{"product_id":"2377820","title":"Rabih Abou-khalil - Arabian Waltz [VINYL]","description":"Brand New From Reputable UK Company With 30 Years Experience In Retail, Please Note Not All Our New Items Are Shrink Wrapped.\u003cbr\u003eAll items shipped within 3 working days of payment.\u003cbr\u003ePlease note that all our DVDs are Region 2.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe take every step to ensure your vinyl purchase is delivered to you in the same pristine condition as when it leaves our packing area. We have selected very robust 12 inch mailers in order to protect your valuable vinyl throughout its journey to your doorstep. Even when handled incorrectly, your item should still arrive in tip-top condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eLebanon oud master Rabih Abou-Khalil's stunning 1996 album 'Arabian Waltz' is appearing here on vinyl for the first time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Arabian Waltz is the pinnacle of Rabih Abou-Khalil's achievement as a composer and arranger. It is a sublime fusion of jazz, Middle Eastern traditional music, and Western classical. In addition to Abou-Khalil on oud (the Arabic lute), \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.allmusic.com\/artist\/michel-godard-mn0000400986\"\u003eMichel Godard\u003c\/a\u003e on the tuba and the serpent (the tuba's antique kinsman), and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.allmusic.com\/artist\/nabil-khaiat-mn0001264696\"\u003eNabil Khaiat\u003c\/a\u003e on frame drums, the album also features \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.allmusic.com\/artist\/the-balanescu-string-quartet-mn0000080934\"\u003ethe Balanescu String Quartet\u003c\/a\u003e instead of the usual trumpet or sax. The presence of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.allmusic.com\/artist\/the-balanescu-mn0000080934\"\u003ethe Balanescu\u003c\/a\u003e might seem to pose a dilemma for the composer: traditional Middle Eastern music uses no harmony but a string quartet is all about harmony. Abou-Khalil achieves a compromise by generally writing the string parts in unison (or in octaves), in effect using the quartet as a single voice, but also letting the quartet split up to play parts in unison with the other instruments or to provide ornamentation. Without surrendering jazziness at all, the presence of the strings makes possible a wondrous atmosphere, almost as if one is listening to the soundtrack of a classy movie set in Beirut or Damascus during the '40s. This feeling is greatest on 'Dreams of a Dying City' with its brooding tuba and cello motifs and grave, repeated rhythms. 'The Pain After' starts with an impressive tuba solo that turns into a long interlude for tuba and string quartet; sad, slow music that sounds like one of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.allmusic.com\/artist\/beethoven-mn0000536126\"\u003eBeethoven\u003c\/a\u003e's late quartets. Then Abou-Khalil finally enters on oud, bringing a sustained note of wistfulness. Fortunately, beside the darker numbers lie the propulsive drama of 'Arabian Waltz' and the bobbing and weaving quirkiness of 'Ornette Never Sleeps.' Abou-Khalil is known for experimenting with the possibilities his guest musicians bring to his style. In this case, the guests have inspired the host to reach a new height and maybe even a new style. This recording suits every fan of world music, jazz, classical, or just good music.' - Kurt Keefner\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chalkys.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54420540883329,"sku":"2377820","price":26.98,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0056\/8043\/1219\/files\/0767522905915.jpg?v=1750593246","url":"https:\/\/chalkys.com\/products\/2377820","provider":"Chalkys.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}