Lagash

The musicians of Lagash have united to give a new contemporary shape to Arabic music, based on traditional Iraqi makam music. The group breaks out of the predefined forms and takes the music, usually in the background of the singing, to the foreground.

A classical makam-work consists of a hierarchy of certain elements. In contrast, in the music of Lagash the parts are arranged differently and the scales of the makam are extended. Also, the harmony as a new element is introduced in this classical music.

The pieces of Lagash are, like jazz, partly composed and partly improvised. Other similarities with jazz are the use of saxophone and piano. However, the central solo instuments are Djoos (knee fiddle), from the classical makam orchestra. The Eastern and Western instruments make an unusual but very harmonious connection with each other. Both European and Arab listeners will be enchanted.

Musicians:

Saad Thamir - vocals, darbouka, daf, tabla, composition

Bassem Hawar - Djoos, violin

Christina Fuchs - clarinet, bass clarinet

Jarry Singla - piano