Al Conti SCHEHERAZADE CD

One kingdom, one ruler, the strength of one woman to conquer them all!

Al Conti's third release is his most haunting and seductive yet. Alluring sounds of guitar, piano, dulcimer, exotic hurdy gurdy, sitar, tribal drums and other percussion fill this musical landscape to tell the triumphant story of Scheherazade like it has never been told before.

This is Al's first album to bridge new age and world music and is a compelling retelling of the 1001 nights through the eyes of Scheherazade, the teller of these tales.

The story of Scheherazade comes from the One Thousand And One Arabian Nights. Legend speaks of Scheherazade (Daughter of the City), a beautiful maiden who persuades her father to let her marry the king (Shahryar). Shahryar, betrayed by his first wife, has sworn never to be hurt again and vowed to marry a new bride every night only to tragically lead each one to execution in the morning. Despite her father's protestations, Scheherazade follows her destiny and travels to the palace to marry the king (Desert Nights). Following a night filled with passion (Seven Veils to Midnight), Scheherazade puts her plan into action by letting her sister (Dunyazad) enter the chamber to bid them goodnight. Unbeknownst to the king, Dunyazad will ask her sister to tell them a story before they sleep. Scheherazade's tales (A Thousand Tales) begin. With her tales, Scheherazade entrances the king who breaks his legacy of pain letting her live day after day to weave her tales.

And so Scheherazade's plan is woven …night after night….tale after tale. During the day, she walks the gardens (Palace Gardens) while the king attends to his duties, ruling his kingdom rich in resources and trade (Gold and Spices). Scheherazade's tales triumph as she slowly softens the king's heart allowing him to love again. Scheherazade gives the king three children as night follows day until the last tale is told. The king, now completely in love with Scheherazade recognizes her as his queen (Eternal Majesty). In a timeless tale of strength and courage, Scheherazade rises as the heroine, saving the women of her kingdom and conquering the king's heart (Heart Triumphant).