Kamilya Jubran and Werner Hasler’s ‘Wameedd’ has been self-described as a symbiotic creational process and interpretation of Arabic words and phonetic rhythms. The project highlights Kamilya Jubran’s rich and expressive voice. Jubran is known for being a member of the Palestinian art ensemble Sabreen.
On this album, Jubran’s meet Hasler’s electronics, which find a really nice balance between Middle Eastern melodies and electronic experiments. Songs like “Al Shaatte Al-Akhar” develop further toward the rhythm and dance direction, while keeping an authentically Arabic feel.
“Amshi” slows things down a bit with a spoken word intro, and then starts things moving again with strings and bubbling electronics. “Al-Mawjatu Taa’t” is another really interesting song, certainly a break of pace from what I’ve been listening to lately.
If Middle Eastern music and sultry Arabic singing (with a touch of modernity) is your bag, then I’m sure you’ll find this cross-cultural collaboration between these two very much to your liking.