Album Notes

Salaam...

"Volumes are spoken without words as these extraordinary musicians bring their talents to bear on traditional ethnic musics...."

"Salaam" is the Arabic word for "peace". The ensemble Salaam explores a cultural mosaic of music from countries of the Middle East and North Africa. Their innovative arrangements, improvisations, and compositions reflect the traditional styles of these countries as well as the band's fresh interpretations. Their musical goal is to bring the beauty of other cultures to children and adults alike.

Each member of Salaam is well versed on many instruments, both Western and traditional, giving the group the flexibility to evoke the many colors, textures, and sounds of the Middle East. Western string instruments blend with the Arabic 'oud and the Azerbaijani kemanche, while clarinet and silver flute blend with the ney. The driving rhythms of darbukkas and riqqs move the ensemble and the audience forward.

Salaam has been together since 1993, and has performed at festivals, universities, art fairs, schools, libraries, museums, and educational centers throughout the Midwest, bringing the beauties of Middle Eastern music and dance to young and old alike.


Some of Salaam's recent performances:

¨ Genesis 2001 Festival, Chicago Cultural Center
¨ Chicago Summer Dance Series, Grant Park, Chicago
¨ Indianapolis International Festival
¨ Lotus World Music and Art Festival, Bloomington, IN
¨ Opening of the IMAX film "Secrets of the Nile" at the Louisville Science Center
¨ Arabian Fest, Milwaukee, WI
¨ Evanston Ethnic Art Festival, Evanston, IL
¨ "Zoobilation!", at the Indianapolis Zoo
¨ Beverly Arts Center, Chicago, IL
¨ Minnetrista Cultural Center, Muncie, IN
¨ Iowa Children's Museum, Coralville, IA
¨ Monona Terrace Concert Series, Madison, WI
¨ Iowa Art Fair, Iowa City, IA
2002 Indianapolis Jazz Festival



What People Are Saying About Salaam

"...One of the best bands I've ever seen. I love a band that 'listens' to each other and plays off of each other so well! Master musicianship! -- And a hell of a lot of fun! I didn't want to stop dancing."
-Dayna Calderón, Concert Associate, Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago

"One of the more naturally euphonious ensembles... enchanting"
-Billboard Magazine


"Lively versions of Middle Eastern dance music... clear and not overwrought... dance aficionados have a great resource [in Raqsat Salaam]."
-Dirty Linen Folk and World Music Magazine


"Authentic, well-performed music and dance by talented professionals helped us create an authentic atmosphere for our preview events for the special exhibition Treasures From The Royal Tombs of Ur."
-Linda Lee, Coordinator of Special Events, Cleveland Museum of Art


"A testimonial to the power of musical training and band chemistry"
-Bloomington Voice


"Don't miss this wild and sensual, yet rhythmic and spiritually enlightening music... the ever exotic Salaam have built a solid reputation on top-notch musicianship and their authentic interpretations of Middle Eastern Music. Guaranteed to wake the spirit."
-Borders Book and Music National Newsletter