The Godfather of Nubian music died at 72 in June 2002. Happily, he managed to get in a final, timeless recording, one of few available from the fabled Nubian territory now flooded by Lake Nasser in Egypt and Sudan. Kuban started out as wedding band singer in Cairo. He upset purists and became a legend when he introduced Western instruments like saxophone, trombone, accordion and guitar alongside Nubian percussion and girba (bagpipes). A harmonica even wheedles its way through a number of these 13 tracks, lending an occasional blues jam feel that really works. Bibi Hammond's bass playing really drives this album, getting funky on "Kobana," and galloping through up-tempo Nubian wedding rhythms on "Eshmana" and others. "Adeele" has a village feel with its 6/8 rhythm and prominent percussion. It's a call for emigrants not to stay away too long. Kuban's voice is a tad creaky, but still strong, and as a parting gift, he uses his exceptional band to highlight younger voices, notably Salwa Abou Gerisha, who shines on "Malu Malu" a cheerful tease from young to old--"Why are your jealous of our love?" Authenticity and modernity don't quarrel at all here, and one senses the chemistry of a well-seasoned band on every track.

Kuban's use of woodwinds and horns is especially satisfying. On "Sanose" ("It's Japanese) Kuban blends a Japanese folk tune with a trancey Nubian beat and a sinewy counter melody from his classic, reedy horn section. "Gammal" ("Camel Driver") a traditional Bedouin song that opens and closes the set has an especially haunting beauty. One can hardly imagine a more apt coda for a remarkable musical life.

Contributed by: Banning Eyre for www.afropop.org