WOMAD

Marcel Khalife and the Al Mayadine Quartet

From Lebanon

Khalife is a classical composer and popular singer of enormous stature in the Arab world; a revolutionary often compared to Bob Dylan for his social impact.  For over 20 years his music has voiced the protests, struggles, hopes and daily concerns of the people.  Khalife is the veteran master and innovator of the oud, a fretless, lute-like instrument.  He was the first musician to use modern Arab poetry for most of his work.  In 1996 he was charged with blasphemy for singing a verse that resembled text from the Holy Koran (charges were later dropped under pressure from the intellectual and artistic communities).  The Al Mayadine Quartet, comprising two ouds, bass and riq – tambourine, has a powerful sound that is atmospheric, entrancing and striking in its array of rhythms.  Full of feeling and grace, Khalife’s live performances are greeted with awe.  He has been awarded many honours and awards by the USA, Germany, Yemen, Cote d’Ivoire and Tunisia. www.marcelkhalife.comDec 2000