Rabih Abou-Khalil. Arabian Waltz (1996). CD, Album. Lebanon. Prog Folk, Progressive Rock.

1. Arabian Waltz (8:10) 2. Dreams of a Dying City (12:08) 3. Ornette Never Sleeps (6:58) 4. Georgina (11:09) 5. No Visa (9:59) 6. The Pain After (9:26) Total time: 57:50 - Rabih Abou-Khalil / oud, composer, arranger & co-producer With: - Michel Godard / tuba, serpent - Nabil Khaiat / frame drums The Balanescu Quartet: - Alexander Balanescu / violin, co-producer - Clare Connors / violin - Paul Martin / viola - David Cunliffe / cello Recorded 22-26 September 1995 at SWF Studio, Baden-Baden, Germany and 18-23 December 1995 at CMP Studio, Zerkall, Germany. Born in Beirut, Beyrouth, Lebanon in 17 August 1957 The classically trained flautist and oud player Rabih Abou-Khalil relocated to Germany during the Lebanon civil war in 1978. Following his studies at the Academy of Music in Munich, Abou-Khalil recorded a couple of albums as a flautist with little acclaim. He returned to the oud with the formation of a touring band in 1986 that included famed jazz band Oregon bassist Glen Moore and former Miles Davis saxophonist Sonny Fortune, among others. In the years since that initial effort, Abou-Khalil has pursued a lengthy career marked by numerous collaborations with both world-renowned and regional jazz, folk and ethnic musicians. His music transcends any single style, having been credited at various times as embracing jazz, Middle Eastern folk, klezmer, gypsy and modern classical music. His most recent release marks a return to his roots, with a largely solo effort showcasing ethnic folk acoustic oud sounds and his trademark irreverent, global music that ignores political, religious and social norms in favor of celebrating the rich textures of music and life. Today Abou-Khalil resides and records in both Munich and southern France. Rabih Abou-Khalil is undeniably a world musician, while his eclectic style, traditional instrumentation and innovative compositions are a testament to a creative mind. Bio by Bob Moore (aka ClemofNazareth)