On February 13, 2021 Al-Bustan had the pleasure of hosting the second virtual concert in our Crossing Genres series. This series celebrates musical collaboration across traditions, providing space to explore connections and create new and exciting dynamics between cultures. Master percussionist Hafez Kotain, pianist Dr.Jay Fluellen, and guitarist and oud-player Serge El Helou expertly performed arrangements and original compositions imbued with classical, jazz, and Arab influences.
The evening began with remarks by Executive Director Mohannad Ghawanmeh in observation of Black History Month. He reminded us to acknowledge the long-standing cultural connections between Africa and the Arabic-speaking World, not in the least in regards to Black Arabs, but also regarding linguistic, cultural, and artistic harmonies between African-Americans and the Arab World and its diasporas. These cultural connections have given us so much over the years and remind us to stand in solidarity. Events such as this virtual concert allow us to create new connections conscious of but divorced from historical relationships which did not benefit Arabs or African-Americans. The beautiful synthesis of the music by the three musicians exemplified the harmony and new paths which open up to us when we seek collaborations and connections with open hearts.
With this in mind, the concert began. With the performance of Jadakal Ghaythu, by Taher Al-Jizani, the audience was transported to a past not long ago with live concerts held by Al-Bustan. One audience exclaimed:
One of the great[s]…who came to Philly to play with the Al Bustan takht sings it [Jadakal Ghaythu]…
Another audience member wrote:
Last time I was at an Al Bustan concert was almost 10 years ago! So nice to be back with you all, even if virtually. You continue to inspire!
Moving from the classical arrangements of Arab music to original compositions by Serge El Helou and Dr.Jay Fluellen, the audience was moved by the collaborative give-and-take evident in each musicians’ performance. In awe, one audience member wrote,
This was a beautiful collaboration of talented artists. The different instruments blended so seamlessly.
Another audience member noted,
That is really unique to have three composers all playing each other’s work together…
The audience was also transfixed by the intricate instruments of our musicians, from El Helou’s oud to Kotain’s tar and doumbek, the unique ability for our videographer to capture the details of the musicians’ playing led to a conversation on the instruments of the Arab World. The music seemed to inspire many of our audience members to explore these instruments and musical traditions on their own.
The music concluded with an original composition by Hafez Kotain, which he revealed to have been altered especially for the evening’s performance. Entitled The Three Composers, all three musicians surprised the audience by taking up a drum! This prompted the audience to exclaim,
The Three Drummers!
A lot of fun to see all 3 drumming!
Following the concert, questions were posed to our musicians and composers by Executive Director Ghawanmeh and our audience. A fascinating and probing conversation explored the passions and minds of the musicians. Revolving around the ways in which music borrows and communicates across traditions and cultures, such as the adoption of a rhythmic cycle used in Venezuela or Gospel influences in classical piano, the conversation drew out the long relationship the three musicians have with each other and collaboration.
Dr.Fluellen noted that he embraces his own African-American musical traditions through the exploration of other musical traditions, such as those of the Arab World. He noted that finding the common ground between traditions drives his exploration. The musicians all agreed that common ground was of utmost importance when performing the composition of a musician in the same room, and that respect for the composer’s language or intention is key. El Helou also emphasized both the need for preparation and spontaneity in collaborative performances, revealing that he switched from the guitar to the oud when performing Jadakal Ghaythu after hearing Dr.Fluellen perform the piece in rehearsal.
The common ground and shared respect shown through the evening’s performance and was a joy to witness. The virtual platforms available to us today allow us to reach new audiences all over the world and reconnect with old friends. Al-Bustan will continue to offer exciting new music content, exploring new genres and expanding our digital reach through films and much more.
We look forward to our next virtual event, the US premiere of the acclaimed film, Last Visit.
