Human Exchange

"...Resoundingly entrancing" says BAM Magazine. "...Fusion...in favor of ensemble fluidity, which has a seductive and serpentine appeal" - SF Bay Guardian.

Human Exchange has created an exotic new sound, combining ancient Iranian folk music. In their first release, The Child Within, they used Persian lyrics written in contemporary poetic forms by Koorosh Angali. Their arrangements pass through many different genres, blending traditional Iranian classical folk melodies and rhythms with Western harmonies rooted in jazz and classical styles. In their 2nd release, Aldoush led the group into new frontiers introducing English lyrics and moving more toward folk rock and still the feel of world melodies and space in their release, This Life.

Koorosh Angali, visual artist, poet, musician (bassist) and writer.  The winner of numerous awards and scholarships in visual arts, music, and academic endeavors, Koorosh Angali is a prolific multi-talented artist and scholar: painter, poet, musician, stage actor, and a virtuoso exponent of Rumi's poetry, and Persian classical literature.  As a poet (In Search of One's Own Self, 1995, Nashr-e Ketab Publications, Los Angeles) and lyricist, his compositions have been published and performed profusely.  Moreover, for many years, the followers of Rumi's philosophy and poetry have enjoyed Koorosh's distinctive style in reading and interpretation of the poetry of this thirteenth century Persian philosopher and poet. 

Aldoush started singing when he was sixteen and picked up the guitar at age twenty-two. His playing was entirely Western and had no connection to his native music; he didn't truly begin to understand Persian music until after 1980’s when he connected to his child within in a dreamland. A myriad of positive changes occurred while, and his musical perspective changed dramatically. He moved to Northern California with his all time friend and music partner, Koorosh Angali, and their changing vision began to coalesce and expand. Living in an area  which was a hotbed for a growing world music scene and contained the musicians who could be sympathetic to their artistic vision, they formed the Human Exchange and started performing. Scott Hill and Jeff Obee and Joe Brigandi joined the band later.

Their arrangements blend traditional Persian classical folk melodies and rhythms with Western harmonies rooted in jazz and classical styles. Never before has Persian music been brought to the West with such creativity and innovation which is the result of his present awareness of both Persian and Western styles of music, and working towards bringing these vastly different cultures together has been his goal.

"This Life" which is a collection of Music they worked on for 25 years with English lyrics.

The Child Within

Winner of the San Francisco Weekly 1993 Wammies Award for best World Music album of the year. 

"  ...Resoundingly entrancing" - BAM Magazine. " ...Fusion...in favor of ensemble fluidity, which has a seductive and serpentine appeal" -SF Bay Guardian.

Human Exchange create an exotic new sound on their CD "The Child Within", combining ancient Iranian folk music with Persian lyrics written in contemporary poetic forms by Koorosh Angali. Their arrangements pass through many different genres, blending traditional Iranian classical folk melodies and rhythms with Western harmonies rooted in jazz and classical styles.

The result is a sound that contains both the raw effervescence of true Iranian village music and the uncanny communication found in a well rehearsed jazz band. Never before has Persian music been brought to the West with such creativity and innovation- winner of the San Francisco Weekly 1993 Wammies Award for best World Music album of the year, this music is a must for multiculturalists and world music enthusiasts alike.

Listen and be enchanted. This album is the first album created based on X DOT 25 Music's "Persian Art Music" concept.

ALBUM INSERTS:

Style/Genre: World Contemporary Folk

Instrumentation: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Tamburak, Nazanin, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Six-string Fret-less Bass, Synthesizer, Synth Programming, Percussion, Tombak, Daf.

Tracks:

1. Love (Amoon Az Daste Eshgh), Pt. 1 (2:11)
2. Love (Amoon Az Daste Eshgh), Pt. 2 (8:20)
3. Prince of Love (Shahzadeh Eshgh) (7:53)
4. Persian Miniature (6:55)
5. Ritual of New Year (Norooz - Nowruz) (6:42)
6. Deliverance (Raha-Ee), Pt. 1 (1:35)
7. Deliverance (Raha-Ee), Pt. 2 (7:51)
8. Goli Joon (6:48)
9. Juicy Pomegranate (6:04)
10. Zolaikha, Pt. 1 (2:33)
11. Zolaikha, Pt. 2 (7:27)

Item # CD 1001-2, CA 1001-4

Winner of the San Francisco Weekly Wammies Award - Best World Music album of the year.

Pictures of Performances and More Information

Engineer: Bob Hodas

Aldoush & the Human Exchange create an exotic new sound, combining ancient Iranian village music with Persian lyrics written in contemporary poetic forms. Their arrangements blend traditional Iranian classical folk melodies and rhythms with Western harmonies rooted in jazz and classical styles. Never before has Persian music been brought to the West with such creativity and innovation- winner of the San Francisco Weekly 1993 Wammies Award for best World Music album of the year, this music is a must for multiculturalists and world music enthusiasts alike. Listen and be enchanted. "...Resoundingly entrancing" says BAM Magazine. "...Fusion...in favor of ensemble fluidity, which has a seductive and serpentine appeal" - SF Bay Guardian

Produced by ALDOUSH ALPANIAN

Executive Producers: X DOT 25 Music

Koorosh Angali: Lyrics
Aldoush Alpanian: Lead and backing vocals, acoustic guitar, tamburak, nazanin
Scott Hill: Soprano saxophone, clarinet, backing vocals, "Juicy Pomegranate” lyrics
Jeff Obee: Six-string fretless bass, synthesizer, synth programming
Maryam Katouli, Sara Sultan, and Kathryn Khavari: Children's choir
Joe Brigandi: Percussion
Shahram Kazemi: Tombak, Daf

All English interpretations of lyrics by Koorosh Angali
Composed, Arranged, and Produced by Aldoush Alpanian

Recorded at Studio D, Sausalito, CA in April through July 1992 Additional recording at Coast Recorders, San Francisco, and Music Annex, Menlo Park, CA 
Mixed by Bob Hodas 
Recording Engineer: Ron Rigler 
Assistant Engineer: Larry Brewer 
Mastering Engineer: Paul Stubblebine Mastered at Rocket Lab, San Francisco, CA 
Art direction, cover illustration, Design and computer manipulations: Koorosh Angali
Computer scanning: Jayce Farahmand

Lyrics

Deliverance (Raha-ee) 

Dedicated to Emmett Kaake

Distress, distress, distress 
The agony of perplexity 
Into my soul yielded deplority 
I prayed and prayed a cold sigh in vain 
Release me from all grief and pain

In the end I found refuge 
In the bosom of sorrow 
As an infant would sneak 
Into it's mothers arms to borrow 
Respite.

Yonder an oracle, I heard all at once 
A light - the Creator - illuminated in response 
The everlasting Spring, forever to be 
The eternal love and enlightenment came to me

The bird of the sun, caressing my skin 
I tasted the sweet flavor of the rain 
As a flock of angels were sprinkling henna 
Over the golden-orange plain 
What a dream it was, what a dream! 
This was divine promise, it seemed 
For better days to come.

Deliverance, freedom- I had the master key and gears 
My beloved at my side, yet my eyes were filled with tears 
Out of blindness

How did I expect to reach happiness so poor-spiritedly 
With my inner eye blindfolded so benightedly? 
The Oracle, I remember, uttered to me: 
"Ope thy orb, a coward don't you be 
Dare thyself to take sail in the ocean of divine love 
Oh, you enlightened free-spirited dove!

رهائی

پریشونی پریشونی پریشونی درد حیرونی
به جونم بود خزونم بود چه حال زاری نمیدونی

دعا ها می کردم به صد آه سردم
رها تا کنه از غم و دردم

از این سر گردونی بلای حیرونی
به دامن غمها پناه بردم

صدا اومد ندا اومد از آسمون نور خدا اومد
بهار خندید دو چشمم دید که اون دلبرخوش ادا اومد

چکید طعم بارون به روی لبهامون
نشست مرغ خورشید رو تن هامون

انگار از آسمون هزارتا فرشته
حنا می زدن بر تن هامون

!چه رویآئی چه رویائی پی امروز چه فردایی
بهار ما بهاری خوش کنار ما نگاری خوش

رها بودن رها بودن کلید اون در کف ما بود
نگار ما کنار ما ولی چشمامون یه دریا بود

از پس پلک بسته دلای شکسته
چه راهی برای رسیدن هست؟

یه دم چشمو وا کن دلت رو دریا کن
که از دریای عشق شوی سرمست

!چه رویآئی چه رویائی پی امروز چه فردایی
بهار ما بهاری خوش کنار ما نگاری خوش

پریشونی پریشونی پریشونی درد حیرونی
به جونم بود خزونم بود چه حال زاری نمیدونی

دعا ها می کردم به صد آه سردم
رها تا کنه از غم و دردم

از این سر گردونی بلای حیرونی
به دامن غمها پناه بردم

صدا اومد ندا اومد از آسمون نور خدا اومد
بهار خندید دو چشمم دید که اون دلبرخوش ادا اومد

چکید طعم بارون به روی لبهامون
نشست مرغ خورشید رو تن هامون

انگار از آسمون هزارتا فرشته
حنا می زدن بر تن هامون

!چه رویآئی چه رویائی پی امروز چه فردایی
بهار ما بهاری خوش کنار ما نگاری خوش

رها بودن رها بودن کلید اون در کف ما بود
نگار ما کنار ما ولی چشمامون یه دریا بود

از پس پلک بسته دلای شکسته
چه راهی برای رسیدن هست؟

یه دم چشمو وا کن دلت رو دریا کن
که از دریای عشق شوی سرمست

!چه رویآئی چه رویائی پی امروز چه فردایی
بهار ما بهاری خوش کنار ما نگاری خوش

Prince of Love (Shahzadeh Eshgh)

Yonder in the wheat fields, gold nuggets of grain 
Have sprouted gracefully in the shimmering plain 
A vow is in order- these fields are for keeps 
The offspring of the human should know that prosperity reaps 
He who sows the seeds of love

Our forefathers left this land in our trust 
Safeguard it restlessly against evil we must 
This precious, precious land is the temple of God, 
Zoroaster, Cyrus, Parthian, and Mad(1)

Devil would try his best from time to time 
O'er it to cast a wicked spell 
Wishing for this lovely land to be, 
The terrible dungeon of the scornful Hell

Against all this profanity With all our soul and might 
Joyfully and gracefully, we must ne'er cease our fight 
Find the Prince of Love we must, O' we must 
Leave this cherished land in his trust

Strut in the fields, then, here and there 
Scatter seeds of joy and not despair 
We must not be lazy, deplorable, or weary 
Whilst we can be alive and prosper merrily

 شاهزاده عشق

ببین محصولامون چه خوب دراومده
دیگه رنج یکساله مون سراومده
دونه های گندما مث حب طلاست
که ازخاک جوونه طلائی سرزده

بیا کدخدا دست بدست هم بدیم
که تا جون داریم دشتوازدست ندیم
تو این خاک بیا بذرسعادت بکاریم
از این محصولا به بچه هامونم بدیم

بیا درس عشق به بچه هامون بدیم
بیا درس عشق به بچه هامون بدیم

ببین محصولامون چه خوب دراومده
دیگه رنج یکساله مون سراومده
دونه های گندما مث حب طلاست
که ازخاک جوونه طلائی سرزده

بیا کدخدا دست بدست هم بدیم
که تا جون داریم دشتوازدست ندیم
تو این خاک بیا بذرسعادت بکاریم
از این محصولا به بچه هامونم بدیم

بیا درس عشق به بچه هامون بدیم
بیا درس عشق به بچه هامون بدیم

پدرها به ما یک امونت دادن
دادن تا که ماجون داریم تو بدن
اونو حفظ کنیم ازکف (دست) دیوبلا
بسیازیم ازاون خونه پاک خدا

اگه شیطون اومد طلسمش کنه
بخواد مار ودرگیراسمش کنه
شیشه عمرشو پیدا کنیم وبشکنیم
تا که دود بشه ریشه شوبرکنیم

بریم شاهزاده عشقو پیدا کنیم
بیاریم توی ده اونو شاه کنیم

ببین محصولامون چه خوب دراومده
دیگه رنج یکساله مون سراومده
دونه های گندما مث حب طلاست
که ازخاک جوونه طلائی سرزده

بیا کدخدا دست بدست هم بدیم
که تا جون داریم دشتو ازدست ندیم
تو این خاک بیا بذرسعادت بکاریم
از این محصولا به بچه هامونم بدیم

بیا درس عشق به بچه هامون بدیم
بیا درس عشق به بچه هامون بدیم

پدرها به ما یک امونت دادن دادن
تا که ماجون داریم تو بدن
اونو حفظ کنیم از کف (دست) دیو بلا
بسیازیم ازاون خونه پاک خدا

اگه شیطون اومد طلسمش کنه
بخواد مارودرگیراسمش کنه
شیشه عمرشو پیدا کنیم وبشکنیم
تا که دود بشه ریشه شو برکنیم

بریم شاهزاده عشقو پیدا کنیم
بیاریم توی ده اونو شاه کنیم

توی صحرا بریم اینجا اونجا بریم
هر طرف ما بریم دون بپاشیم
خسته از کار نشیم مست و پروارنشیم
مرده زارنشیم زنده باشیم

توی صحرا بریم اینجا اونجا بریم
هر طرف ما بریم دون بپاشیم
خسته از کار نشیم مست و پروار نشیم
مرده زار نشیم زنده باشیم

Ritual of Persian New Year (norooz - nowruz)

Sweet smell of violets streams through the town 
Whilst maiden of delight, with her Narcissus crown 
Brings joy in a salver to effuse in our hearts 
Girls dance in the streets chanting songs of love 
Children play with their rattles; rejoice their lusty chests 
Grandmothers, in their living rooms, entertain their guests 
Girls in groups of many roam into the pastoral scene 
Recite the ritual of Seez-dah(2), making ties of grass and greens 
Wishing to be a bride in this year with such dreams

Watching all this panorama would fill your eyes with tears 
Not of sorrow, but of joy- the spring is here.

نوروز

این روزا از خونه ما بو بنفشه جاریه
از دل بی نیاز ما غصه و غم فراریه
گلای باغچه تو نسیم رقص دل انگیز می کنن
دلای بی تا بمونو از شوق لبریز می کنن

دخترا روی گیسشون گلای نرگس می زنن
توسبزه ها ترانه ها از عشق و شادی می خونن

بچه ها توی کوچه ها جغجغه بازی می کنن
مادر بزرگا تو خونه مهمون نوازی می کنن

عید اومده تو خونه ها سفره هفت سین بذارین
تو سفره های رنگارنگ نقلای شیرین بذارین
اون حاجی فیروز رو ببین باز همه رو میخندونه
هزار غمم داشته باشه بازم ز شادی می خونه

بهار میاد تو کوچه ها نسیم دلکش میاره
توقلب پر امید ما گلای شادی میکاره

دسته به دسته دخترا سیزده رو به درمیکنن
با امید عروس شدن گره به سبزه می زنن

عید اومده تو خونه ها سفره هفت سین بذارین
تو سفره های رنگارنگ نقلای شیرین بذارین
اون حاجی فیروز رو ببین باز همه رو میخندونه
هزار غمم داشته باشه بازم ز شادی می خونه

عید اومده تو خونه ها سفره هفت سین بذارین
تو سفره های رنگارنگ نقلای شیرین بذارین
اون حاجی فیروز رو ببین باز همه رو میخندونه
هزار غمم داشته باشه بازم ز شادی می خونه

عید اومده تو خونه ها سفره هفت سین بذارین
تو سفره های رنگارنگ نقلای شیرین بذارین
اون حاجی فیروز رو ببین باز همه رو میخندونه
هزار غمم داشته باشه بازم ز شادی می خونه

Zolaikha

At dawn the divine hand 
Diffuses gold particles o'er the fields 
Lady Sun, in her floral attire 
In the brick adobes she yields 
To pay visit to early birds

Zolaikha, oh, Zolaikha 
Behold how fair and lovely the morning is 
God's hand is leading away 
As riders of the sweet breeze: 
Colorful flowers, in herds

Let us go to God's sacred dwelling 
Pick a bounty of love-flowers 
In His affectionate face 
Would we see our latter hours and tomorrows to come

To scatter love-flowers over the village, 
Let us borrow thousands of hands 
Reciting tales of love for children 
Let us carry this hearty errand to the storyteller of the village

The sun is sprinkling the wheat fields 
With various lovely tints 
Running her fingers through our hair 
For a divine copulation 
Tis all but a hint of invitation

In the harem of divinities 
We lie down, our bodies shimmering gems 
As the Zephyr kisses the faces of children 
And people pay homage to them 

زلیخا

آفتاب داره سر می زنه رو خونه های کاه گلی
خورشید خانم میاد بیرون با پیرهن گل گلی
رنگ طلایی میپاشن به سینه کوه و دشت
غرق نفس میشه دلا میرن به سیرو گلگشت

زلیخا ای زلیخا ببین چه صبح قشنگه
دست خدا ببین پر ازگلای رنگ وارنگه

بیا بریم پیش خدا گلای عشق بچینیم
تو صورت پاک خدا فردامونو ببینیم
هزار سبد گل بیاریم میون ده بپا شیم
به بچها از عشق بگیم قصه گوی ده باشیم

ز روزخلقتم جز قصه ای من نه بشنیدم
از این گردون بی دم
کنون دانم حقیقت در خود ماست
حقیقت نیست جز اندیشه و تن ای داد بیداد

خورشید داره رنگ می پاشه رو زلفای گندما
انگار که پنجه میندازه تو زلفای مردما

نسیم که بوسه میزنه بصورت بچها
آدما کورنش میکنن به حرمت بچها

زلیخا ای زلیخا ببین چه صبح قشنگه
دست خدا ببین پر از گلای رنگ وارنگه

بیا بریم پیش خدا گلای عشق بچینیم
تو صورت پاک خدا فردامونو ببینیم
هزار سبد گل بیاریم میون ده بپاشیم
به بچها از عشق بگیم قصه گوی ده باشیم

Juicy Pomegranate

Press on the skin and the juices within 
Will explode in your mouth with amorous sweetness and life

Surrender the senses to red spheres of splendor 
They hang from the tree- the round, juicy pomegranates

Taste of life, a wine from the seeds of the sun 
A treasure of mine for you

Goli Joon

Roaming in the green fields- a graceful strut 
Playful, lusty Zephyrus thrown with you his lot 
Indignant Flora, although jealous of this deed 
Paves your path with floral carpet singing "Godspeed"

The breezy fingers of Favonius 
Through your hair and skirt 
I wonder if it's erroneous: 
Such grace was made of dirt

Earthly love is ephemeral 
To the clouds we should flit 
Where amorous Pygmalion's heart 
With Galatea's glance would be lit 
And Helios, the God Sun 
Roams about on his steed 
While nesting mother of rain 
Is impregnated by his seed

Goli, my beloved 
Oh, remedy of all my pain 
Folks would try to stop us 
Of this divine love, but all in vain.

گلی جون

تو دشت و صحرا گلی جون مسست وخرامون
میون گلها می زنی پرسه و جولون

دومنتو باد میزنه اینور و اونور
گیس بلندت می زنه به هر طرف سر

گلی دورت بگردم گلی دوای دردم
گلی حیا نکن از حرف مردم

بیا بریم به صحرا رها بشیم ز حرفا
فرار کنیم بریم اون سر دنیا

دشتو نگاه کن چشماتو وا کن
زندگی ما گلی جون تو دشت و صحراست
گلی جون اون سردنیاست

بیا رها شیم من و تو ما شیم
خاک جای ما نیست گلی جون
بیا واسه رها شدن ابرهوا شیم

آدما نیش می زنن
دلتو ریش می کنن
زخم پر درد تنن

باید بریم بقچه رو ور دار
گلی جون حالا دیگه وقت فراره
موندن دیگه فایده نداره

تو دشت و صحرا گلی جون مسست وخرامون
میون گلها می زنی پرسه و جولون

دومنتو باد میزنه اینور و اونور
گیس بلندت می زنه به هر طرف سر

گلی دورت بگردم گلی دوای دردم
گلی حیا نکن از حرف مردم

بیا بریم به صحرا رها بشیم ز حرفا
فرار کنیم بریم اون سر دنیا

دشتو نگاه کن چشماتو وا کن
زندگی ما گلی جون تو دشت و صحراست

گلی جون اون سردنیاست
بیا رها شیم من و تو ما شیم

خاک جای ما نیست گلی جون
بیا واسه رها شدن ابرهوا شیم

آدما نیش می زنن
دلتو ریش می کنن
زخم پر درد تنن

باید بریم بقچه رو ور دار
گلی جون حالا دیگه وقت فراره
موندن دیگه فایده نداره

گلی جونم بیا بریم به صحرا
گلی بیا رها بشیم تو ابرا
گلی جونم بیا بریم به صحرا
گلی بیا رها بشیم تو ابرا
گلی جونم بیا بریم به صحرا
گلی بیا رها بشیم تو ابرا
گلی جونم بیا بریم به صحرا
گلی بیا رها بشیم تو ابرا
گلی

Love (Amoon Az Daste Eshgh)

Enter, enter, oh you seeker 

Welcome, welcome to the flicker 
Sparks of rejoicing shimmer in this air 
Flakes of love shower on your thirsty flair

امون از دست عشق

دمی با عاشقون هم پیشه گشتوم
دمی با ظالمون هم تیشه گشتوم
چو به میدون ندیدوم جون آزاد
رفیق و دمخوراندیشه گشتوم
د‌‌‌لوم از خنجر اندیشه خونه
نپرسیدوم کسی کندیشه چونه
دل دریا چه گونه گیر آبه
که تو خونش هزارو گونه گونه

امون از دست عشق قفسو بسته عشق
امون از دست ما که شدیم مست عشق

امون از دست عشق قفسو بسته عشق
امون از دست ما که شدیم مست عشق

غریبی تشنه و سر در گریبون
کویری یا بسونو دیده بارون
لبونوم خشک و حق حق بود شب و روز
دو چشموم تر تر از دریای دامون
دل عاشق که روز و شب نداره
چه بیماری که حتا حب نداره
چه گو یوم با دل خونین که حتا
ز حجم عشق جای تب نداره

امون از دست عشق

امون از دست عشق قفسو بسته عشق
امون از دست ما که شدیم مست عشق

امون از دست عشق قفسو بسته عشق
امون از دست ما که شدیم مست عشق

دل و درد غریبی یک دو تا نیست
به جز وصلت بر این علت دوا نیست

از این بارامانت شونه در کن
که این خاک مدور جای ما نیست
از این آشفتگی ای دل حذر کن
به کوی عاشقون پیمونه سر کن
در این امواج جوشان نعمتی نیست
بیا منزل به دریای دگر کن

امون از دست عشق قفسو بسته عشق
امون از دست ما که شدیم مست عشق

امون از دست عشق قفسو بسته عشق
امون از دست ما که شدیم مست عشق

امون از دست عشق قفسو بسته عشق
امون از دست ما که شدیم مست عشق

امون از دست عشق قفسو بسته عشق
امون از دست ما که شدیم مست عشق

This Life

Style/Genre: World Rock
Instrumentation: Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Daf, Tabla, Persian Tombak (Zarb), Percussion, Drums, Alto & Soprano Sax, Keyboards, Bass.

Includes: Nights In White Satin

Performed by Aldoush - Written by Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues

East meets West on the new release from composer/producer Aldoush Alpanian. A newline up and a different perspective on this CD where progressive world fusion crosses rock boundaries and is influenced by Middle Eastern textures. This work is enhanced by Aldoush's expressive vocal work, lyrics of depth and intensity in English, and a band that cooks.

Style/Genre: World Rock
Instrumentation: Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Daf, Tabla, Persian Tombak (Zarb), Percussion, Drums, Alto & Soprano Sax, Keyboards, Bass.

Tracks:

1. The Ride 7:51
2. Living in the City 7:49
3. The Call 6:58 
4. Lady of Mexico 8:10 
5. Truth in Chains 6:28 
6. Simple Man 4:53
7. People Aren’t for Sale 6:21
8. This Life 8:23
9. My Private Storm 5:11
10. Journey to Jaffar 6:21

Total Time: 66:50

Item # CD 4002-2

Human Exchange has followed up his 1993 Wammies Award winning debut album "The Child Within" with a table turning tour de force in "This Life" his second release, changing his focus from the western influenced middle eastern world music of "The Child Within" to an epic album of world class rock. "This Life" is a richly textured musical and lyrical adventure (English lyrics), full of emotion, drama and surprise. Rarely has an artist of this quality changed directions so dramatically with such impressive results. He has augmented his lineup of acoustic guitar, saxophone, Persian steel string instrument (Nazanin), percussion, bass and drums with the immaculately tasty electric guitar work of Mark Holzinger.

Although they have maintained their acoustic foundation, this album rocks with a soaring and soulful blend of pop, rock, reggae, blues, jazz and middle eastern influences. Each song is a passionate and powerful slice of life from the tongue in cheek desperation of the opening track "The Ride" to the bluesy meditative title track "This Life." There is also a dazzling diversity between the songs, from the poetry and promise of "The Call" and the challenging "Truth in Chains" to the dynamic rhythms of "My Private Storm" and the middle eastern celebration of "Journey to Jaffar." These songs flow effortlessly together on a variety of rhythms, thanks to the consistently compelling melodies of Aldoush. "This Life" is guaranteed to be as satisfying as it is surprising.

Produced and arranged by Aldoush Alpanian

Musicians:

Mark Holzinger: Electric Guitar (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10)
Jeff Obee: Bass (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10)
Larry De La Cruz: Alto Sax, Soprano, Keyboards (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10)
Dave Rokeach: Drums (1,2,3,4,5,6,8,9,10)
Art Cavagnaro: Percussion (1,3,7,8,9,10)
Ann Dyer: Harmony Vocals (5,6,7,8,9)
Hooshmand Saki: Persian Tombak (Zarb) (3,8,9,10)
Jim Owens: Tabla (1)
Aldoush Alpanian: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Daf (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9)

All songs 1999 X DOT 25 MUSIC PUBLISHING (ASCAP)

Music by Aldoush Alpanian

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe except "Living in the City" by Susan MacKarness, "Nights in White Satin" by Justin Hayward, and "Simple Man" by Mike Dane Hager
All lyrics used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recorded by: Aldoush Alpanian and Mark Schleunes at Crowmagnon Studios, Oakland, CA
Mixed by: Aldoush Alpanian & Mark Lamaire at Canyon Studios, Oakland CA
Mastered by: Scott Hill 
Cover Photo, Design & Computer Graphics: Koorosh Angali 
Dave Rokeach's photo by: Ralph Granich
Baby on the cover: Payam Mottaghian
Executive producers: X DOT 25 Music
C&P 1999 X DOT 25 Music

Lyrics

The Ride

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe

I'm a fool, surrounded by a wall of illusion 
Created by my desire to believe your lies 
I'm a fool, drowning in a well of confusion 
Feeling helpless as I gaze into your eyes 
Love is crazy, don't know what I'm thinking, what I'm doing 
I never could resist the way you smiled 
Love is crazy, know that you're not feeling what I'm feeling 
Still, sometimes I feel as helpless as a child 
Sometimes I feel as helpless as a child

A thousand miles she came to find me 
How could I know? Why should I hide? 
Like a dream she came to blind me 
I went along just for the ride 
How could I know?...Why should I hide? 
I went along ... just for the ride

My head's spinning, fighting my emotions for control 
I know that if I win I'll only lose 
My head's spinning, what I feel is stronger than what 
I know I know I've no choice left and still I choose 
I am lost now, caught up in a web of self -destruction 
Wondering if you always knew I'd go this way 
I am lost now, suffering more each day from my inaction 
While searching for the strength to walk away 
While searching for the strength to walk away

A thousand miles she came to find me 
How could I know? Why should I hide? 
Like a dream she came to blind me 
I went along just for the ride 
How could I know?...Why should I hide? 
I went along ... just for the ride

Looking into your eyes , somehow I'm hypnotized 
I wanna' leave but you know I always stay 
Sometimes I think I'll get away today 
But then I look in your eyes, and again I'm paralyzed 
I don't know if I'll ever get away 
How could I know?...Why should I hide? 
I went along ... just for the ride 
I don't know if I'll ever get away

Living In The City

Lyrics by Susan MacKarness

I see you man, we both exist 
But can you show your heart 
Take away that mask of stone 
And smile just for a start 
Yesterday the sky was blue 
And I felt my spirits rise 
But everywhere I turned was cold 
And all I heard were lies

Living in the city can really bring you down 
I'd rather get some land and leave this golden town 
Living in the city really brings you down
I'm gonna get some land 
and leave this bloody golden town

We're all here for a few years 
To live and fight for life 
I've seen so many souls who've lost their way 
Down these lonely streets tonight 
I'll have to leave here very soon 
If I want to feel again 
I've tried so hard to get through 
But all I got was pain

Living in the city can really bring you down 
I'd rather get some land and leave this golden town 
Living in the city really brings you down 
I'm gonna get some land 
and leave this bloody golden town

Did you see that lovely face? 
Notice that lonely old man? 
Watch those flowers growing tall 
I'm running, catch me if you can 
Yes, this has been too much for me 
I don't want whatever it's got 
I'll flee into the other life 
Where money's out and feeling's not

Living in the city can really bring you down 
I'd rather get some land and leave this golden town 
Living in the city really brings you down 
I'm gonna get some land 
and leave this bloody golden town

The Call

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe

Here, here, here we go again 
For every three steps forward 
There's two we are pulled back again 
Sky, sky, the evening sky is clear 
But I hear thunder and a strange sense of danger is near 
Cry, cry, but don't you cry for me 
Cry for all the misguided ones, whose hearts still don't see 
There are reasons to live in everything we do 
In the time that we are given, I will show them to you

Well it only takes a moment 
For your world to explode 
And it only takes a moment 
To sanctify your soul

Fear, fear, all around us in their eyes 
Lord, I've stood my ground for you 
Won't you open up these skies? 
And save me, save me, save me from this mob 
They want to take my life 
They want to shake my faith in God 
Pain, pain, they strike me with their stones 
I feel the sting of their hatred 
As their nails crush my bones 
Afraid, afraid, afraid of the truth 
They're blinded by fear and rage, with everything to lose

Well it only takes a moment 
For your world to explode 
And it only takes a moment 
To sanctify your soul

Free, free, I'll be free when this is done 
My time is almost over now, and yours has just begun 
On we go, answering the call 
Remember me and carry on the word to all 
Home, home, take me home again 
On a slide of light, to that promised land 
Home, home, take me home again 
On a slide of light, to that promised land 
On we go, answering the call 
Remember me and carry on the word to all

Lady of Mexico

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe

You lie sleeping in my arms again 
So soft and warm, your golden skin 
And I wish this moment would never end 
My lady of Mexico

In the morning you'll be leaving 
In my head, well I guess I know 
In a few months you'll be back here again 
But the tears are beginning to show 
`Cause my heart keeps crying to me 
Hey man, don't let her go 
'Cause I love you 
   'Cause I love you 
      'Cause I love you 
               My lady of Mexico

Soon your Spanish eyes will open 
And I'll kiss your morning smile 
We'll hold each other close for awhile 
Before you take to the sky 
Well, it's something you feel you have to do 
And I just can't stand in your way 
'Cause I love you 
    'Cause I love you 
        'Cause I love you 
               My lady of Mexico

So I'll think about these moments 
In the months ahead while you're gone 
And they'll help me through the days to come 
And the nights won't seem quite so long 
And if you don't come back to me 
I'll know I can't, but I must carry on 
`Cause I love you 
My lady of Mexico 
And if you don't come back to me 
I'll know I can't, but I must carry on 
'Cause I love you 
   'Cause I love you 
      'Cause I love you 
            My lady of Mexico

Truth In Chains

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe

"Nothing is what it appears to be" 
The old woman feebly cried 
When truth is chained for convenience 
Innocent people die 
Three doors tower in front of you 
Which one will you choose? 
Your own redemption's just out of reach 
There's no time left to lose 
There's no time left to lose

"Why do you stand there waiting?" 
Came the familiar voice 
So many lives are on the line 
And you must make a choice 
As if your force could prove you right 
You boldly cross the line 
Is anything worth so many lives? 
Will this dust settle in our time? 
Will this dust settle in our time?

Cold wind whistling through empty streets 
No other sound for miles around 
Dead city standing in a yellow haze 
Ruins crumbling to the ground 
As lightning flashes in the distance 
Big birds sail across the sky 
Evil destruction is raining down 
And the sky begins to cry 
And the sky begins to cry...

Simple Man

Lyrics by Michael Dane Hager

I'm just a simple man with a simple dream 
Hoping the world can see, what it takes to be free 
What it takes to have some peace.

Free from all the children, that are naked in the night 
Hoping somebody will save them, 
                          from the evils of their plight 
We've got to take them back into our arms, 
                          and show them that we care, 
And give them the love and shelter, 
                           that takes away all their empty fear.

I'm just a simple man with a simple dream 
Hoping the world can see, what it takes to be free, 
What it takes to have some peace.

Free from all the bigotry, that is tearing us apart, 
It's reaching out across the land,
                             it's like a shadow in the dark 
We've got to join our hearts together, 
                             and build a better way, 
And stop all the lies and hatred, 
                             that brings us back to the ancient days.

I'm just a simple man with a simple dream 
Hoping the world can see, what it takes to be free, 
What it takes to have some peace.

Doo, Doo, Doo
Doo, Doo, Doo
Doo, Doo, Doo
Doo, Doo, Doo

I'm just a simple man with a simple dream 
Hoping the world can see, what it takes to be free, 
What it takes to have some peace. 

Free from all the voices, that are calling out in pain, 
Clinging onto lives ravaged by, 
                               the threat that we call AIDS 
We've got to stand up all my brothers, 
                               and give them a loving hand, 
Bring an end to all this fighting, 
                               that steals away all our precious time.

I'm just a simple man with a simple dream 
Hoping the world can see, what it takes to be free, 
What it takes to have some peace. 

And the winds of tomorrow, 
                                hold the answers to our faith, 
And all we have to do is stop and open up the gate. 

I'm just a simple man with a simple dream 
Hoping the world can see, what it takes to be free, 
What it takes to have some peace.
What it takes to be free, 
What it takes to have some peace.

Doo, Doo, Doo
Doo, Doo, Doo
Doo, Doo, Doo
Doo, Doo, Doo

What it takes to be free 
What it takes to have some peace
What it takes to be free 
What it takes to have some peace
What it takes to be free 
What it takes to have some peace
What it takes to be free 
What it takes to have some peace
What it takes to be free 
What it takes to have some peace
What it takes to be free 
What it takes to have some peace

Doo, Doo, Doo
Doo, Doo, Doo
Doo, Doo, Doo
Doo, Doo, Doo

People Aren't for Sale

Lyrics: Sue Mckarness
Music: Aldoush
Aldoush: Vocals & Acoustic Guitar
Jeff Obee: Fretless Bass
Joe Brigandi: Percussion
Scott Hill: Soprano Sax

You came to me on a windy day and showed me a face of pain
I took your gentle hand in mine and we listened to the rain
I can see the year scattered on your face, the memories you can't erase
Still lost in your darker days, searching for your hiding place
Why did you choose this life young girl?
What drove you in this way young girl?
Listen to me and don't forget that people aren't for sale, young girl
You look so young and strongly pure despite the lines of sorrow
And if I could I'd stopped you now and save you from tomorrow
Why did you choose this life young girl?
What drove you in this way young girl?
Listen to me and don't forget that people aren't for sale, young girl
Ohhhhhhh, Young Girl, Mmmmm....

And when we talked you are so weakened
And make me cold with pain
For all those people who turned on you
And cast you to your fate
Let me lead you to a better life
Where people live in joy
I'll give you all you ever want
And you learn to love this world
Again, Again ...............

Some losers are just sacrificed but don't be a victim this time
Leave behind the winter of your life and toss away those lies
Why did you choose this life young girl?
What drove you in this way young girl?
Listen to me and don't forget that people aren't for sale, young girl.

This Life 

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe

Looking at this life, when I close my eyes 
Deep within my mind, where I go 
Looking at this life, well I realize 
Deep within my mind, well I know

I need freedom, I need space n' time 
Feel this life is closing in 
I need freedom, I need peace o' mind 
'Cause this life is all I know

Behind these eyes I am searching 
Behind this smile, into my soul 
Am I changing? Is the change too fast? 
Am I drifting? Will I lose control?

I need freedom, I need space n' time 
Feel this life is closing in 
I need freedom, I need peace o' mind 
'Cause this life is all I know

Arrest my fears and unlock the gate 
I've been building walls instead of bridges 
Opening my eyes, the hour is late 
I've been travelling too close to the edge

I need freedom, I need space n' time 
Feel this life is closing in 
I need freedom, I need peace o' mind 
'Cause this life is all I know

My Private Storm 

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe

Under threatening skies, in my private storm 
Heading toward that distant light 
Breaking through this wretched night 
I will ride the wind `til horizons clear again 
Breaking through this wretched night 
Heading toward that distant light 
Battling raging seas, saw you walking there 
Flooded by unrest, trembling like a prayer 
From my tragic depths, breakers crash the shore 
Heading toward that distant light 
Breaking through this wretched night 
I will ride the wind `til horizons clear again 
Breaking through this wretched night 
Heading toward that distant light 
In your eyes I see all the faiths that shine 
All the truths I seek, tonight I'll make them mine 
Woah oh oh oh, Woah oh oh oh oh...

We think and dream, in the end we hope and pray 
We balance pleasure and pain toward a better day 
The only light I see tonight is in your eyes 
Shining like the truth, to save me from the lies 
And all the people that we used to be 
And all the reasons that we couldn't see 
Right now they don't mean a thing to me 
Shine light, shine light, shine, shine for me tonight...yea

Sailing cold, cold seas, in my private storm 
Heading toward that distant light 
Breaking through this wretched night 
I will ride the wind `til horizons clear again 
Breaking through this wretched night 
Heading toward that distant light 
Tonight I see that light, for me it's enough 
New winds lift my sails, stir the stars above 
On my knees again, I live for your love 
Heading toward that distant light 
Breaking through this wretched night 
I will ride the wind `til horizons clear again 
Breaking through this wretched night 
Heading toward that distant light 
I've been to the edge and I've seen that view 
But I never thought I'd see the end of you 
Woah oh oh oh, Woah oh oh oh oh...

Heading toward that distant light 
Breaking through this wretched night 
Heading toward that distant light 
Shine light, shine, Shine light, shine