Composed and arranged by Ali El Farouk.

Ali El Farouk: Oud
Mike De Masi: Upright Bass
Joseph Khoury: Bendir

Mixed by Nataq Huault. Mastered by Jonathan Kaspy.

Recorded live at McGill Studios on September 21st 2015.

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Mazaag's music is partly inspired by classical Arabic repertoire as well as compositions by contemporary artists whose origins span across the middle east to western cultures. Musical pieces that might already be known to the listener are presented in new renditions with Mazaag's unique instrumentation.

Classical Arabic music consists of beautiful melodies that are mainly monophonic and rich with colourful maqams (arabic music modes) in their content. Yet, in Mazaag's interpretations of those pieces through the oud and percussion, a second harmonic layer is added with the presence of the upright bass in the accompaniment. With the addition of harmony which is a cornerstone of modern western music those pieces are presented in a new light, one in which it can be perceived that a missing piece of the puzzle has been found.

The musical interplay between the band members seeks the right balance between well-grounded arrangements and envelope-pushing improvisation.

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Mazaag

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