Rabih Abou-Khalil

[Old Pa]

It was my pleasure to recently "discover" Mr. Abou-Khalil's music through "The Penguin Guide to Jazz". I find the sounds of Middle Eastern/Islamic/Moslem traditional instruments and music fascinating. Does anyone have any suggestions as to other artists or albums I should investigate? Thanks.

[Coypu]

Shakti are great but I'm not sure if they are 100% what you are looking for. Another band called Rudra are amazing, it's a shame that their their first self titled album is very hard to find though.

[Old Pa]

I also got a referral to Anouar Brahem, which I am moving on. Thanks.

[Lazy Lew]

Kudsi Ergüner - he plays the ney - a flute with a very mellow sound.
He's specialised in Sufi music, but has done several projects with Western musicians.

For Rabih's albums I would recommend "Sultan's Picnic" and "Odd Times". Both have Howard Levy (Béla Fleck) on harmonica in a way you probably never imagined possible.

[Pharaohrock]

I have the record with Sonny Fortune on it....I also recommend Anouer Brahem.

[valo]

Just picked up anouar Brahem's newest today, "La Pas du chat Noir" and I highly recommend it. The instrumental combinatin (oud, piano and accordion is not fresh, but sublime in the way these guys realize it. the focus seems less on harmonic development and more on melodic embelishment. Plus the quarter-tones they explore and the space they leave for the eerie resonances to fill makes for a magical experience. hypnotic...

Rabih Abou-Khalil's "yara" on ENJA is also a captivating listen. Oud, cello, violin and frame drums lock into some trance-like rhythms and piercing melodies. Energetic, intense and detailed...