Album Notes

New York City-based mulitinstrumentalist Carmine T. Guida is a familiar face at Middle Eastern dance and music events throughout the country. A dancers' musician, Carmine is appreciated as an enthusiastic, adaptable, and creative accompanist on both doumbek and oud; he plays weekly for belly dancers with several New York City ensembles.



Melissa Murphey has been an avid clarinet player for 16 years. Her fascination with Classic Bellydance music began in late 2001 after taking some bellydance lessons. Since then she has studied Middle Eastern and Mediterranean music exclusively. In April of 2006, Melissa formed the Classic Bellydance Band, Ishtar. Melissa is also the organizer for Jalsah Pittsburgh, a participatory Middle Eastern live music and dance community event. The Jalsah brings together like-minded individuals who wish to dance to, drum, and/or play Middle Eastern music together in a casual setting.


Melissa also teaches classes on Understanding Basic Middle Eastern Rhythms for the Non-Drummer and classes on Middle Eastern Music Ensemble where she covers makams (scales), taksims (solos), folk songs, basic rhythms and how it all fits together.