Genel

AUTHENTIC AND ROOTED CONTEMPORARY MUSIC: “JUTHOOR”

“Juthoor” (Roots) is Jordanian oud player Abdul-Wahab’s debut album, in which he introduces his contemporary musical project. Fusing influences from Armenia to Greece, passing through Iraq, Greater Syria, Egypt and Turkey, Juthoor seeks to revive the instrumental heritage of the Middle East and develop it for contemporary appreciation. The result is an unmistakably “Shami” or Levantine interpretation of original instrumental compositions and arrangements.

Of his debut album, Kayyali said “This is a collective effort to produce authentic and rooted yet contemporary music. It is my humble attempt at fusing polyphony and harmony with maqam music. In doing so, I hope to present Jordanian music and musicians to the world.” Kayyali noted that while the musical traditions of Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt and Iraq are celebrated and well known, Jordan is slowly becoming an epicenter of musical talent and production where a musical renaissance is not only possible, but probable. “This album represents the coming of age of a generation of Jordanian musicians and musical experiences, and is thus a reflection of Jordan’s complex and evolving musical identity,” he added.  

Abdul-Wahab commenced his oud studies in 1989 at the National Music Conservatory of Amman, Jordan under the tutelage of Sakher Hattar. While in Amman, he also received tutelage and guidance from Iraqi oud virtuoso Munir Bashir. As a soloist and a member of different ensembles, he participated in numerous competitions, cultural festivals, and performances across the Arab World, the Middle East and the United States of America.