Middle Eastern music

[GilbertGrape]

I'm looking for some instrumental Middle Eastern music. Something with drums/percussion, Oud, Violin etc..

Any recommendations?

[lockhart flawse]

Well it's not quite what you want but it is a great cover to get you started - try Kashmir by Ofra Haza.

L.F.

[_dodge_]

Again exactly quite what you are looking for but check out Omar Souleyman...

La Sidounak Sayyada
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4JeijO0Qq8

Leh Jani
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgRUHIeaKOk

Lansob Sherek
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruAklSJQ08M

[Bonne Route]

lockhart flawse said:

Well it's not quite what you want but it is a great cover to get you started - try Kashmir by Ofra Haza.

L.F.

Fantastic, haunting version! Found it on YouTube, but where can I download it?

It's not on iTunes or Amazon - I'm on a mission now!!!

[Seeker UK]

Look for anything billed as "instrumental rai", rai music is a bit modern but might fit the bill.

[Bonne Route]

I've managed to find out that it's on her album Greatest Hits vol.2 - which I can't find anywhere to download or even buy! Grrrrr!

[55allgold]

For Ofra Hazar's soaring voice, I get goosebumps every time I listen to this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlIJOAZ1pak

[Mastodon2]

I would definitely recommend Strunz and Farah's "Desert guitars". Guitar based, but the craftmanship and authenticity of the songs is brilliant (Farah is Iranian) and the playing is incredibly impressive.

If you can find it, Jonas Hellborg's "Aram of the two rivers" is brilliant too. A single live recording of a one-off gig, just Hellborg, his bass and a load of local Syrian musicians, playing at a small club in Syria. Dense and not really "easy listening", but very powerful. A demanding work and perhaps not so suitable for casual listeners, but excellent if you can comprehend it.

For some easier listening Indian music, if it's not too far east, Hellborg's "Kali's son" is excellent. Just a bass, a sitar and a single hand drum, but the songs are massive, memorable and so heavily-flavoured you will practically be able to smell the cumin coming out of your speakers!