Search - Rabih Abou-Khalil :: Arabian Waltz

The perfect fusion of classical, jazz and Mideastern forms

12/07/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With each album Lebanese expatriate Rabih Abou-Khalil employs a different ensemble and experiments with diffect effects. On "Arabian Waltz" Abou-Khalil brings aboard a classical string quartet (two violins, viola, cello) led by Roumanian Alexander Balenescu. Abou-Khalil plays his usual oud (Mideastern lute) and is joined by a surprisingly effective tuba-player and his usual Mideastern/Indian percussion. The mixture is graceful, powerful and novel. This is my favorite of the five Abou-Khalil albums I own and I would recommend it to anyone interested in jazz, classical or world music."

Sensual Is An Understatement!

Joseph Kimsey | Pac NW | 06/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This would be readily included among my "desert island" discs. Some of Rabih Abou-Khalil's work has steered uncomfortably close to the cocktail lounge, but this set is a work of genius. While the title track is awash with exciting tempo changes & vigor, "Dreams Of A Dying City" is incredibly sensual and steamily meandering. Definitely one of the most gorgeous compositions that I have ever heard. "Ornette Never Sleeps" is slightly more jazzy, yet still retains the pronounced Arabic feel of the rest of the disc. "Georgina" has a starkly beautiful opening statement from the oud and some virtuoso playing from The Balanescu Quartet. The chamber orchestra feel during the beginning of the piece evaporates, leaving an incredibly sensual solo from the oud in its place.

"No Visa" has a more "refined" sound, but the dark beauty remains. The orchestral "swoops" accent the Arabic flavor. "The Pain After" is the only chamber piece I can think of that uses a tuba in a bewitching way. As with all of these pieces, this composition is haunting in its dark beauty. This disc is apparently out of print, which is a travesty. If you can find it, I heartily recommend that you get it & experience the beauty for yourself!"

Classical music from a teenagers point of view

John John | Oregon | 02/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first time I heard Arabian Waltz was at 4:00 in the morning on NPR, and I fell in love with it. This Mideastern / clasical music is powerful and has an amazing charm. It is not at all like the Pink Floyd or Metalica that I normaly listen to, but I have fallen in love with it.



Rabih Abou-Khalil ROCKS MY WORLD!!!"