Badawi - The Book of Jinn

by Maarten Schiethart

published: 1 / 2 / 2025

Label: Penny Records
Format: LP

intro

Fine return to form on new vinyl only album from DJ producer Badawi

It is, of course, a must on our very own Pennyblack Music pages to review music released on Rome's Penny label and a good way to fulfil this duty begins with Badawi's new LP recorded for the Underground Producers Alliance from Brooklyn, New York. Raz Mesinai a.k.a. Badawi is a contemporary of DJ Spooky and has recorded for distinguished labels like Asphodel, the Agriculture and ROIR during the late 1990s. 'The Book of Jinn' is Badawi's first release in ages and this album is less beat-driven than its predecessors yet as ever is so atmospheric, brooding and imaginative, Its tracks don't really lack the slightly psychotic bustle. Introspection that has become in recent years Badawi's new direction. Calm but very playful, at times even elegant, 'The Book of Jinn' treat the ears to precise soundscapes and Chandanie's improvisational vocals which brings on a sense of enchanted light-heartedness. The shuffling in style on 'The Bride', for example, seems to develop on from nocturnal escapades to early morning adventures. The album grew on me, in particular the tracks on Side B. Not available on CD so you can't listen in shuffle mode. Let the needle take you for a very nice walk. The LP is manufactured in Rome too and it is a crisp and clean pressing.

Track Listing:-

1 Samūm
2 Jinn A'shiq
3 Desert Eagle
4 Sky Watchers
5 Ruqyah Gaza
6 Zakat
7 The Bride
8 Jinn Al Kaboos
9 Al-Aḥmar
10 The Gazelles
11 Utukku

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reviews

Soldier Of Midian (2002)

"Upfront" fourth solo album from the Jerusalem born, now New York based Badawi which combines "dub with mashes of North African and Middle Eastern rhythms and sounds."