ****, Divine Tapestry ****, and Fort Tabarsi ****. (You can read their interview and view pictures of them using the link above)

  • Inspirational to say the least
    author: Puneh & Raf

    We are just amazed by this music.. It is very awesome.. We listen to it all the time while driving or at home… Best of luck to you guys..

  • Great lyrics, haunting melodies.
    author: Michael Watt

    I loved the sound of this CD from the very first listen and it just grew on me from there. It reminded me a lot of early Peter Gabriel with it's brilliant and unique instrumentals and haunting melodies. The instrumental really compliments the lyrics in its ability to enhance the story. We love to play this CD for dinner parties. You'll listen to it often.

  • Heavenly music!
    author: anonymous
  • What an inspirational CD
    author: maryam

    This is such a great CD. This type of music should be encouraged by the music industry because of its positive influence and great energy it can give to all who listen.

  • Beautiful
    author: Anisa

    This CD is a beautiful mix of songs. My husband and I use it ALL the time for our weekly devotions and we always get comments about it. We need more music like this, music that gives 'wings for the spirit, and maketh the soul to tremble for joy.'

  • Beautiful! very moving, soul stirring :)
    author: PKBDC
  • author: Rahmat Costas

    Touching lyrics, Soul-stirring music, and beautiful vocals. This CD has it all!

  • Soul-stirring, unearthly beautiful, thrilling, joyful.
    author: Susan Frenzel

    This is the Passion of the Return of Christ: Musicians' musicians sing true stories about earth's greatest heroes. Excellent liner notes.

  • author: Benjamin Kelly

    This double C.D. will stay in your rotation for a very long time. These two musicians along with their high calibre accompaniment have created a genuine uplifting and thought provoking experience through their music. If you appreciate amazing harmonies and lyrically driven songs you will love “Voices in the Flame”, “Rumi’s Song”, “Divine Tapestry” and “Unveiling”. These guys have a unique and soothing sound that acts like a ladder to the soul. What a gift!

  • What a Debut!!!
    author: Jaren Belrose

    Open the Gates is one of the most moving CD's I've ever listened to. The music of Smith and Dragoman strikes a chord within and awakens the soul. The music will transport listeners to another time and place and the lyrics will bring the highly emotional stories alive. I'm eagerly looking forward to the release of their follow up CD.

  • I love this CD!
    author: Kerry Tuttle

    This is an incredible CD that would appeal to anyone. All the songs are beautifully created with interesting lyrics & sounds. It is a moving, uplifting CD - you feel wonderful after listening to it. I highly recommend it!

  • beautiful, vibrant and an array of stunning talent
    author: Robert orland

    Variety is the spice of life. This CD has so much diversity of world music and voices. Powerfully moving. A very impressive debut!

  • Great music with poignant themes.
    author: Louis Brunet

    This double album captured my attention on first hearing it. This is because the music is beautifully written and executed. What keeps me coming back is the series of themes that capture my heart. When the meaning of the lyrics sinks in, the stories evoke deep emotions from the spiritual dimension of human nature, the universal dimension. This album plays on all levels, musical, emotional and spiritual. Great! This is a group to watch!

email

Please log in to email this artist.