Listen: Legend Farid al-Atrash And His Best Songs

The Syrian legend, the lute player, the composer, the singer, and the heart breaker who is unlike no other, Farid al-Atrash is a big deal. He is not for everyone out there, but those who truly appreciate him, know good and authnitic voice and melody when they hear it. You have to reach a certain level of zen to begin to connect with Farid. To be honest, as a young boy, I did not think the he was that great, but then a uncle of mine whom we used to work together kept playing his songs.

Years later, I am a fan. He is also an accomplished actor with box office movies that have outlived the oldest person in your family. Here' are ten of his better known songs--try hundreds of them. His stature is too big and his career is too long to condense on one YouTube video, but this is a great start that will introduce you to this hardcore Arab singer. Keep on mind, his own sister was also a singer and have had a tragic life--Asmahan.

The entire family has a royal blood, and their music has made them kings of their time. Farid al-Atrash was not too keen on getting married--he has always argued that marriage kills the art. He passed away in 1974 after struggling with his heart--for the last 30 years of his life he had issues with it. He passed away in a Lebanese hospital in Beirut--after two days from returning to London. The legend was buried in Cairo.


لمحبي فريد الأطرش، اخترت لكم 10 أغنية جميلة من فريد

Read More

The Freind Zone! A Stunning New Song By Nesma Mahgoub @Nesmahgoub

Sure she has a tried and trued opera grade vocal chords. This is Egyptian Nesma Mahgoub prime time, moment under the sun. After a nice and complete image makeover, Nesma Mahgoub is back with a new song that feels so bittersweet. A song about her falling in love with a guy who loves her like he would his sister. In Arabic that translates to the friend zone.

Seriously, the guy who dances like this must not like women. Nesma Mahgoub is content with the current state as long as they are close to one another. Then another girl enters the stage and things get tricky. She pictures herself in her place, not that other girl. So she choses to suffer in silence. Does she keep her distance and let the couple enjoy their life. Jealousy does ruin homes. Nesma Mahgoub shines here and delivers one of her finest songs to date and to be honest I like this new and bold Nesma Mahgoub.

They don't make such emotional deep and complex songs like this anymore. This is a classy song that reminds me of an innocent era. Well-done Nesma, you play a nice piano, you dance like a butterfly and your voice make the Arabic version of Frozen much warmer.

 

Nesma Mahgoub Hob Ekhwat | نسمة محجوب - حب اخوات

Read More

The Amazing Vintage Street Musician In Beirut (Video)

Street musicians are something you are used to seeing in Western capitals, they sing for change and some of them are pretty awesome. In downtown Beirut in the posh Achrafieh neighborhood a lute striking and folksy sounding street artists took over one corner doing his best renditions of beloved Arabic classics.

The old man with a lute has a great sense of humor too, his signs invites people to listen to his music and give him a tip as he is unable to find a full-time job. I salute this man for his performance that add a bit of culture and local flavor to otherwise an urban center.  

Let the man play his music and let those who want to listen do so in peace.
  

Street Singer in Beirut Achrafieh

Read More

Classical Song "Egypt Is on My Mind" And A Sham Election

Decades ago the only and only Umm Kalthoum has a patriotic song for Egypt "Egypt is on my mind" Now, this was a song that was cool back then, and now it feels relevant again as people of Egypt scramble to save their own country--they are their own worst enemy.

Shahinaz quit the show business years ago, but she did not stop singing, and now she did a wuick cover of this song during an interview with some local Egyptian station...I include both. It's like a love competition who loves Egypt the most. And that's the song and too the reality of the political landscape one power hungry general who poses as morally superior fellow, and the rest of the 51 of Egypt.

Shahinaz - Misr Ellaty Fi Khatery


أم كلثوم - صوت الوطن (مصر التي في خاطري) Om Kolthoum - Voice of Egypt

Read More

Lebanese Abel Karim Shaaer, The Voice For Arabic Oldies Throwbacks

There singers who make pop songs, and there are who like to revisit what once was a pop song, only years after that they became classical songs. One of these artists is Abdel Karim Shaar, A Lebanese vocalist who like to do songs form the forties and fifties.

His voice was made from doing the Mowashahat style songs, the Syrian, Iraqi and Andalusia style of singing. There's no money in this art, but there is a lot of recognition and interest, so cafes and lounges fro Arab intellects. He is a Lebanese artist who has an old soul and rocks the bow-tie look.

Mr. Shaar has been singing for generations, only not as many people know of him outside the fans of the musicals style he performs, he has that very manly strong voice that can do the forte without coming across as shouting.

كريم الشعار يحتفي بـ"غنيلي شوي شوي"


عبد الكريم الشعار الليلة عيد

Read More

Tania Saleh Is Something Else “A Few Images” @TaniaSaleh

Tania Saleh is a true indie soul in that crowded music seine at home in Lebanon. She just released the most serious album in the region as her album is not meant for mass consumption. This singer/songwriter/visual artist is a real gem and a real bright light in a see of repetition. She emerged in the 90's and has been perfecting and expanding her craft ever since.

Granted a voice that 's most suitable for mixing between the traditional Arabic music and more Westner styles she grew up around. She is certainly one of many artists who feel comfortable in this middle ground, but she is unique in the sense that she herself has become a melting pot for the genre.

Among the names she collaborated with are the likes of Ziad Rahbany, Toufic Farroukh, Charbel Rouhana, Iman Homsy and Mounir Khawli in various albums. 

Another cool collaboration for Tania is her writing the lyrics for Nadine Labaki’s second feature film "Where Do We Go Now?”

Which brings us to her latest album of 2014: She released her fourth album, “A Few Images”. Get a taste of her music and step into her very own world.

Beirut Windows 2014 شبابيك بيروت - تانيا صالح [Official Video]

Read More

Lena Chamamyan – 2013 – Ghazl El Banat #Syria

Lena Chamymyan is back and the world better take notice. The young indie diva has had a lot of concerts in the most important theaters in Syria (castles of Damascus, Aleppo, Palmyra, calques de chevalier, Golan heights , opera house

ALBUMS__________________________________________________________
Asmar Ellon (2006)
Shamat (2007)
Road of the sun (soon)
She was a guest with the German accordion player (Manfred Leuchter) in his album (zina - 2006), and the Syrian saxophone player Basel Rajoub in his album (Khamir – 2010)
She sang in a lot of the Syrian series sound tracks and Arabic and Armenian movies and some international video art ( Nizar Quabani series – Sweden Armenian movie (grandma’s tattoos) – Algerian French movie (behind the mirror)

Dears all, awaiting to have the album available "legally" online and in the market, I would love to share with you one of the song "Sheherazade".

I would like to thank, once again, all who worked on this album and all who supports to protect it's copyrights.

سلام أعزائي ,في انتظار توفر الألبوم في الأسواق و أونلين بشكل قانوني، .أحببت أن اشارككم أحد أغنيات الألبوم شهرزاد
أود أن أجدد شكري لكل من ساهم بانجاز هذا الألبوم و كل من ساعد بحماية حقوق القيمين عليه
محبتي لينا
Lena chamamyan- Extracts - album "Ghazl el banat" / "لينا شاماميان مقتطفات من ألبوم "غزل البنات


Sheherazade (Lena Chamamyan) / (شهرزاد (لينا شاماميان


TrackList:

Awal Mousafer (أول مسافر (06:20
Ya Hali 1 (يا هلي 1 (05:46
Oror (Yalla Tnam) (يلا تنام (02:40
Shehrazad (شهرزاد (05:36
Akher Elaan’oud (آخر العنقود (04:46
Ghazl el banat (غزل البنات (03:56
Manfa – Exile (منفى (05:28
Diramayren (03:59)
Henna w Zahr Intro (حنّة وزهر (01:24
Henna w Zahr (حنّة وزهر (06:18
Ya Hali 2 (يا هلي 2 (04:37
Gher shi (غير شي (02:14

Read More

Adding A Bit Of Class To Bruised Islam (Video) @AxeerStudio @MayAbdElAziz @TheAshrafMajed

Worship does not have to be boring, just ask any Southern church in the United States. The Muslims can also worship through chanting, reciting or dare I call it singing? Sure Muslim-themes music has evolved. Poetry and drums do not cut it anymore so there are more musical elements to incorporate. For all the damage done by the type of deranged, misguided, and violent Muslims, I wish there is a dozen like the duo you will see below.

Enters the stage Ashraf Majed doing his piano magic and accompanied by the great vocalist May Abd El Aziz, who sounds like Whitney Houston. May sees herself as a musician and a teacher who believes in peace, love, respect, and tolerance. A timely message in these dark days. May is unafraid to hit the high note to make her point. This is a nice Dua'a that resonates well and defies cultural, religious and language barriers.


Ashraf brings a diverse background as he is an Engineer by training from "Ainshams" but since he is keen on following his passion, he landed on faith inspired music. The goal is to tell the world how Islam is, and how beautiful it can be when practiced right. On the side he does music production where he collaborates with Awakening Records in the Digital Video Marketing

The duo add a lot of class to this song that seeks forgiveness from the skies above. Ashraf Majed is a celebrated musicians in Islamic music. Perhaps it would be very wise for Awakening Records music label to land his services. He is also a graduate of the American University in Cairo (marketing). I like when music is being used to do something good and classy like what Ashraf Majed did here. I would be remiss not to celebrate May's subtle charm.

I love this song, we need more of those songs that teach forgiveness (which is almost becoming a foreign word in the region) I love those lyrics but I love the wrapping that comes with it, the simplistic and minimalist approach to draw attention. This song less about doing something cool and more about reviving an old Islamic tradition like that of the Sufi and their types.

What a perfect production that manged to captivate while living up to the humble roots of the religion. 

@AxeerStudio | Ghofranak - غفرانك | Ashraf Majed Ft. May Abd El Aziz

Read More

Dalal Abu Amneh, Palestine's Biggest Contribution To Arabic Music

Here's a good song by Dalal Abu Amneh, the daughter of Palestine who got its soul and warmth from living among too many contradictions. Despite all the misery and identity-crisis, Dalal came out fine. This diva who has made the Arab 48 region a rich musical ground, has also made so many of us proud as she is also a woman of science and research.

She has a beautiful family of her own, and most working in the entertainment industry love to work with her--photographers, musicians, composers,  poets, lyricists, radio jocks, and studio owners. Her talent make them proud of who they are--someone form among us has the world-class gift that makes people happy around the world. This is where Dalal tops the others, if there is no connection between me and the music, than there is no point for me to consider listening to it.

I love when Dalal Abu Amneh does classical-style music as such music can be interpreted in an infinite amount of ways. Its emotion is much more vast compared to most modern music in which a beat overpowers everything and there are electronic voices puffing out words. It requires actual talent to play an instrument and compose well while it takes no talent to flip a switch to create sounds and change a voice. That's why classical music is timeless and doesn't go out of style. In modern music you listen to a song and three months later it is virtually out of popularity.

Try listening to her song performed with a live orchestra about the land, homesickness, the sun and love stories.  "Khaleeni Fe Balak" Keep Me On Mind, this is an experience, not just a song, it's almost if your favorite spring themed painting could sing, it would sound like Dalal. Newcomers to Arabic classical music are often a bit overwhelmed at the sheer number of composers, works, sub-genres and interpretations that are out there. With its immortal opening four-note theme, Dalal is unquestionably one of the greatest Arab divas of all time, a talent unlike any other.



Dalal Abu Amneh Khaleeni Fe Balak دلال أبو آمنه- خلّيني في بالك

Read More

Wael Kfoury Delivers A Knockout! Al Gharam El Moustahil (Video)

Lebanese heartthrob and original crooner is back and he sounds and looks as good as he has ever did. A sweet romance that is all but possible is an essential song for those romantics. Wael delivered a solid album with 8 tracks earlier this year and now he is delivering a music video for the title song.

Think of Wael is our Gorge Clooney crossed with a season of Mad Men. That makes him the classically good looking man who does not even try to be that way. This is why is comes natural to Wael Kfoury to do this era songs and be a story teller. Sure he is not keen on spending time with the media, and we know little of his personal life. But Rotana keeps him busy and spares no expense.

Al Gharam El Moustahil is a song that grows on his fans and even the casual one will appreciate it. The title is similar to so many other songs, but the performance is all but. I know Wael will do well in the movie business he has the looks and the persona to make it rain. This is a story of a love triangle that ends up being horrible for everyone involved.

P.S. It seems more and more Rotana's music videos are turning into commercials for smartphones, makes sense smartphones for dumb people.

Wael Kfoury ... Al Gharam El Moustahil - Video Clip | وائل كفوري ... الغرام المستحيل - فيديو كليب

Read More

Shaden Salim, The Edward Said Music Conservatory Vocalist

Indie and alternative artists are emerging in Palestine, and thanks to the social media, they are getting the help they need. One of them is composer and singer Ahmed Dari, who has been making his own songs, but also giving other similarity-minded artists some of his compositions. Shaden is pretty confident that she has plenty to offer.

Shaden Salim released a new song, and the music is the work of Ahmed Dari, thanks to her voice, this song has classical written all over it. Shaden comes from the Edward Said Music Conservatory. It's a song about the passing winter and cold, about life, memories and distance. Shaden is keen on Palestinian folklore, but this time, she goes for something classical. I like the fact that she had performed at the Hebrew University

Shaden Salim, بتمُر تلج وبرد، غناء شادن سليم، كلمات وألحان أحمد داري


شادن سليم - يا نسيم الريح - الجامعة العبرية

Read More

Iconic Diab Mashhour, We Love You And Love You Music #Syria

The name is Diab Mashhour,, he is a Syrian singer known best for singing in the old folksy style for the Euphrates river.  His songs were often incorporated on TV shows, and dramas. He shot to fame in the seventies when he sang on Duraid Laham shows.

For many, he is a legend, and beloved singer who had only the best and most simple songs that sounded so traditional yet so entertaining. At first he was a local singer, then moved into radio and he was certified as a singer in Damascus. He is so popular that he toured the world bringing his music to all the 21 Arabic countries, and best he traveled to the States, Greece, Spain, Briton, Philippine, Thailand where he had concerts.

He is still active in the music scene to make his fans happy....his style and dialect offer something unique beloved by pretty much all Arabs. He is one of these Syrian artists who talk a local culture and made a huge name for himself doing so. Syria loved him and his fans adore spending time listening to his oldies. Looking at this video I can tell he is a fun guy who does not mind moving on stage as sings.

دياب مشهور - هلا عيني . Diab famous - Hala eyes


ذياب مشهور - ويل ويلي دلعي

Read More

This Dashing Classically-Trained Syrian Violinist MAias Alyamani

MAias Alyamani, violinist and composer, began his professional musical career as a solo violinist in 2000. His performances include the traditional classical repertoire and other musical genres including his personal compositions.

MAias has a master degree from Vienna University of Music, majoring in violin performance with special focus on Composition. During his studies he won the Competition of  Vienna University of Music and participated in the international Paganini Competition in Italy. He was the only Arab ever to participate in these competitions.

He was a member of Südbahnhof Band in Vienna. The band is still performing in Europe and it was a finalist and won the Audience prize at the World Music Awards which took place in Vienna 2006.  In 2006 MAias established the ensemble MAqam in Vienna, specializing in classical Arabic music. The MAqam music ensemble, comprising musicians from the Arab world, willshowcase Arabic culture through classical music on Wednesday evening asMAias al-Yamani performs alongside five others as part of the group.

The ensemble is a big success in Austria and neighboring countries. He is also a member of the Damascus Festival Chamber Players ensemble, which focuses on contemporary Arabic music. He made a large number of solo recordings for film, music bands, live theatre and TV-show soundtracks.

“When we play, we usually get an excellent response from the audience because we are unique and (are) all Arab musicians,” he told Gulf Times, adding: “Our music represents our culture and we feel much more involved when we play music from our backgrounds.” Al-Yamani will be joined by Islam Nour on

He has four music albums:  White with Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.

Live at Aspire Hall  with MAqam.

Blended Cultures with OPEC Orchestra for violin and orchestra.
Syrian Contemporary Chamber Music chamber music album with DFCP.

TrackList:
Memories of Syria: “Dominoes 2011″ (07:18)
Memories of Syria: “Caucasian Dance” (04:03)
Memories of Syria: “0+ Tango” (04:55)
Memories of Syria: “Sea Waves” (07:43)
Oriental Dances: “Zigan” (05:27)
Oriental Dances: “Longa Nahawand” (02:55)

MAias Alyamani & Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra - Sea Waves

Read More

Amal Maher And Abadi Al Johar Duet Blew My Mind Away!

Amal Maher's latest news was her upcoming album and then all of a sudden something big happened that made her push back the release of the new album. She got to collaborate with a Saudi musician Abadi Al Johar on a mini album where agreed to perform together in the Egyptian house of opera. The final product was an amazing album.

The first track with a duet that goes well into 28 minutes, a timeless masterpiece about love and forgiveness. Each of the artists got a solo song, and the music was written by Saudi composer Talal who was honored on the same night. It was a nice surprise for the new year from two artists whose fan think the world of. Amal was the best thing about this collaboration, her voice is so familiar and so attractive. Abadi made his fans super happy and proud, he also got his name into an entire new demographic.      

Abadi is a household name within the Gulf region, but most of the Arab music fans, do not know much about his legacy. So he went to Cairo --using the old model to get attention to his music. Partnering with Amal is a clever idea as she is well-known and well-liked in the Gulf, but her voice is something that almost all Arabs appreciate.

آمال ماهر وعبادي الجوهر | سامحني يا حبيبي | 2015



آمال ماهر | ربي يسلملي إيديك | 2015

Read More

Here's The Best Arabic Song About Snow And Winter

We do not get to see snow much in the Middle East, but much of the area has been covered with snow this past week. Sure thing Lebanon gets plenty of it on its mountains and hills. This is why the best song about snow did not come from Egypt, but from a land so cold that one needs a song about it. Fayrouz did sing it back in the seventies and it remains the song of the season.

Now, there are plenty of Arabic pop songs about rain, but not many about snow. This song is about Lebanon and the snow one sees. It's a classic and I got to hear about it because one of my favorite composters did a quick cover.

It's a classy song that many folks in Lebanon find it worthy as it speaks about the sun of freedom and love.

Btetloj El Deni/Salim Assaf (Cover)- سليم عساف/بتتلج الدني



بتتلج الدني فيروز

Read More

The Egyptian House of Opera Concerts And The Army Propaganda

The Egyptian House of Opera went a head with a concert that they have planned for a long time--move along everyone nothing to see in Egypt. They night that had the most press was when Syrian Asala took on the audience by storm. She is a classically trained diva with a might voice, and she was joined part of the night by Ahmed Saad, an Egyptian singer who seems to really like her.

Together, they sang for Egypt, Syrian and the revolutions. Never mind that the regime in Egypt kicked out and tortured Syrian citizens feeling the war. They too performed Lebanese songs. I love the song for Damascus. Perhaps the greatest controversy was when Ahmed Saad kissed Asalah's hand, the rumor mill started to talk--silly really. another song I likes was a pop song by Asalah that makes folks happy.

This was a prime time event for most people who like music, but for the State run TV--they used the time to run their propaganda in the news reel below the performance. One title read, "America will change its position on Egypt--as if the US will endorse the military coup"


أصاله / أرجعلها - حفله دار الاوبرا


اصاله & احمد سعد / سهرة حب - حفل دار الاوبرا 2013


أصاله / ثوار - حفل دار الاوبرا 2013

Read More

Baby Jesus And My Arabic Christmas With Magida El Roumi

This album will be releasing soon or later this year as as Christmas season approaches us, the teasers of Magida El Romui upcoming project is making a lot of people happy for this time of year. This album makes no apologies, it jumps right into he Christmas spirit and the story of Christ takes cent er stage. They have made vague albums before about Christmas this is a first rate album. This album came as a surprise form this Lebanese diva whose voice has always kept our hearts warm.

Magida does her Christmas album, and this way she joins the likes of Fayrouz whose Chrismas album remains the go to for this time of the year. Magida makes you feel like you are sitting in intimate chair, by the fireplace, and thinking about what you believe in. A cozy album form a lady that just about every Arab who has ever listening to a song, like her

ماجدة الرومي - مين اللي طل


ماجدة الرومي - سهرة عيد

Read More

The Intersting History Of Legendary Egyptain Singer Mohamed Abed El Motteleb

Back at his prime, the classically trained Arabic singers in Egypt, mocked him, and some even went as far as calling him "the donkey of the radio" but the joke was on them. The name stuck around and now he is one of the most beloved and celebrated voices whose music lands in people's hearts--more people from all walks of life.

This is Mohamed Abed El Motteleb, the boy from El Giza Egypt who memorized the Muslim holy book and after listening to too many music records at the local cafes, he made it as a backup singer in Abdel Wahab band--the biggest band at that time. Then he went solo from Badee'a Massabny band, later he did a play for Egypt, and starred in a number of movies. Under his name, you will find about a thousand song.  

His first hit song was in the thirties of the 19 hundred, and he passed away on August 21, 1980. And yest most Arabs know his love songs as well as his moved iconic song, that Ramadan song.

محمد عبد المطلب - ما بيسـألش عليـا أبــداً

اسأل مرة عليا,محمد عبدالمطلب

Read More

This Lady's Voice Makes Me Smile! Tunisian Diva Oulaya

About ten years ago, Syrian Hit-maker and diva Asalah did a song I love so much, I mistakenly thought this was her own song. The song was performed as a duet with Tunisian Saber El Robai, it was a lovely song that pierces one's heart. 'Aly Jara was that song!

Then just today I learned this song was a cover of an older song for a little known Tunisian lady Oulaya. She is certainly big at home and well-known among her generation, but I fear I have either failed to find out about her or have not looked hard enough. Though I know one of her other songs but have never knew her name Jary Ya Hamouda song.

Let's meet Oulaya,

She started to sing a the tender age of 14, in 1957 due to the Independence of Tunisia and forming the national broadcasting agency, she got a head start and shot to fame at home. She sang during an Umm Kalthoum singer when she came to Tunis for a concert in 1968. The legendary Egyptian loved her voices and invited her to come to Egypt. Oulya moved to Cairo and took part of a number of concerts and was the headliner of Tunisian cultural nights in Egypt. She would stay there for 12 years, then went home.

Her father insisted she get married, and she did marry a much older guy who had three kids with her. She sang in most cities in Morocco, Algeria, Lebanon, Kuwait. She married again to Egyptian composer Hilmi Baker who wrote her the song.  She died relatively young at age 54 in 1990 at home where she was buried.

I will always remember her by her song that talks about homesickness, love and long distance relationships. There is simply no other Arabic songs that covers this topi with so much passion as Oulya did.

For More about her, please visit


Oulaya - 3alli gara(original) عليا التونسية علي جرى الأصلية



Oulaya - Alli Gara (Live) علية التونسية - علّي جرى


علية التونسية - جاري يا حمّودة

Read More

Listen: The Sweetest Arabic Song About Long-Distance Relationships

Soad Mohammad had so many wonderful songs in her run as a first rate entertainer. Her hits extend to years and reach beyond generations. But one of her most beloved songs is Wahshtny....I miss you. It's a groovy song that manged to stand at a crossroad between hat's classical Arabic music and what's upbeat and popular. That song have all the right musical elements.

As for Soad's voice, it's that strong and sweet feminine voice where she is singing in private and she has no idea that somebody is watching. This is how I understand her voice, she gives all her best as if she is singing somewhere private, but she does this in front of thousands and it does not seem to make a difference to her, it's all good music.

I came to know it, thanks to a brilliant cover by Egyptian pop star Khalid Agag, who gave the song new legs, and people like me discovered it. Both the original performance and cover come from the gut, they vary in emotions and vocal showcase. You really feel like you are living in this song thanks to the smooth performance of Soad. Soad Mohammas is an Egyptian Lebanese songstress whose career was launched in the city of Damascus.

Khaled is well-equipped to do a lively cover of this classic, he stayed loyal to the song. Among the other songs for Soad are her work on the history of Islam movie where she has performed half a dozen celebrated songs. She also starred in a movie about Palestine years ago.


Khaled Agag " Wa7ashtany " / " خالد عجاج " وحشتنى


وحشتنى سعاد محمد

Read More