Rabih Abou-Khalil
Bukra
MMP (Germany) 1989
MMP 170889 (LP)
sleeve : EX-(SOC, some wear on edge and corner.)
media : EX/EX(some slightly noises.)
This 1989 release by oud player Rabih Abou-Khalil, originally from Beirut, Lebanon and active in Germany, stands as one of his finest works, alongside his ECM masterpiece Nafas. The album features an unconventional quintet with Glen Velez (percussion), Sonny Fortune (alto sax), Glen Moore (bass), and Ramesh Shotham (percussion). The entire album unfolds as a brilliant example of ethnic jazz deeply rooted in Middle Eastern folk traditions. A3 showcases an exotic melody played on a vibrant oud over tight, fast-paced percussion beats, while B3 features dry frame drum rhythms with sax and bass uniting in a distinctly ethnic melodic line. The music carries a textured, earthy quality—like dust rising from sunbaked soil. Highly recommended.
A3: Kibbe
B2: Nayla
B3: Time