063757905929
767522905915

Arabian Waltz

Rabih Abou-Khalil

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Format: CD

Cat No: ENJ90592

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Release Date:  02 September 2014

Label:  Enja

Packaging Type:  Jewel Case

No of Units:  1

Barcode:  063757905929

Genres:  World Music  

Release Date:  16 August 2024

Label:  Enja

Packaging Type:  Gate Fold Vinyl

No of Units:  1

Barcode:  767522905915

Genres:  World Music  

  • Description

    Lebanon oud master Rabih Abou-Khalil's stunning 1996 album 'Arabian Waltz' is appearing here on vinyl for the first time.

    "Arabian Waltz is the pinnacle of Rabih Abou-Khalil's achievement as a composer and arranger. It is a sublime fusion of jazz, Middle Eastern traditional music, and Western classical. In addition to Abou-Khalil on oud (the Arabic lute), Michel Godard on the tuba and the serpent (the tuba's antique kinsman), and Nabil Khaiat on frame drums, the album also features the Balanescu String Quartet instead of the usual trumpet or sax. The presence of the Balanescu might seem to pose a dilemma for the composer: traditional Middle Eastern music uses no harmony but a string quartet is all about harmony. Abou-Khalil achieves a compromise by generally writing the string parts in unison (or in octaves), in effect using the quartet as a single voice, but also letting the quartet split up to play parts in unison with the other instruments or to provide ornamentation. Without surrendering jazziness at all, the presence of the strings makes possible a wondrous atmosphere, almost as if one is listening to the soundtrack of a classy movie set in Beirut or Damascus during the '40s. This feeling is greatest on "Dreams of a Dying City" with its brooding tuba and cello motifs and grave, repeated rhythms. "The Pain After" starts with an impressive tuba solo that turns into a long interlude for tuba and string quartet; sad, slow music that sounds like one of Beethoven's late quartets. Then Abou-Khalil finally enters on oud, bringing a sustained note of wistfulness. Fortunately, beside the darker numbers lie the propulsive drama of "Arabian Waltz" and the bobbing and weaving quirkiness of "Ornette Never Sleeps." Abou-Khalil is known for experimenting with the possibilities his guest musicians bring to his style. In this case, the guests have inspired the host to reach a new height and maybe even a new style. This recording suits every fan of world music, jazz, classical, or just good music." - Kurt Keefner

  • Tracklisting

      Disc 1

      Side 1

      • 1. Arabian Waltz
      • 2. Dreams Of A Dying City
      • 3. Ornette Never Sleeps
      • 4. Georgina
      • 5. No Visa
      • 6. The Pain After

    Tracklisting

      Disc 1

      Side 1

      • 1. Arabian Waltz
      • 2. Ornette Never Sleeps
      • 3. No Visa

      Side 2

      • 1. Dreams Of A Dying City
      • 2. Georgina