JALJALA Compilation

Arabic Rhythms, Eastern European harmonies, haunting melodies, beautiful voices.

Jaljala is an innovative collaboration between four charismatic musicians of different nationalities, from the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. Lebanese song expert and Oud player, Abdul-Salam Kheir, half Coptic/Egyptian and half German singer, Merit Ariane Stephanos, Eastern European and Balkan music specialist and violinist Meg Hamilton and Syrian percussionist Haytham al Souba'i.

They share their mutual knowledge of and passion for Arab and Eastern European music, exploring and fusing rhythms, modes and melodies. Drawing on both classical and popular repertoire, the group have developed a unique sound, faithful to the stylistic intricacies and spirit of the traditions, as well as offering fresh musical insights and perspectives.

Meaning of Jaljala: Portuguese (Brazil only) gergelim and Spanish ajonjolí (sesame seeds) and Hindi gingli [गिंगली] derive from an Arabic noun jaljala [جلجلة] "sound, echo", referring to the rattling sound of ripe seeds within the capsule.

www.myspace.com/jaljala

Recorded at St Ethelburga's London as part of their World Music series. April 2011

Category:

Music

Tags:

• live concert
• live performance
• stage
• band
• performing
• gig
• Arabic
• oud
• violin