Oyoun Al Kalam

Originally recorded in 2007, Oyoun Al Kalam, by multi-instrumentalist Ramzi Aburedwan & Dal’Ouna Ensemble finally gets a digital release 17 years later. This album of poetic songs and instrumentals from the Middle East region is made up of original compositions and was the first of the group’s four records. It features soaring vocals by ‘Oday Al-Khatib and Noura Madi, both young refugee students of the Al-Kamanjati music school that Ramzi founded.’ Though it is a traditional album in terms of instrumentation, it also very much feels contemporary, because music as good as this will always have a timeless quality. The opening track, ‘Idha Al Shamsi’ sets the tone of intricate oud playing that really showcases Aburedwan’s mastery of the instrument. ‘Tayara’ is a story of a kid dreaming of being able to fly. The ten-minute instrumental opus, ‘Mandira Hijaz’ is another example of multi-instrumentation featuring the oud, accordion, percussion, viola and buzuq that you never want to end. Oyoun Al Kalam is a pleasant listen but it also requires full attention as this is music that stirs emotions and heightens the senses.