Both folk-blues and the Arabic taqsim (the improvised interplay without a fixed rhythm) are exceptionally suited for storytelling; the former in a somewhat rawer way, the latter mostly lyrical and melodic. In the same way as Leadbelly and Woody Guthrie documented their era in the early 20th century, the instrumentalist is the torchbearer of a centuries-old tradition in the virtually unwritten Arabic music culture. Traditional Arabic music differs from other music cultures in the way in which the music scale is subdivided. Thus the music can adopt forms that are nearly impossible in the western octave system.
The new NO blues cd is released in Holland in December 2008, Europe and US will follow in the spring of 2009! It is called LUMEN and Sophie Cavez (BE) on diatonic accordion & Raphaela Danksagmüller on Duduk are our special guests.
After making waves with the first two albums 'Farewell Shalabiye' and 'Ya Dunya' now there is LUMEN.
AD VAN MEURS (guitar)
Ad van Meurs started his musical career in the 70s as pianist with the folk rock-band Deirdre. In 1982 he formed the successful new wave band W.A.T. who were uniquely remarkable because of their special fusion between the synthesizer and (slide) guitar. By 1988, armed with his guitar and rythmbox he soldiered on under the guise of The Watchman.
HAYTHAM SAFIA (Ud, Arabic lute)
is from Jerusalem. In 2001 he debuts as a performer in The Netherlands and acquires a firm position in a musical ensemble with which he accompanies modern dance company Galili dance.
ANNE-MAARTEN VAN HEUVELEN (double bass)
Anne-Maarten bought his first bass at the age of 15. His musical influence began with the blues but over the years he has been known to play jazz, punk, reggae and rock. After living and playing the gig circuit in New York he returned to the Netherlands as leadsinger and bass-player of the 50s style blues-band the Marbletones.
More info:
productiehuis ON
www.myspace.com/nobluesnl or www.ONinternet.nl
noblues@oninternet.nl
0031(0)570600177
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