Search - Amer Ammouri :: Eastern Strings: The Art Of Arabian Solos

Virtuoso 'Oud Playing from a Master

Zekeriyah | Chicago, IL | 06/05/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The 'oud, ancestor of the lute in the west, is perhaps the single most important instrument in Arabic music. Throughout the Middle East and North Africa, it occupies an honored place in any traditional musical ensemble. On this album, Syrian-born 'oud player Amer Ammouri demonstrates his virtuoso talents by showcasing the 'oud as a solo instrument. Ammouri is clearly well versed in the classical Arabic modal traditions and the art of taqasim (improvisation). As a result, this is an incredibly beautiful and moving work of art. From the dignified, almost Andalusian sounding 'Watar,' to the lively 'Robaiyyat' to the subtle 'Salooni,' each piece on here evokes all the splendour and majesty of Arabian art. Appropriately, this CD focuses exclusively on the 'oud as a solo instrument, unaccompanied by vocals or percussion. As such, it is an excellent showcase of the instrument, and more accurately, Ammouri's talents. It works quite well as Arabic chamber music, or for those days when you want to have more contemplative, relaxed mood. If you enjoy traditional Arabic, or medieval-rennaisance music, you will certainly like this CD. It is one of the best 'oud CDs out there on the market."