Sam Shalabi, a well known Egyptian-Canadian experimental musician, has just released a cover of the Ornette Coleman classic “Lonely Woman.” The seventeen minute track is an exploration of the artists improvisational style and for some new listeners may present an introduction to the creative potential of the oud. This is his latest release on Montreal-based label, Constellation. Sam Shalabi also performs with the Dwarfs Of East Agouza (which features Alan Bishop of Sublime Frequencies) and Karkhana, as well as many others.
The track was recorded at his Montreal home with one microphone in one take. Quoted in Scene Noise, Shalabi says, “I've loved this melody ever since I first heard it over thirty years ago. A while back, I had the idea of playing and recording it on oud, as the melody has always struck me as very Arabic/Middle Eastern sounding—it has a sobbing/emotional feeling that you hear in certain kinds of Arabic vocal music and modes.”
For more about Shalabi, visit Constellation Record’s Website.
