Jazmin Saraï Ma’ré and Jazmin Saraï Nar (Dana El Masri) -New Perfume Review + The Tarab Duet Draw

Dana El Masri of Jazmin Saraï 

“The heart is a thousand stringed instrument that can only be tuned with love.”  – (14th Century)

There is no doubt that many artists, musicians and perfumers have been blessed (or for many cursed) with synaesthesia. Most of the people I know suffer from varying degrees and types of this experience. For these artists communicating synaesthetic impressions is more than blurring the boundaries between sight, sound, smell and taste.   It takes true skill and dedication to translate (to tune, so to speak) these very personal and subjective experiences into clear sensory messages that other people can understand. Award-winning perfumer (including a Perfumed Plume 2016 for Science of Scent for CaFleureBon), synaesthete and writer Dana El Masri, does just that as she explores …" the convergence of scent, music & culture." Jazmin Saraï Ma'ré and Jazmin Saraï Nar (the Tarab Duet) are inspired by the music of two of the most revered musicians in the Arab world – the legendary Lebanese songstress, Fairuz (b. 1935) and the iconic Egyptian singer Abdel Halim Hafez (1929 – 1977).

(Dana took this photo from one of Fairuz’s album covers)

According to Dana El Masri, the name of the line, Jazmin Saraï “…embodies the union between the queen of white flowers Jasmine and the king of musical genres Jazz, wafting through the inner walls of a Saraï, an oriental palace.   Each perfume is translated through beats, rhythm, harmony, lyrics, and tempo…a homage to the artist that inspired them." The Arabic word "tarab" (طرب) refers to how the human voice in song creates an ecstatic, rapturous and emotional connection between the performer and audience members. Jazmin Seraï Ma'ré and Jazmin Seraï Nar from the Tarab Duet fragrances elicit just such a bond between the perfumer and the perfumed. Jazmin Saraï Ma'ré  is inspired by the melody and the lyrics of "Shayef El Bahr" – See the Sea – as performed by the singer Fairuz, considered by her many fans to be the Callas of Arabia.  

"See – How deep is the sea – I love you that much

See – how distant the sky – that far I love you…

How wide the forest, like the width of my heart…"  – from the lyrics of "Shayef El Bahr" by Rahbani Brothers

Jazmin Saraï Ma'ré  photo credit  Rosenbluth Photography

The first impression of Ma'ré is that of a brisk wind off the sea – evoking the wonder of the vast and deep ocean as it meets the clouds at the horizon. A delicate airy lemon and sunny neroli with the faintest hint of anise, recall a bright, cool spring morning on the shore, the warmth of the sand, a slight chop on the water and the airy turquoise blue of the sky.  After about five minutes a delicate touch of fig begins to bloom on my skin, adding a green sweetness to the fragrance and beckoning me inland to hills forested with cedars and cypress.  As the perfume dries down it moves from the initial colors of sea and sky blue to woody greens, touched with lemon and the freshness of the sea air. For a good five hours the heart of Ma'ré wafts a buoyant and joyous nectar of figs, woods and neroli, vanishing as a light afternoon breeze through the cypress trees. Notes: Lemon, neroli, Arak Accord (similar to anise liquor accord), sea notes, fig, cedarwood and cypress.

An Edit  fromDana’s Grandparents’ wedding day

 The Abdel Halim Hafez performance of "Hobak Nar", (Your Love is Fire) from the 1959 film Hakayat Hob (Love Story) inspired the flipside of the Tarab Duet –  Jazmin Saraï Nar. The word "nar" (نار) translates as either "fire" or "hell".  Abdel Halim Hafez was not only an amazing singer and performer but also a music teacher, actor, composer, film producer and philanthropist. He transcended his own hell of childhood tragedy and poverty as well as many years of chronic illness, bringing his audiences the brilliant gifts of his many talents.

Photo credit Rosenbluth Photography

"…It's hell, my darling, hell

Your love is a fire that I don't want to put out

Every moment I must feel it

A fire, my darling, that woke me up and healed me…" – from the lyrics of "Hobak Nar" by Abdel Halim Hafez

Jazmin Saraï Nar opens as the name of the song suggests – with the scent of fiery sparks, burning embers and wisps of smoke. The initial blaze is tempered with the soothing, slightly peppered warmth of coriander, adding a suggestion of orange and as well as an earthen element to the blaze. The fiery embers cool after about an hour as Nar retreats to the skin, featuring more coriander, a faint scent of wood ash, amber and the sweet woods of cedar and guaiac. From this point on Jazmin Saraï Nar is very much a linear fragrance, lingering for up to four hours on my skin and perhaps five or six hours on clothing.  Nar is a difficult fragrance to characterize. It is not so much incense or a campfire scent as it is a mysterious, dark blaze that suggests both the pleasures of love and the fires of lust.  Notes: Coriander, cedarwood, guaiacwood and burning embers.

Disclaimer: Many thanks Dana El Masri for the generous samples of the Jazmin Saraï Ma'ré and Jazmin Saraï Nar (Tarab Duet). My opinions are my own.

Gail Gross – Senior Editor

Art Direction: Michelyn Camen – Editor-in-Chief (all photos  for the review of Jazmin Seraï Ma'ré and Jazmin Seraï Nar from Dana El Masri)

Jazmin Saraï Ma'ré and Jazmin Saraï Nar

Thanks to the generosity of Dana El Masri we have one set of JazminSaraï Ma'ré and Jazmin Saraï Nar to one registered reader anywhere in the world. Be sure to register or your comment will not count.) To be eligible for the draw, please tell us where you live and what appeals to you about Gail's review of Jazmin Saraï Ma'ré and Jazmin Saraï Nar which you might prefer and if you are familiar with the music from the Middle East. Draw closes 4/5/2018

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our Site feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

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32 comments

  • Rae Lynn says:

    I’ve always wished that I had synesthesia. It is fascinating to me, that 2 senses could be entwined. I think it would be a blessing.

  • DespinaVnt says:

    I loved the beautiful stories behind the creation of these perfumes, the sounds, images and memories they evoke.
    Jazmin Saraï Ma’ré sounds like something I would adore!
    I am rather familiar with the Middle East music; being Greek, I can recognize its familiar sound, since Middle Eastern music has strongly influenced my mother country’s musical heritage, as well.
    Thank you for the introduction to these exciting fragrances.
    Love from Paris, France,
    Despina xx

  • Andie Paige says:

    Actually had to read up on Synaesthesia to get a better understanding. The mingling of the senses is interesting to say the least. Could be a curse and a blessing depending on which form you have and how one utilizes it. While I’m not familiar with music, I do appreciate how it can transport you. I can only imagine if I had Synaesthesia and interpreted colors for sound (for example) – where that would take me. Jazmin Sarai Ma’re appeals to me most. You had me at fig, green and sea air!

  • Andie Paige says:

    I actually read more about Synaesthesia to get a better understanding. Interesting how senses can mingle in this way. I see how it can be a curse and a blessing depending on what type and how used. I am not familiar with music from the Middle East, but do appreciate how the music in itself transports you. I can only imagine if I associated music with colors (for example) and where that would take me. Jazmin Sarai Ma’re appleas to me most. You had me at fig, green, and sea air.

  • fazalcheema says:

    It seems Dana has composed a Yin Yang set of perfumes, with Ma’re paying tribute to sea and Nar paying tribute to fire. These two fragrances together cover almost all months of the year when it comes to seasonal wearings. I used to have an Arabic roommate from Oman and than from Egypt so I was exposed to Arabic music through them and that is how I learned Lebanese singers have fans all over the Arab world kind of how American singers dominate the countries with proficient or at least medium understanding of English. thanks for the draw. I think I might prefer Ma’re. I am in the US.

  • Fifi says:

    I loved Gail`s description of Jasmin Sarai Mare ¨The first impression of Ma’ré is that of a brisk wind off the sea – evoking the wonder of the vast and deep ocean as it meets the clouds at the horizon……..Ma’ré wafts a buoyant and joyous nectar of figs, woods and neroli, vanishing as a light afternoon breeze through the cypress trees.¨
    I love all the above notes especially for summer time.
    I adore Fairuz, her voice is amazing and the Arabian music travels me far away to exotic places!
    I live in EU.

  • mark serrato says:

    sarai nar sounds very alluring in its smoky, amber notes. close enough for me in the incense category, which i love.
    not too familiar with middle eastern music. but i love the percussion jams that they put in their belly dancing performances. very intoxicating and sensual.

  • esz says:

    Jazmin Saraï Ma’ré sounds more up my alley – they sound so wonderfully evocative. I always love these reviews. I am really not familiar with middle eastern music at all

    I am in Melbourne Australia

  • Just Add Light says:

    Unfortunately, I’m not too familiar with music from the Middle East, but I can certainly resonate with the inspiring lyrics. It would seem that from Gail’s evocative descriptions, both Nar and Ma’Re, with their firey and fresh leanings respectively, would be suitable for different seasons. And with the advent of spring in the northern hemisphere, I think I would prefer Ma’Re just a tad more. I don’t have synesthesia, but I could swear that when Gail mentioned the transition from the colours of sea and sky to the lemony greens of the forest, I could smell and even taste the words. Hmmm. Perhaps that’s the power of suggestion! Canada.

  • Diana D says:

    Both sound beautiful but I am most drawn to Nar because of the woody notes.

    I live in the US.

  • jenbat says:

    Oh my god I love Jazmin Sarai and am so excited to see her featured on this site!!! Gail’s description of Ma’re has my interest, because I know Jazmin does citrus SO WELL, like in Neon Graffiti which is probably one of my all-time faves for summer. I also love LED IV, it’s amazing, I always wear it to concerts to capture the mood. I live in Canada, thank you for the draw.

  • Dosva says:

    Interesting review.I liked description of all 2 perfumes, but if I would be winner I would prefer Ma’Re- airy citrus, fresh fig, neroli: I gess this perfume is just for this season .
    Sometimes I listen eastern music.
    from Armenia

  • Yasmina says:

    This is such an awesome informative review! Faieux abd Abdel Halima are two giants of modern Arab music yet not many non Arabs know about them. What a wonderful way to change that – through perfume! How creative. I live in the US and would love to win this draw!

  • jeremyn87 says:

    Nar sounds really intriguing. I love smoky notes. It also helps that Abdel Halim is one of my fav of the Egyptian Golden Era.
    I’m a huge fan of Arabic music. Along with Fairuz and Abdel Halim Hafez, I love the other classics (Oum Kalsoum, Farid Al Atrache, Sayed Darwish, ]Wahab, Motaleb, Sabah Fakhri, Kheyri, Khalifeh, Al Saghira, Mourad, the Kuwaity brothers, Wadih el Safi etc etc etc).
    I’m in the US

  • Vahagn says:

    I loved Gail’s description of Jasmin Sarai Ma’Re, especially first sentece: about “delicate airy lemon and sunny neroli”, “recall a bright, cool spring morning on the shore, the warmth of the sand, a slight chop on the water and the airy turquoise blue of the sky”. Fantastic!!!
    So I’ll prefer Ma’Re.
    I like arabic music, but not listen so often.
    live in Armenia

  • Timea says:

    Both of these fragrances are sounds wonderfully from the base of the review. I think I would prefer Ma’Re. Thank you very muck for the draw. I live in Europe.

  • Hasib says:

    First time hearing of these fragrances. Interesting story and fragrance House. Ma’ré appeals to me more and would like to get a chance to try.
    I’m familiar with Middle Eastern music. Thanks for the draw
    Califonria

  • Annatar says:

    I can’t believe I didn’t see this clever porte-manteau – jazmine, – before! Gail’s review has made it extremely difficult to choose between the two parts of the Duet but if I had to, I’d chose to try Ma’ré first, – the morning by the sea is something I’ve been longing for this long winter (not Winterfell long but still).

    My knowledge of the Middle Eastern music is quite limited, I’m afraid, – Dalida doesn’t really count as such, right?

    Thanks for the draw. I live in Russia

  • Catanosmia says:

    I love a scent that evokes a place, I love the idea of fragrance inspired by music. I don’t think I have any scent/sound associations. Thanks for the draw, I’m in the US.

  • Sergio Teixeira says:

    I live in Portugal, and we have lots of arabic influences in our music, so we are familiar with middle eastern music. My personal favorite has always been Munir Bashir, who incidentally is in my opinion the Master of Oud (the instrument). The description Ma’re really caught my attention, since I just love citrus based fragrances, so that one would be my choice, in case I get so lucky as to be the winner.
    Good luck to all, and thank you for the draw.
    Portugal.

  • NiceVULady says:

    I like the “sense(scents)” of the mixing of various elements in the creative world which I think has been aptly explained to us in this wonderful review. I like the idea of both of these fragrances, but as summer approaches Ma re sounds lovely. I’ve heard some Middle Eastern music, but certainly not enough. Thanks for the draw. I’m in the USA

  • James2473 says:

    Wow! Very insightful! Both sound like amazing scents but I’m a little more intrigued by Jazmin Saraï Ma’ré. I’m located in the U.S.

  • RoseMacaroon says:

    Both of these sound/look amazing — Ma’re, Im seeing as dazzling brightness, cool fresh wind and a sense of expansiveness, with Nar being almost an antibody to that, like a ritual that unites you to your own dark and wild nature. I’m familiar with the music of the middle east but not with any relevant names, just years of dancing to the music!
    Many thanks for the draw,
    I’m in the US.

  • zazazelle says:

    I thought NAR means pomegranate, at least that is how it is in Turkish, so my own synaesthesia which Works mostly in pictures draw me an explosion of red juice. Love the description of notes for the NAR. Will listen to the music later, I love everything Oriental.
    Thank you for the draw, I am in the EU.

  • Alen says:

    This juices both of them sounds really good but i would stick to Ma’re looking on the notes. Thanks for this chance and nice draw. I live in the EU

  • travis12364 says:

    Jazmin Saraï Ma’ré Sounds more like my cup of tea. Although both sounds amazing. I’m not really familiar with middle eastern music though. I’m in the US.

  • fleurdelys says:

    I had to read more about Synaesthesia to get a better understanding, because I haven’t experienced it before. It can be a blessing or a curse.
    Even though I’m not so familiar with the music from the Middle East, I enjoy it. It transports me to exotic places.
    Jazmin Saraï Nar sounds amazing,
    Thank you for a great story and for the draw.
    I live in the EU.

  • Carol Webb says:

    Gail’s review was beautiful, as always.
    I’ve never really heard about synaesthesia, so cannot say I’ve ever experienced it.
    I’n not really family with music from the middle east. I do enjoy just about any genre of music, though.
    Both of the scents sound wonderful but I’m more drawn to Jazmin Saraï Ma’ré based on the lemony, woody, sea notes.
    Thanks for the draw – I’m in the US.

  • kaitracid says:

    Reading the reviews, I can say that Nar is more to my liking with the beautiful smoke and spices. Not a big fan of oriental music though… (EU)

  • lilyd says:

    I’m an artist musician and am jealous of my friends with synaesthesia, it sounds like such a beautiful affliction lol. Jazmin and Nar both sound amazing, and I love guaiac – I have a few pieces of the wood that I burn occasionally, such a unique and gorgeous fragrance. I live in Canada, thanks for the draw. 🙂

  • Olga says:

    So sorry I missed this draw. Such a lovely descriptive post! I am very intrigued. Thank you for sharing.

  • Gail says:

    Thank everyone for commenting and joining the draw. I am sorry that you missed this one, Olga, as you really have a nose for fragrance.