Rahim AlHaj's original oud compositions delicately introduce modern concepts into traditional Iraqi oud playing.

Contemporary/Traditional Solo Oud

"This interchange seeks to build an understanding between the musical currents of east meets west and with the merging of the two divergent traditions into one beautiful harmony".

The CD is a beautiful rendition of traditional Iraqi music and improvisation featuring Rahim Alhaj, oud virtuoso and Souhail Kaspar, percussion.

An Iraqi oud master and composer whose compositions are rooted in traditional Iraqi maqams with his contemporary flavor.

On Under the Rose, Rahim AlHaj combines with the world-renowned guitarist Ottmar Liebert to unite the ancestral Iraqi tradition with modern flamenco, celebrating and exploring the family connections. Liebert, who has incorporated his own innovative ideas into the vocabulary of flamenco —bringing electric bass, synthesizer, electronics, drum kit, and more into the mix—proves a compelling musical foil to the ancient sound of the oud and AlHaj’s contemporary approach to the instrument. Ably assisted by Jon Gagan (bass, keyboard), who also produced the CD, finding just the right textures and contexts to illuminate this unique pairing, and Barrett Martin (percussion), these two musical masters bring a fresh perspective to flamenco that echoes its distant past while perhaps anticipating its future. Whether playing in call and response (“The Coin”), weaving two lines together in a rhythmic dance (“A Storm Approaches”), experimenting with electronic embellishments (“Return to Andalusi