What happens when you merge fluid improvisation and subtle noise with traditional Arabic music—then add the talent of a guitar master? To find out, we’re bringing the Vancouver-based group Haram, led by Juno Award-winning oud virtuoso Gordon Grdina, to play alongside legendary guitarist Marc Ribot as part of our Global Rhythms series.
Haram filters Arabic music through the creative lens of improvisation, paying homage to the masters while still freely developing an original voice. Classics from Farid El Atrache, Oum Khalsoum, Iraqi folk songs, and 50’s Sudanese radio music all resonate and inspire the ensemble to dig deeper and give more freely. The result is a one-of-a-kind invigorating energy that constantly shifts directions, annihilating boundaries and building to euphoric crescendos.
The band meets onstage with guitarist Marc Ribot, whose 25-album and 40-year career has spanned smooth soul and gnarled blues, blaring no wave, and elegant film scores, along with solo composer roles and work alongside artists such as Tom Waits, Steve Earle, and Meshell Ndegeocello. He has explored everything from the pioneering jazz of Albert Ayler to his project with the Cuban son of Arsenio Rodríguez with two critically acclaimed releases under Marc Ribot Y Los Cubanos Postizos. Join Haram and Ribot for this unique exploration of Arabic musical traditions, and a breathtaking new view of time-tested repertoire.
Sunday, March 1, 2020, 7:30PM
The Great Hall
1119 Eighth Avenue (enter on Eighth Avenue)
Seattle, WA 98101