When a concert series is sold out for three years, it is already a small sensation. We are talking about the legendary Arab Song, which used to take place in the Werkstatt der Kulturen and has now found a new home with an optimal atmosphere in the Zigzag Jazzclub. Under the direction of Moroccan oud player and fusion musician Alaa Zouiten, all music enthusiasts can experience an explosive musical Hafla.
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ARAB SONG FEAT. JISR'S ĀMĀLGAMATION
- ALAA ZOUITEN - OUD, HOST (MA)
- MOHCINE RAMDAN – GEMBRI UND GESANG (MA)
- OLMO CHITTO – VIBRAPHONE (IT)
- GERGELY LUKACS – TROMPETE (HUN)
- AMINE MESNAOUI – PIANO (MA)
- ARNAUD N‘GAZA – BASS (CIV)
- MATHIAS GMELIN - DRUMS (GER)
Hafla? A Hafla is a little bit of party, a little bit of transcultural jam session, a little bit of surprise. The most important thing is the interaction - between musicians on stage, between musicians and audience - and also the exciting interaction between Arabic, European and world music spheres. Hard to describe, must be experienced. One thing is for sure, we warn you already: it is addictive.
Master of ceremonies is Alaa Zouiten, born in Casablanca. There his musical career began as a master on the oud, the Arabic lute, and led from training at the Conservatoire National de Marrakech to sideman of the fusion band "Jbara". In parallel, he continued his musical studies and completed a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and Philosophy at the University of Erfurt in 2013. This was followed by a master's degree in Transcultural Music Studies at the Franz Liszt Hochschule für Musik in Weimar. He released several albums as a bandleader.
Further important stations of Alaa Zouiten were the musical direction and the performance with the "Global Arabian Music Orchestra" in the Berlin Philharmonie, the performance at the "Requiem for Syria" in the Dresden Philharmonie, Bienal del Flamenco in Sevilla (sept 2020), the tours of "TALKING OUD 2020/2021" in France, Germany, Spain and Morocco, as well as the UK tour with "Making Tracks 2022.JISR جسر is a Munich-based collective led by the charismatic linguist, singer, percussionist, and Gembri player Mohcine Ramdan. He has gathered some of Bavaria's finest musicians to share his vision of an emotionally charged global sound, deeply rooted in the traditions of his musical family.
JISR's Āmālgamation presents a unique fusion of Gnawa polyrhythm, spiritual jazz, and a touch of urban African groove, setting a new standard for how jazz and its African roots can be united on stage. Original compositions and works from various musical eras combine lightness and listening pleasure with remarkable rhythmic dynamism and moments of captivating trance.
Joining them are three guest musicians from the Artist-in-Residence program of the City of Munich at the Ebenböckhaus: Berlin-based pianist Amine Mesnaoui, vibraphonist Olmo Chitto from Brescia, Hungarian trumpeter Gergely Lukacs, and bassist and singer Arnaud N’Gaza from the Ivory Coast.
All are eagerly anticipating what they have in store!
