Simon Shaheen

This release by respected oud and violin master Simon Shaheen, could go a long way in popularizing Arabic/Middle Eastern music in the West. Building on the composition and arrangement techniques that he established on his earlier recordings, Shaheen leads his ensemble through a wonderful program of pieces that take as their foundation the time-honored traditions of the music of Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Morrocco and other cultures of the region, mixing them with a nice dose of jazz and improvisation, but never allowing the Western influences to overshadow the heritage of this beautiful, soulful music.