Blue Camel Explained

Blue Camel is an album by the Lebanese oud player and composer Rabih Abou-Khalil. The album fuses traditional Arabic music with jazz. It was recorded in 1992 and released on the Enja label.^{[1] [2]}

Reception

The AllMusic review by Kurt Keefner stated "Blue Camel is the pinnacle to date of Lebanese oud player Rabih Abou-Khalil's achievement as a jazzman. In both mood and scope, it can almost be characterized as a new Kind of Blue. Both tense and reflective, it is perfect for listening after midnight ... Blue Camel may not be a perfect album, but it demonstrates better than any other that a fusion between jazz and a musical form from another culture is possible and can work to the advantage of both. Plus, it's just great listening". Metal Reviews said "The album glories in crafting a successful blend of Arabian music and jazz: a very homogeneous and enjoyable fusion with enough shift in mood and method to keep things interesting".^[3]

Track listing

All compositions by Rabih Abou-Khalil

1. "Sahara" – 8:18
2. "Tsarka" – 6:45
3. "Ziriab" – 6:49
4. "Blue Camel" – 8:20
5. "On Time" – 6:19
6. "A Night in the Mountains" – 8:37

Personnel

• Rabih Abou-Khalil – oud
• Kenny Wheeler – flugelhorn, trumpet
• Charlie Mariano – alto saxophone
• Steve Swallow – bass
• Ramesh Shotham – South Indian drums, percussion
• Milton Cardona – congas
• Nabil Khaiat – frame drums

Notes and References

1. http://www.jazzlists.com/SJ_Label_Enja_7000.htm Enja Records main series discography
2. http://www.amarokprog.net/groupes_4267.html Rabih Abou-Khalil discography
3. Misha, Metal Reviews: album review accessed June 18, 2018