Album Notes

This CD was produced in conjunction with the 2001-2002 Eternal Egypt exhibition has been repacked and re-released for the 2005-2007 Tutankhamen exhibition. Composer and arranger Grayson Wells combines samples of ancient Middle Eastern instruments and ethnic rhythms with a contemporary sensibility to create music that is compelling and an absolute pleasure. At times Tutankhamen takes the listener into a market in North Africa or, on the track Palace Of Ra, into modern Cairo’s late night disco scene with its pulsating world beat.
Also featured is Richard Graham, an authority in ancient Egyptian history and musical methods. Graham displays his talent on various instruments that have been passed down from the age of the Pharaohs, such as the nay, darabuka, riqq, tar, crotale, Ighaita, and more.
Together, Wells and Graham successfully create a musical masterpiece that, while owing much to traditional Middle Eastern music, is meant to reach a wider audience without sacrificing the integrity of the source. An exciting CD combining the past with the Digital Age, Tutankhamen encompasses traditional belly dance arrangements, pulsing tribal beats, and unique soundtrack effects.
Wells also produced China-Meditations Of The Orient for the Panda Pavillion at the Memphis Zoo. His discography also includes an instrumental, experimental, New Age CD Tranquility Base. Currently, Wells lives near Orlando, where he performs and composes music for Disney.