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
Tracklist :
1 Arabian Waltz 8:10
2 Dreams Of A Dying City 12:08
3 Ornette Never Sleeps 6:58
4 Georgina 11:09
5 No Visa 9:59
6 The Pain After 9:26
Credits :
Artwork, Cover Art, Calligraphy – Georges Ghantous
Tuba, Serpent – Michel Godard
Drums [Frame] – Nabil Khaiat
Oud, Composed By, Arranged By, Design by – Rabih Abou-Khalil
Performer – The Balanescu Quartet
Cello – David Cunliffe
Viola – Paul Martin
Violin – Alexander Balanescu, Clare Connors
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