This page contains a brief overview on the album CARVIN KNOWLES: Hamsa. Learn more about the artist and explore the track lists and website. If you find any information that needs to be corrected, please let us know.

 
Music from the Crossroads of the World.

Hamsa means, simply, five. It is believed by some to be the hand of God. To others, it is the hand of some great holy lady of miraculous power such as Miriam, the sister of Moses or Fatmeh, daughter of The Prophet. But to whomever the hand belongs, it has one purpose: it keeps away the Evil Eye, reflecting back the envious green-eyed glances of the stranger. Ironically, as protection against the outsider, it has become a signpost to the great crossroads, a symbol of that place where East and West touch.

Five of the pieces of music on Hamsa take their names from the Kabbalistic tradition. Each is located in the centre column of the Sefirot, the Tree of Life. In order of appearance, they descend from the highest branch to the roots and from there, to a transcendence. The other
pieces of music speak to the meeting of East and West, Life and Death, Past and Future.

* * * * *

Composer Carvin Knowles' most famous piece of music plays during the "pie scene" in Universal's "American Pie." His work may be heard in John Waters' "Cecil B. Demented" and Steve Martin's "Novocaine" among others. Since 1989 he has been involved in the world-music scene in L.A., combining the styles of East and West into his own unique mix. He currently lives in Hollywood.

Check out the artist's website:
http://www.carvinknowles.com

Track List:
1. Keter Ehyar
2. Tifereth
3. Mme. Zorna
4. Taqsim
5. Ghita
6. Liberi Noctum
7. Yesod
8. Chai Served Hot
9. From Hodu to Kush
10. Malkhut
11. Shekheina
12. Ghita (reprise)

Suggested CDs:

• Paris To Kyiv
• Atash

Other Genres:

• WORLD: Middle East
• ELECTRONIC: Breakbeat/Breaks
• SPIRITUAL