I fully recommend you try Aladdin's Cave based in the UK which carries many of these titles - N.B. do contact them direct if you do not see the product you want listed.

click here - ALADDIN'S CAVE

For US customers check DAHLAL INTERNATIONAL

INSTRUCTIONAL/REFERENCE.   RHYTHMIC COMPOSITIONS.   ZILLS INSTRUCTION.   TURKISH PERCUSSION.

INSTRUCTIONAL/REFERENCE.

Click on the image to enlarge picture.

25 ESSENTIAL RHYTHMS by UNCLE MAFUFO

The information on this CD comes from Uncle Mafufo's many years of research into Middle Eastern folk rhythms. He considers learning these rhythms essential to the playing of the Middle Eastern drum. Besides the basics there is material here for expanding a player's knowledge by adding to their repertoire of rhythms and variations. Armando has written the modes in Dun,Tec, and Ca syllables and they are printed inside the insert for easy reference.

2 beat: Ayoob, Turkish; Karachi, Pakistani; Malfoof, Arabic; Saudi or Khaligi, Arabic; Felahin, Egyptian.

3 beat: Darag or Vals, Arabic; Tsamiko, Greek.

4 beat: Maksoom, Arabic; Saidi, Egyptian; Beledi, Arabic; Wahed Tawila (Wahida), Arabic; Bolero,Cuban; Nawari, Lebanese.

5 beat: Turkish Five.

6 beat: Shish Hasht, Persian; Zebula, African; Shabia, North African.

7 beat: Kalamatiano, Greek; Laz, Turkish or Bulgarian.

8 beat: Masmoodi Kabir, Arabic; Chiftitelli, Turkish.

9 beat: Karsilama, Turkish; Zeibek, Turkish.

10 beat: Armenian Ten or Curcuna, Armenian; Samai, Arabic.

Website

Nourhan Sharif Presents Arabic Rhythms Volume Wahid

This is Volume 1 of an exciting collection of Arabic Rhythms for use by percussionists, advanced belly dancers and music composers who wish to add the magnificent and luxurious rhythms of Arabian musical instruments to their creations. Arabic Rhythms Volume 1 (Wahid) features the work of famous Director and Choreographer Yousry Sharif and Nourhan Sharif, together with several well-known Arabian artists playing the Tabla. Volume 1 features 8 different Arabic Music Rhythms, and two exciting Egyptian music drum solos that will bring voluptuous life and energy to your composition or learning experience.

Malfouf 4:15
Maksoum 4:15
Ayoub 4:38
Saidi 4:30
Fallahi 4:38
Masmoudi 4:46
Khaleggi 4:38
Chiftitelli 4:42
Halawa Solo Tabla 4:02
Dosa's Solo Tabla 3:42

Website

Nourhan Sharif:Arabic Rhythms Volume Eitneen: The Drums of Lebanon

This is Volume #2 of Arabic Rhythms, a collection of great Arabic, Lebanese and Egyptian Rhythms used for Bellydancing. Percussionists, musicians, Composers, Teachers of Belly Dancing, and students of this refined and voluptuous dance, will find this collection of magical and stylized rhythms, a perfect companion for their artistic development.

The work of Aboudi Badawi and several well-known artists, is featured in this volume. Lovers of Arabic music, Middle Eastern music, Lebanese music, and Egyptian music, will find in this fine collection of musical masterpieces, an inspiring jewel to be listened many times and used by experienced musicians, dedicated collectors or practitioners of advanced belly dance. Together with two exciting Tablah (Tabla) solos, and illustrative descriptions of the different rhythms contained in the disc, this CD is a must-have in your collection!

Baladi 5.00
Malfouf 5.00
Sousadi 4.40
Nawari 5.25
Karatchi 5.00
Hagaah 5.05
Rumba Arabi 5.09
Tlete Ala Arbaa 4.45
Tablah Solos

Tablah Solo #1 5.29
Tablah Solo #2 3.58

Website

Bellydance Music ~ Middle Eastern Music ~ Egyptian Music ~ Arabic Rhythms vol. 3 ~ Arabic Rhythms for the Advanced Dancer

This is Volume #3 of Arabic Rhythms, a collection of great Arabic, Lebanese and Egyptian Rhythms used for Bellydancing. Percussionists, musicians, Composers, Teachers of Belly Dancing, and students of this refined and voluptuous dance, will find this collection of magical and stylized rhythms, a perfect companion for their artistic development.

Volume # 3 (Talata) Arabic Rhythms for the Advanced Dancer, has a collection of rhythms and Arabic music that offer a savoury and intense experience to the practitioners and listeners of this music. This CD was created to develop and increase the "vocabulary" of dancers.

From Karim Nagi: The music in this disc was chosen from the Arabic tradition of the Muwashahaat. These are poems dating back to the Arab ruled Andalusia Spain (800s AD to 1400s). These poems had complex and intricate meters that accommodated the luscious delivery of the text. Musical compositions using them were created only until late 1800s, by great composers such as Omar AL-Batch (Syria) and Sayyed Darwish (Egypt).

The rhythms extracted from these Muwashahaat poems and songs provide an intense collection of material for the advanced musician or dancer.

The Essential percussive instrument of the Muwashahaat rhythms is the Riqq (fish skin tambourine with brass cymbals). However, the rhythms are enhanced and bolstered here by adding Arabic Tabla, Dhola, Segat, and Bass Drums.

For this reason, complex, energetic and creative choreographies can be developed. Also, the dancer can learn to interpret the Dum and Tak placement of each rhythm, to create new combinations and sequences beyond the conventional norm. This will help carry the art of Raqs Sharqi to a higher level of Artistic expression. - Karim Nagi

Track Listing:-

Introduction
York Sama'i 6/8
Dawr Hindi 7/8
Masmudi Kabir 8/4
Aqsaq Afrangi 9/8
Samai Thaqil 10/8
'Awis 11/4
Mudawar 12/4
Muraba'a 13/4
Muhajjar 14/4
Conclusion
Ya Haggar (drum solo)
Hidiyya Hindiyya (drum solo)

Website

by Nourhan Sharif

Performed by Karim Nagi with Boujemaa Razgui

TRACKS

1) Introduction by Percussionist Karim Nagi

GULF "Khaligi"

2) Adani 4/4

3) Sowt 8/4

EGYPT "Masri"

4) Bambi 8/4

5) Zaffa 4/4

North African "Maghrebi"

6) Moroccan Shaabi 6/8

7) Hadari 4/4

IRAQ "Iraqi"

8) Jurjuna 10/8

9) Chobie 4/4 and 6/4

LEVANT "Dabkaat"

10) Malfuf for Dabka 6/4

11) Maksoum for Dabka 12/4

This CD was created for drummers and dancers alike. Our goal is to show the great variety and diversity found among the different regions, countries, and genres of the Arab world. This recording introduces rhythms from five major geographic regions of Arab world: the Gulf "Khaligi" (Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, Kuwait, and the Emirates), Egypt "Masri", North Africa (Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia), Iraq, and the Levant or Arab East (Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Jordan). Do to time restraints, only two rhythms from each of these five regions are provided, as each region could easily fill an entire CD or more by itself. (Unfortunately, the continental African-Arab countries like Sudan, Somalia and Mauritania are not covered.) Several genres are covered, such as rhythms for vocal music (Sowt, Jurjuna), rhythms for group line dance (Dabkaat and Chobie), rhythms for spiritual rituals (Hadari) and rhythms for wedding ceremonies (Zaffa). When listening to this recording, you will begin to experience many concepts in Arab rhythm found in varying degrees, such as syncopation, swing, and polyrhythm (especially among the Gulf and North African samples). By using strong drumming with the Riqq, Tabla, Dhola, Duff, Bendir, and Karakab, each rhythm is given the strong propulsion necessary to create song and dance routines, as well as simply for practice. It is our hope that this CD will show both the diversity and unity among the beautiful rhythms found within this huge array of countries united by the same language and culture. - Karim Nagi

MUSICIANS Karim Nagi: Tabla, Riqq, Dhola, Duff, Bendir, Claps, Narration, and Musical Arrangements Boujemaa Razgui (North African rhythms): Tabla, Riqq, Dhola, Bendir, Karakab

Website

Oriental Grooves - Vol. 1 by Sayed Balaha.

Beside his work on stage and teacher for oriental dance and tabla, Sayed Balaha worked on a CD-compilation with the most important oriental rhythms, as they are used in oriental dance today. These rhythms have been recorded in several speeds and variations. These CDs are a great tool for dancers for daily training and studies of oriental music.

1. Small Masmoudi [80 BPM]

2. Small Masmoudi [120 BPM]

3. Small Masmoudi [160 BPM]

4. Saidi [80 BPM]

5. Saidi [120 BPM]

6. Saidi [120 BPM]

7. Sonbaati [120 BPM]

8. Big Masmoudi [80 BPM]

9. Big Masmoudi [120 BPM]

10. Big Masmoudi [80 BPM]

11. Big Masmoudi [120 BPM]

12. Big Masmoudi [80 BPM]

13. Big Masmoudi [120 BPM]

14. Chiftetelli [100 BPM]

15. Shimmy [120 BPM]

16. Shimmy 1 [120 BPM]

Website

Oriental Grooves - Vol. 2 by Sayed Balaha.

1. Ayoub
2. Ayoub
3. Malfuf
4. Khaligi
5. Khaligi
6. Fallahi
7. Karatschi
8. Samba
9. Rumba
10. Saraband 3/4
11. 6/8, Pt. 1
12. 6/8, Pt. 2
13. 10/8, Pt. 1
14. 10/8, Pt. 2

Website

If you have seen "Shimmy Queen" Leyla Jouvana in action, you have probably seen Roland; the guy who makes the music that makes her amazing shimmies. This is the CD they worked on together to produce rhythms for class work; each rhythm being followed by a fantastic drum solo.

1. Drum Solo Leyla Jouvana 05:13
2. Fallahi 01:09
3. Celebration (Fallahi) 03:33
4  Zaar 01:09
5. Ritual Drums (Zaar) 03:32
6. Malfouf 01:07
7  Malfouf Routine 03:32
8. Karachi 01:04
9. Asian Dreams (Karachi) 01:57
10. Saudi 01:04
11. Hair Waves (Saudi) 03:31
12. Masmoudi saghir 01:09
13. Passion (Masmoudi saghir) 03:36
14. Saidi 01:06
15. Saidi Composition 03 34
16. El Zeffa 01:08
17. Wedding (El Zaffa) 03:35
18. Samba 01:07
19. Fever (Samba) 03:31
20. Masmoudi Kabir 01:09
21. Mystic Knights (Masmoudi Kabir) 03:36
22. Spice (Masmoudi Kabir fast) 03:37
23. Chiftetelli 01:06
24. Aphrodite (Chiftetelli) 03:26
25. Karshliamar 01:06
26. Gipsy Dancer (Karshliamar) 03:35
27. Samai 01:10

Website

Belly Dance Rhythm Identification Vol 1 with Susu Pampanin by Suhaila Salimpour

Susu Pampanin is a master of all types of percussion instruments and styles of music; and her incredible talent is especially evident in her work in Middle Eastern drumming. Susu is well known for her virtuosity in Arabic drumming and is one of the few female Middle Eastern drummers highly respected by the Arabic professional music community. Additionally, she is proficient in Salsa, Latin, African and many other types of fusion and individual composition of drum styles.

Susu's talent and passion for percussion rhythm has enabled her to fuse traditional and contemporary Arabic sounds and Belly dance rhythmic styles with both Latin beats and American pop elements to create her fresh innovative sounds.

Susu Pampanin grew up surrounded by the exotic rhythms of Middle-Eastern music, inspired to explore not only Arabic rhythms but eventually the percussion traditions of the world. In the 1980's she was leader of the band 'Cairo Cats' and performed regularly throughout the United States with many notable Middle-Eastern musicians. Susu is currently a member of the Suhaila Salimpour Band and the featured percussionist in the renowned Suhaila Dance Company.

A learning tool for Bellydancers and other people alike to be able to identify the different rhythms played in Middle Eastern Music. The CD includes 44 tracks and 25 different rhythms at different speeds for you to become familiar with.

01. 4/4 Balady - Slow (1:37)
02. 4/4 Balady - Fast (2:23)
03. 4/4 Maqsum - Slow (1:34)
04. 4/4 Maqsum - Fast (2:02)
05. 2/4 Fallahi - Slow (1:08)
06. 2/4 Fallahi - Fast (1:14)
07. 2/4 Ayub - Slow (1:58)
08. 2/4 Ayub - Fast (1:00)
09. 4/4 Saidi I - Slow (1:30)
10. 4/4 Saidi I - Fast (1:33)
11. 4/4 Saidi II - Slow 1:33)
12. 4/4 Saidi II - Fast 1:34)
13. 4/4 Waheda - Slow (1:17)
14. 4/4 Waheda - Fast (2:04)
15. 2/4 Leff - Slow (2:01)
16. 2/4 Leff - Fast (2:02)
17. 2/4 Karachi - Slow (1:10)
18. 2/4 Karachi - Fast (1:35)
19. 8/4 Masmaudi Kabir - Slow (1:40)
20. 8/4 Masmoudi Kabir - Fast 1:35)
21. 8/4 Chiftetelli - Slow (1:32)
22. 8/4 Chiftetelli - Fast (1:35) 23. 4/4 Bambi I - Slow (2:02)
24. 4/4 Bambi I - Fast (1:55)
25. 4/4 Bambi III - Slow (1:30)
26. 4/4 Bambi III - Fast (1:30)
27. 2/4 Khallegy - Slow (1:59)
28. 2/4 Khallegy - Fast 1:49)
29. 6/4 Debke (2:20)
30. 4/4 Nawari - Slow (1:00)
31. 4/4 Nawari - Fast (1:05)
32. 4/4 Bolero - Slow (1:13)
33. 2/4 Rumba - Fast (1:09)
34. 4/4 Jerk (1:34)
35. 4/4 Zeffa (1:06)
36. 4/4 Chobi (1:40)
37. 3/4 Waltz (1:05)
38. 6/8 Shabia (1:35)
39. 10/8 Samai (1:15)
40. 13/8 Zarafat 1:15)
41. 9/8 Karshilama - Slow (1:09)
42. 9/8 Karshilama - Fast (1:04)
43. 6/8 Persian - Slow (1:43)
44. 6/8 Persian - Fast (l:08)

Website

Introduction to Egyptian Dance Rhythms + Rhythms Of The Nile ( Double CD ) by Hossam Ramzy.

On the first CD Hossam invites you to join a workshop about the rhythms of Egypt. First he explains the instruments used for the rhythms; Tabla, Darbouka, Mazhar, Doff, etc. Hossam also explains how to play them.

Then he explains the rhythms themselves: Masmoudi, Maqsoum, Malfuf, etc. On the 2nd CD explains Egyptian dance rhythms, where they come from and how they're counted. This will increase your understanding of the music.

CD I
Masmoudi 4:02
Masqsoum 3:08
Saaidi 3:13
Fallahi 3:19
Zaar 1:56
Malfuf 2:41
Karachi 2:12
Elzaffa 2:35
Three four time 1:12
Samaai 1:28
Abu el Khamsa 2:36

CD II
Introduction 0:38
The Instruments 1:24
The Sounds 4:07
Practice 0:44
The Rhythms 1:38
Masmoudi I 1:53
Maqsoum 3:48
Malfuf 3:49
Zaar 4:02
Fallahi 5:55
Masmoudi II 4:41
Saaidi 3:04
Rhythmic Combination 10:37

Website

Darabouka Class by Anne Harkin - Darabouka Class

Learn to play Arabic rhythms on darabouka with this excellent tuition CD from a well established Darwin-based teacher and musician. A well illustrated booklet with full information on a number of basic rhythms comes inside the CD case.

This teaching CD is aimed especially at the beginner darabouka player or those who want to learn new rhythms on darabouka, zills or req. 14 rhythms are played on the CD each at 2 speeds, with photos illustrating correct hand positions.

The 12 page booklet has the rhythms notated in table form and also music notation. Rhythms: Baladi, Maksoum, Saaidi, Sudanese, Taksim, Fellahi, Karatchi, Khaligi, Malfuf, Ayoubi, Tabl, Masmoudi Kabir, Shiftetelli, Samaai (64 minutes total).  See also Videos

Website

Desert Groove - Middle Eastern Rhythms by Javier Villar and Hillary Thacker

Visit - Hilarys Bazaar

Desert Grooves is designed for both students of Middle Eastern percussion and dance alike. All the rhythms have been recorded live at different tempos on various Middle Eastern percussion.

Fellahi, Chititelli, Maqsoum, Masmoudi Big, Malfuf, Saiddi, Ayub, Baladi, Mix 1,2 and 3.

This CD goes over the more popular Middle Eastern Belly Dancing Rhythms for the Doumbek as well as other hand drums. The rhythms that on the CD are: Beledi, Ayoub, Chiftitelli, Masmoudi, Maqsoum, Karsilama, Saidi, Khaleegy, Samai. There are total of 45 tracks in all. The CD is designed for you to play along with it, these are not songs, but the basic rhythms repeated giving you a chance to practice as well as develop soloing skills. All skill levels will find this CD useful. First you will name the rhythm and then speak it. Some rhythms have variations and they will be spoken as well, then the rhythm will be played for about 2 minutes. Variations of that rhythm will follow before moving on to the next rhythm. Upon completion of the above list, the combinations of rhythms are demonstrated, specifically: Masmoudi and Chiftitelli, Beledi and Ayoub. Beledi and Maqsoum. Malfouf and Maqsoum, Ayoub and Maqsoum. This way you can hear different rhythms played together and what they would sound like. Finally we have a number of tracks of the initial rhythms played with one drum or two, showing more of how the rhythms can be played, many of them integrate the variations along with the basic rhythms thus giving you a further inside look into the listed rhythms. Key Benefits; Learn 10 Middle Eastern Rhythms, Easy to follow along with, Allows you to proceed at your own pace.

Track listing:
1. Intro,
2. Beledi Intro
3. Beledi (No Bridge)
4. Beledi (With Bridge)
5. Ayoub Intro
6. Ayoub
7. Chiftitelli Intro
8. Chiftitelli (Var 1)
9. Chiftitelli (Var 2)
10. Masmoudi Intro
11. Masmoudi (Var 1)
12. Masmoudi (Var 2)
13. Masmoudi (Var 3)
14. Maqsoum Intro
15. Maqsoum (Var 1)
16. Maqsoum (Var 2)
17. Karsalama Intro
18. Karsalama (Var 1)
19. Karsalama (Var 2)
20. Saidi Intro
21. Saidi
22. Saidi (Var)
23. Malfouf Intro
24. Malfouf
25. Khaleegy Intro
26. Khaleegy
27. Samai Intro
28. Samai
29. Combination Intro
30. Masmoudi - Chiftitelli
31. Beledi - Ayoub
32. Beledi - Maqsoum
33. Malfouf - Maqsoum
34. Ayoub - Maqsoum
35. Various Intro
36. Ayoub
37. Beledi
38. Karsalama
39. Masmoudi - Chiftitelli
40. Malfouf
41. Chiftitelli
42. Maqsoum
43. Masmoudi
44. Saidi
45. Chiftitelli

Website

Playing Along with Middle Eastern Rhythms Vol. 2 by Talisen.

There are total of 44 tracks in all. The CD is designed for you to play along with it, these are not songs, but the basic rhythms repeated giving you a chance to practice as well as develop soloing skills. All skill levels will find this CD useful. The rhythms that on the CD are: Bolero, Karatchi, Serto, Slow 5, Fast 5, Moroccan 6/8, Persian 6/8, Chaka, Zaffah, Sufi, Falahi, Saudi, Laz, Sheelto, Zenkov. The songs included on the CD are: Bolero, Karatchi, Fives, Sufi, Laz, and the 6/8's. First you will name the rhythm and then speak it. Some rhythms have variations and they will be spoken as well, then the rhythm will be played for about 2 minutes. Variations of that rhythm will follow before moving on to the next rhythm. Upon completion of the above list, the rhythms into a song style environment to show you how they sound when played with other instruments.

Website

Turk/Arabic Mocca by Hassani

25 tracks | 29 minutes
 

5/8, 9/8, Ayoub, Maksoum3, Chiftetelli, Hajaj, Halay, Ibrahimi, Karachi, Katakofte, Khaleeji, Laff, Maghrebi, Maksoum2, Nawari, Oryantal Maksoum, Oyun Hava, Rumba, Saidi, Samai, Masmoudi, Sudasi, Malfuf, Wahda, Zaffa

The Doumbek Video Practice Companion by Jonathan Kessler

Practice traditional Middle Eastern Doumbek rhythms as you play along with The Doumbek Video Practice Companion. Once again, master drummer Jonathan Kessler presents these intricate rhythms in a clear, easy to follow manner. Play along with Jonathan and practice them at different tempos. You'll soon find your understanding and ability increasing and your playing improving!

The Doumbek Video Practice Companion covers all of these Middle Eastern rhythms from The Doumbek Video:

* Beledi
* Maqsum
* Chiftetelli
* Malfuf
* Ayyub
* Karsilamas
* Khaligi

You'll also learn these exotic rhythms:

* Darj
* Masmoudi
* Setrak
* Bolero
* Samai
* Wahda Tawila
* 6/8

The Doumbek Video Practice Companion is a professional recording of Doumbek rhythms. It is not necessary to have purchased a copy of The Doumbek Video - any drummer wanting to learn and practice Middle Eastern rhythms will get hours of inspiration and enjoyment from The Doumbek Video Practice Companion.  See Videos

Website

The perfect introduction to the world of oriental rhythm: Jalilah has compiled a training CD for all dancers and dancing teachers as an aid to practising uneven beats. 23 standard rhythms, some played on the tabla, others by a full orchestra, help the dancer achieve the perfect swing of the hips. "The Rhythm Workshop" for the most graceful fitness training - more elegant than aerobics, more efficient than problem zone gymnastics. Move your hips, the rest will follow!

1 Masmudi Kebir 
2 Masmudi Kebir - (Variation) 
3 Masmudi Saghayir 
4 Masmudi Saghayir - (Fast) 
5 Maksoum 
6 Saidi 
7 Wahda Kebir 
8 Sombati 
9 Ayub 
10 Ayub - (Slow) 
11 Khaligy 
12 Malfoof 
13 Darig 
14 Darig Samai 
15 Darig Tunesi 
16 Jerk 
17 Samai 
18 Fellahi 
19 Zaffa 
20 Vox 
21 Vox - (Uninterrupted) 
22 Rhumba - (Slow) 
23 Andalus 
24 Masmudi Kebir 
25 Masmudi Kebir - (variation) 
26 Masmudi Saghayir 
27 Masmudi Saghayir - (fast) 
28 Maksoum 
29 Saidi 
30 Wahda Kebir 
31 Wahda Kebir / Masmudi Saghayir - (alternate take alternate take, alternate take) 
32 Sombati 
33 Ayub - (slow) 
34 Ayub 
35 Khaligy 
36 Malfoof 
37 Darig 
38 Darig Samai 
39 Daring Tunesi 
40 Jerk 
41 Samai 
42 Fellahi 
43 Zaffa 
44 Vox 
45 Vox - (uninterrupted) 
46 Rhumba - (slow) 
47 Rhumba - (Fast) 
48 Andalus

Website

Issam Houshan: The Dancing Drum 

Issam Houshan is the master percussionist with the Bellydance Superstars and as such has been seen and praised by millions live and on TV. He also has performed with music superstars such as Sting and world music favourites Oojami. This CD is aimed for bellydancers with emphasis on drum solos. A must for any professional as well as beginner bellydancer

Tracks:
1. Tabla Solo 1; 1:17
2. Tabla Solo 2; 2:36
3. Tabla Solo 3; 3:39
4. Saiddi; 3:56
5. Wahda Kabira; 3:59
6. Maksoum; 4:04
7. Malfoof; 4:05
8. Masmoudi Soghayar; 4:07
9. Masmoudi; 4:05
10. Balady; 4:07
11. Fallahi; 4:00
12. Ayoub; 3:57
13. Karatchi; 4>02
14. Moroccan; 4:00
15. Rasba; 3:58
16. Zaffa; 3:56
17. Khaliji; 4:02 

Performed by master percussionist Issam Houshan. Features 3 new drum solos and 14 rhythm tracks for bellydancers containing unusual rhythms not often found on percussion CDs. Each track is between 3 to 5 minutes and features tabla, riq, duff and Doholla. Ideal not only for instructors but for students and professionals alike. Issam has performed with music superstars from both the Arab world and the West and is the driving musical force behind the internationally acclaimed Bellydance Superstars.

1. Shimmabulous (drum solo)
2. Party Drum (drum solo)
3. Karsihlagala (drum solo)
4. Aksak
5. Darege (okrouk)
6. Dawer Al Hindi
7. Georgina
8. Sout Al Shammi
9. Masmoudi Sar'ye
10. Muthallath Iraqi
11. Nawari
12. Rumba
13. Samai Thaquil
14. Samba
15. Sout
16. Tayer
17. Waltz

Traditional favourites with an upbeat contemporary edge, plus several original composition by Issam Houshan. Includes two drum solos with challenging dynamics. This cd is for those who enjoy dancing professionally as well as those who love the music of Tabla

MARY-ELLEN DONALD: Middle-Eastern Rhythm Series - Intermediate/Advanced Volume 1 & 2 

Volume I includes the same rhythms as Volume I for Beginners, played faster and fancier.

Ayyoub
Karsilamas
Up tempo Ayyoub
Up tempo Karsilamas
Baladi
Karachi
Malfouf
Up tempo Karachi
Rumba
Saiddi, “3 Doum” Saidi
Saudi
Nawari
Bolero
Chiftetelli
"Walking" Maqsoum
Karsilamas
Up tempo “Walking” Maqsoum
Masmoudi, “Syncopated” Masmoudi

Volume II includes the same rhythms as Volume II for Beginners, played faster and fancier.
6/8 Rhythm
"Syncopated Spice"
Shabia "Heart"
Waheda
Shabia "Lung"
"Fast" Chiftetelli
"Tunisian" 12/8
"Mellow" Masmoudi
Serto
Samai
Jurjuna ("Armenian" 10/8)
Fallahi
Up tempo Fallahi
Kalamatiano 

It’s hard to believe that there’s anyone out there who hasn’t heard of Mary Ellen Donald, but just in case there is, this national treasure is an acclaimed author, instructor and performer in Middle Eastern Percussion.  After years of teaching, she developed the Middle Eastern Rhythms Series to teach the different rhythms for those playing the doumbek, tambourine and finger cymbals ... or for those who just want to know more about rhythms in dancing!   

The Middle Eastern Rhythms Series has two different levels: Beginners and Intermediate/Advanced.  The Beginners series (Volume I and Volume II) teaches twenty-six Arabic, North African, Turkish and Greek Rhythms.  Middle Eastern Rhythms for Intermediate/Advanced (Volume I and Volume II) teaches the same rhythms (plus a few extras) but they are played faster and with more variations.   

Each course, whether Beginner or Intermediate/Advanced contains 2 CDs (originally produced on cassettes, but remastered and reissued on CDs) as well as a booklet of musical examples for each rhythms (for those of us that need a visual reminder).  The booklets provide a key for strokes on the doumbek, tambourine and finger cymbals (e.g., “R – Right – Right hand cymbals struck together”) as well as musical examples for each rhythm written for each of the 3 instruments.  This is a really great idea because for many of us it’s so much clearer if we can look at written music while we’re listening to a particular rhythm! 

On Beginner Volume I we hear: Ayyoub, Baladi, Malfouf, Rumba, Saudi, Bolero, Chiftetelli, Karsilamas, Karachi, Sa’idi, Nawwari, Walking Maqsoum and Masmoudi.  Volume II gives us: 6/8 Rhythm, Sha’bia “Heart”, Sha’bia “Lung”, Tunisian 12/8, Syrto, Jurjuna, akalamatiano, “Syncopated Spice”, Wahidah, “Fast”Chiftetelli, “Mellow” Masmoudi, Sama’i and Fallahi.   

With each new rhythm, Mary Ellen identifies the rhythm for us, counts it out to set the tempo, then proceeds to play it on the doumbec or tambourine.  The tempo is slow enough for a beginner to be able to follow along and then when we get a little bit comfortable with the rhythm, she adds several variations.  So within each rhythm we not only get the basic rhythm, but we get several enhancements as well.  Each rhythm section lasts for about 5 minutes, so there’s enough time to get familiar with a new rhythm before we move on to the next section (or decide to go back and work with it a few more times).  And for those of us who might be working on our finger cymbals and don’t quite trust our ears, the booklet with written music that accompanies this series is really helpful to keep us on track with the rhythm and with which hand to use! 

Therefore, while the Middle Eastern Rhythms Series is an excellent practice medium for the beginning dancer or drummer, it is also helpful to dancers or percussionists who know the basic rhythms but wish to become familiar with some embellishments as well.  Each CD lasts approximately 60 minutes and, of course, one of the great parts about having this series remastered onto CDs instead of the original cassettes is that we don’t have to worry about rewinding or fast-forwarding to that Chiftetelli rhythm that you wanted to work on today.  This is not a course that we breeze through and then put aside; it’s something that we would want to practice with often! 

As the note on the Beginner series states: “When you feel comfortable playing these rhythms at the beginner speed, we encourage you to purchase Middle Eastern Rhythms for Intermediate/Advanced: Tapes I and II, in which the rhythms are played fancier and faster.” 

Moving on to the CDs of the Intermediate/Advanced level, there’s a marked difference in the tempo of each rhythm … instead of the steady, almost hypnotic beat of, e.g., the Ayyoub, we hear some wonderful upbeat variations that are very danceable in themselves!  The rhythms are still very easy to follow (especially if we’ve put in our time in the Beginner series) but offer so many more variations it really gives us something to work toward! 

The Intermediate/Advanced series presents the same tempos that we learned before (with a few additional rhythms) but really emphasizes what we can do with some more practice!  For anyone that has trouble recognizing a “fancy” rhythm, this progression from the Beginner to Advanced series is an excellent way to follow along and learn to distinguish these rhythms when we listen to music.  Once again, this part of the series is not only good for beginners who want to advance past basic rhythms, but would also be beneficial to more advanced dancers and drummers who want to enhance their percussion skills. 

Whether you’re new to these basic rhythms or whether you’re an experienced percussionist or dancer who is looking for a valuable resource of rhythms, the Middle Eastern Rhythms Series is for you! The CDs are very clear and easy to follow and the booklets are really helpful in terms of musical notation and visual aids.  Mary Ellen Donald has 35 years of experience in percussion and this is our chance to study with a master! 

This review appeared in the January/February 2005 issue of Zaghareet Magazine

Taken from author's website

Practice Music For Drummers and Dancers Vol 1 by Mary Ellen Donald
(1979; remastered 1999; disc released 2005)

Mary Ellen Donald: percussion
George Mundy: Oud (Middle Eastern lute) and Nay (cane flute)

On these CD's each rhythm is played for approximately 18 minutes, 10 minutes with Oud and doumbek, four with Oud and tambourine, and four with just the Oud.  The latter section challenges the percussionists with the task of fitting her or his rhythm into the melody without the support of Mary Ellen playing drums in the background.  This skill is certainly necessary when one is playing live with musicians.

These moderate tempo musical segments that are included on the CD's are excellent for practicing cymbals, doumbek, tambourine, tar, and dance.

Names of the melodies and rhythms are listed.

Volume I includes:
Disc 1
"Walking" Maqsoum
Bolero
Ayyoub

Disc 2
Ayyoub (cont'd)
Karsilamas
Chiftetelli  

Practice Music For Drummers and Dancers Vol 2

by Mary Ellen Donald

Disc 1
Masmoudi
"Fast" Chiftetelli
Serto
Saudi rhythms

Disc 2
Saudi (cont'd)
Arabic Routine
Turkish Routine
and two full length dance routines. 

CD1 Explanation of the rhythms

1 • 2 • 3 Masmudi Saghir
4 Masmudi Kabir
7•8 Maqsum Saghir
9•10 Maqsum Kabir
11 Maqsum Saghir y Kabir 1
12•13•14 Saidi 1
15•16•17 Karatchi 1
18•19 Chifteteli  
20•21•22 Sumbati
23•24•25 Fallahi
26•27•28 Malfuf
29•30•31 Ayub  
32•33•34 Samai

CD2  Games rhythms and the introduction of new rhythms

1 Masmudi Saghir
2 Masmudi Kabir
3 Maqsum Saghir
4 Maqsum Saghir  
5 Saidi
6 Karatchi
7 Chifteteli
8 Sumbati
9 Fallahi  
10 Malfuf
11 Ayub  or Zaar
12 Samai
13 Jaligui
14 Wahda Kabira
15 Zaffa
16 Zaffa

FFI see author's website - Click

This disc, follows on from " Darbuka 1"  and brings looks at new rhythms Nawajt as Al-Arab Al-Masri, Hindi Dawer, Samai Darey, Aqsaq (Al-Efrany), Al Bambi, Samai Thaquil, Al - Azarafat, Al-Al-Mudawar Masra, Al-Muhagar, Mujammas Al-Al . In addition, there are 3 drum solos.

All in an informative booklet where you can read and follow the rhythm with the drummer's voice, or playing with the rhythm track alone. Ideal for both amateurs and professionals, Arabic dance and music they want to expand their knowledge of Arabic rhythms.

FFI see author's website - Click

1.Maksum A 2.Maksum B 3.Baladi A 4.Baladi B 5.Baladi C 6.Saidi A 7.Saidi B 8.Saidic 9.Tabl A 10.Tabl B 11.Malfuf A 12.Malfuf B 13.Masmudi 14.Mosalas 15.Mosalas Iraqi 16.Hajja 17.Rumba Masri 18.Combinacion Maqsum Masmudi 19.Combinacion Mosalas Baladi

1.Tawil 2.Wahda Kabir 3.Maksum Saire 4.Fallahi 5.Conga Masri 6.Bambi 7.Chifteteli 8.Gandara 9.Samai Samai Thaquil 10.Vals Samari Darigh 11.Ogrog 12.Mugrabi 13.Saudi A 14.Saudi B 15.Sherk 16.Karachi 17.Combinacion Tawil- Saidi 18.Combinacion Conga-Falahi 19.Combinacion Gandara-Maksum Sarie

This album offers an illustration of popular rhythms from Arabic music by Master percussionist Souhail Kaspar with guest artist Dr. A.J. Racy. Featuring nineteen exquisitely executed rhythms with improvisation on traditional melodic Arabic instruments by Racy. Listeners will learn to recognize rhythms known throughout the Arab world, including: Maqsum, Conga, Baladi, Çiftetelli, Masmudi (cabaret and classical), Wahda wa Nisf, Ayyub, Fallahi, Maghrebi, Malfuf, Khaliji, Saiddi, and many more

Vol 1: The Henkesh Brothers - For 30 years these brothers have reigned supreme as drummers for Egypt’s superstars. They have accompanied Mona Said, Nelly Fouad, Shoo Shoo Amin, Sahar Hamdi, Ida Nour, Nadia Fouad and Lucy. They have played for singers Ahmad Adawia, Amr Diab and Fatma Eid, to name a few, and have participated in Raqia Hassan’s Ahlan wa Sahlan Festival several years in a row.
* Over 60 minutes of drum solos - for all levels and styles of Middle Eastern Dance:
* 10 performance solos - each between 3 and 5 minutes long
* 1 live performance by Khamis Henkesh and the Hanakeesh
* 1 instructional track with the basic rhythms
* 6 practice solos for drilling
The CD also contains a 36 page colour booklet with articles about Middle Eastern percussive instruments, the basic rhythms, dancing to a dancing to a drum solo and shimmy technique.

TRACKS
Maqsoum Ramadan Henkesh
Maqsoum Qaid (slow) Reda Henkesh
Maqsoum Sareea (fast) Ramadan Henkesh
Maqsoum Shaabi Reda Henkesh
Malfouf Ramadan Henkesh
Saidi Qaid (slow) Ramadan Henkesh
Sinbati Ramadan Henkesh
Maghrabi Reda Henkesh
Nubi Reda Henkesh
Zuffa Ramadan Henkesh
Khamis Hanakeesh live Khamis Henkesh
Hassan’s finale short
Rhythm explanation Reda and Ramadan Henkesh
Rhumba drill Reda Henkesh
Nubi drill Reda Henkesh
Samba drill Reda Henkesh
Khaligi drill Reda Henkesh
Libi drill Ramadan Henkesh
Tunisi Shaabi drill Reda Henkesh
Hassan’s finale complete

Middle Eastern Drum Rhythms CD, by Frank Lazzaro. This instructional CD is designed to give drumming and dance students experience with Middle-Eastern Rhythms. It is an easy to follow format that aids the student in learning the beat. Includes Beledi, Maqsoum, Ayyub, Malfuf, Saidi, Chiftetelli, Masmoudi, Bolero, Persian 6/8, Turkish 7/8, Karsilama 9/8 and Drum Solo.

Solace - Rhythm of Dance  - Tribal, Rhythms

"This CD provides an exciting palette of tribal rhythms enhanced with a myriad of percussive instruments, each piece containing enough playful accents for the advanced dancer to keep an audience intrigued, yet clear and uncomplicated enough to act as a rhythm study for the beginner/intermediate dance." --Krisha Kazimira

The inside of the CD cover has notation of different rhythms and how the pattern played on the drum compares to that played on zills. Notated rhythms include: Beledi, Chifte-telli, Masmoudi, Saidi, Karshilama, Ayyub, Moroccan 6/8, Shoush, and Laz 7/8

Track listing:-

1. Beledi (4/4)
2. Chite Telli (8/4)
3. Masmoudi (8/4)
4. Beledi (4/4)
5. Saidi (4/4)
6. Kashlima (9/8)
7. Zar Dance (2/4)
8. Sword Dance (Routine)
9. Morroccan (6/8)
10. Shoush (5/8)
11. Laz (7/8)

Remixed and re-mastered with three bonus tracks. Studio recording of 12 rhythms - Chiftitelli, Malfoof, Masmoodi, Beledi (2 versions), Ayoub, Bolero, Saiddi, 6/8, Maksoum, Karachi, Karsilama
 

1. How Much Henkish? (Tribute to Khamis Henkish)   2. Saiidi   3. El Vox   4. El Vals   5. Maqsoum   6. Masmoudi Kebir 3 Dums   7. Masmoudi Kebir 2 Dums   8. Rossam Hamzy (Tribute to Hossam Ramzy)   9. Masmoudi Sogheir   10. Fallahi   11. Wahda Saghiir   12. Malfuf   13. Wahda Kebira   14. Sombati/Ciftetelli   15. Ayoub (aka. Zar)   16. Ala Minyawi (Tribute to Ibrahim El Minyawi)   17. Zaffa 1   18. El Zaffa 2   19. Jerky   20. Samba Masri   21. Samaii Sakhil   22. Dor Hindi   23. El Zarafat   24. Muhajar   25. The Final Countdown (Darabuka - Riq Duet)   26. Darig   27. Karatchi   28. Khaligy   29. Karshlama

Doumbek Instruction, Rhythm Rides CD by Billy Woods & David Korup.

Hand drumming fundamentals and step by step, play along directions to Mideastern rhythms. Includes the following: Baladi, Masmoudi, Bolero, Serto, Kashlimar, and more.

01. Balady 02. Wahde 03. Saidi 04. Maksoum 05. Balady/Maksoum 06. Masmoudi 1   07. Masmoudi 2     
08. Malfuf/Karachi 09. Ayoub 10. Solo Pattern   11. Drum solo 1  12. Drum solo 2

In addition Sonya includes a booklet giving suggestions to which dance movements can be practiced to the respective rhythms.

Schätze des Orients - Milad Bachir

This dynamic CD presents seven different Arabic rhythms: "Karadschi", "Qataqofti", "Schobi", "Samaei", "Wahde", "Chiftetelli" and "Hadscha". Each piece on the CD is initially played just as plain rhythm. Then on the next track the rhythm is played with accompanying music. This CD features 17 pieces of music and includes 3 drum solos: "Orientalischer Tanz", "Schätze des Orients" and "Trommel solo Milad". Approximate playing time is 58 minutes.

Tabla - Milad Bachir

Seven different rhythms are presented with follow-up examples of selections featuring each rhythm. The instrumentals are classically rich in Egyptian traditional styling. Any one of the 7 songs are definitely performance worthy. There is a bonus tabla solo on track 15. Tracks: Laff, A'nin Betriff, Ayoub, Zenat, Saudi, Abaad(Lela-Lela), Saidi, Ala Hesbie Oudad, Maqsum, Surur, Masmudi Sagir, Tallaet Ya Machla Nurha, Masmudi Kabir, Hassan, Solo Tabla
Approximate playing time is 48 minutes.

Lars Buka - Nesr Kujahn. 

Nesr Kujahn began his career as a drummer of Rock and Fusion groups during the late 70‘s. Since that time he went through Gypsy-music from Balkan and Turkey – and met the Darbuka in 1980. In the mid 80’s he had visit Cairo the first time in order to find out more about the Darbuka, which is also known as tabla. He met Prf. Mahmoud Hamoda, an old distinguished master of Arabian tabla. He taught Nesr Kujahn the way of playing tabla with soft and very classical but sovereign technique.

1 Stambulusul 3:37
2 Req-Solo 1:54
3 Yallah Bina 3:40
4 Tabla to Mahmoud 2:07
5 Alatool 3:47
6 Bukra 3:28
7 Badeen 3:39
8 1001 Night-Alf Leyl I Leyl 6:16
9 Masmudi 2:22
10 Maksum 2:04
11 Fallahi 2:55
12 Wahda 3:14
13 Melfur 1:35
14 Zaidi 1:19
15 Sambarab 3:15
16 Zafar 3:13
17 Semai Thaqiil 2:15
18 Ragah 2:33
19 Nahr 2:44
20 Tunsi 2:57
21 Mohammadi 2:37
22 El Masrih 2:32
23 Mdawr 2:38
24 Mugammal 2:30

Learn the classical drum rhythms of the classic music of Oum Kalsoum, Abdel Halim Hafez and more. Gabby has created this CD to help drummers begin to understand the powerful and subtle intricacies of Egyptian classical rhythms.  The clear sound and clear instruction is a must have.  Drummers will start with clear basic instruction on technique for getting the sound first with one hand and them both. Rhythms are played first very slowly and extremely clear.  His assistant, Amara, narrates for clarity for English speaking aficionados.

Gabby has played for dancers of New York, California, Egypt, Syria and more. He advocates that the drummer gives power to the dancer and the dancer must fully understand the rhythms.....as if the dancer plays the rhythms with their hips, feet and every move. This CD will be a treasure for dancers.  It will greatly enhance their understanding of the rhythms.  The second half of each rhythm track has a very slow version, a faster version of each rhythm, and then a clear sample of the rhythm played in an excerpt of classical music. It is a great teacher aid.

Rhythms include: Foxtrot, Waltz, Karachi, Maqsoum, Baladi, Chiftitelli, Ayoub, Hosha, Masmoudi and Wahid Kabira

Full Circle Drums Instructional Doumbek CD

Audio instruction CD and booklet was created to teach a simple way to learn to play the Middle-Eastern doumbek. We start by teaching the proper way to hold your drum and the three basic sounds of the doumbek. Photo illustrations show each hand position. The CD also includes seven different Middle Eastern rhythms--each one starts slowly in its simplest form so you have time to practice. Next we teach you how to enhance the rhythm with embellishments.

WEBSITE

On this hand drum CD, T. Roy clearly demonstrates how to play 30 of the most popular Middle Eastern Rhythms used in music and dance today. His "say it / play it" approach makes learning these ancient rhythms simple and fun. Included in the inset of this CD are the written and spoken phrases for each rhythm. The "cheat-sheet" inset, depicting each rhythm in plain-sentence, spoken verse (not musical notation or some strange code), along with the spoken-word only track of ALL the rhythms (for ease of memorization in the car etc.), are by themselves worth the price of this CD.

Zar Drum Rhythm (2 beat)
Ayoob Drum Rhythm (2 beat)
Saudi Drum Rhythm (2 beat)
Felahin Drum Rhythm (2 beat)
Malfoof Drum Rhythm (2 beat)
Karachi Drum Rhythm (2 beat)
Maksoom Drum Rhythm (4 beat)
Sahidi Drum Rhythm (4 beat)
Nawari Drum Rhythm (4 beat)
Wahida Drum Rhythm (4 beat)
Beledi Drum Rhythm (4 beat)
Bolero Drum Rhythm (4 beat)
Chiftitelli Drum Rhythm #1 (8 beat)
Chiftitelli Drum Rhythm #2 (8 beat)
Masmoodi Drum Rhythm #1 (8 beat)
Masmoodi Drum Rhythm #2 (8 beat)
Elzafa Drum Rhythm #1 (8 beat)
Elzafa Drum Rhythm #2 (8 beat)
Egyptian 3 Drum Rhythm (3 beat)
Darag Drum Rhythm (3 beat)
Tzamiko Drum Rhythm (3 beat)
Shish Hasht Drum Rhythm (6 beat)
Zebula Drum Rhythm (6 beat)
Moraccan 6 Drum Rhythm (6 beat)
Turkish 5 Drum Rhythm (5 beat)
Armenian 10 Drum Rhythm (10 beat)
Leznoto Drum Rhythm (7 beat)
Rachinitza Drum Rhythm (7 beat)
Karislama Drum Rhythm (9 beat)
Ziembeikiko Drum Rhythm (9 beat)

RHYTHMIC COMPOSITIONS

Click on the image to enlarge picture.

The first album from Salamat main man Mahmoud Fadl and his Drummers of the Nile project sets out from the Cairo backstreets on an expedition to the source. Following the rhythms and the river south into the heart of the Nubian countryside, dropping in at Nubian weddings and hearing the fellah tribal singing and going beyond to Sudan, celebrating the affinity of the rhythms of the region. Join Mahmoud Fadl on a percussion adventure along the mighty Nile. From city to village, then and now, the beat goes on!

1 Maqsoum
2 Darig Masri
3 Hagala
4 Falahi
5 Halawa Ya
6 Mardoum
7 Saira
8 Shaygiya
9 Dishka
10 Karachi
11 Wahda
12 Aament Bellah
13 Koumbakash
14 Kiechade
15 Kaff (Ollin Aragid)
16 Saidi Queen

TRIBAL DANCE by HELM AND F.C.B.D.

Take a rhythmic journey through North Africa and the Middle East as FatChanceBellyDance and Helm, in a meeting of the tribes, release music previously available only on cassette or videotape.

FCBD’s Music for Tribal Basics has been the standard for entry into the world of Tribal Belly Dance. The straightforward presentation and steady phrasing in a variety of tempos have made it an essential tool for teaching, practicing, and group improvisation.


In Music of the Hahbi ‘Ru, Helm’s principle percussionists, Mark Bell and Frank Aviles, weave an intricate web. The layering of lyrical improvisations on traditional Arabic rhythms gives tribal-style dancers the freedom of creativity critical to this style of dance.

1. Yalla Al-Nahr
2. Sout With Spice
3. Hosanni Oo
4. Il Hawa Ghallab
5. Raqs Tabla
6. Sema'i Truckin'
7. Sout Unplugged
8. Ciftetelli Unplugged
9. Karachi Unplugged
10. Amel
11. Karachi Cruisin'
12. Maleh U Filfil
13. Baladi Unplugged
14. Farasha
15. Trippin' on Istiklal
16. Sema'i Unplugged

Website

Website

Middle-Eastern Tabla And Percussion By Gamal Goma, Leading Egyptian Percussionist. Gamal's Dynamic And Creative Performance Brings Forth A New Advancement In The World Of Belly Dance.

Sahra Saidi (Saidi) 4:45
Cycle Of Life (Malfoof) 4:37
Mouhammad Ali Street (Maqsum) 6:10
Zaar (Ayyoub) 4:28
Khaliji Hafla (Khaliji) 5:13
Harvest's End (Fallahi) 4:07
Samaiyat (Various Rhythms)

One of the foremost Middle Eastern percussionists, Gamal Goma’s unique style and flavour has become a sensation in the percussion and bellydance world. With the continued success of his hit record Shake Me Ya Gamal, Gamal presents 15 new drum solos inspired by the vast variety of Middle Eastern rhythms from various countries, such as Egypt, Iraq, Morocco and Saudi Arabia.

Tracks
1. Gabet Al Nour; 3:19 (Maksum/Shobi/Maksum)
2. Bent Al Baghdad; 3:16 (Shobi/Malfoof/Shobi)
3. Dih Oo Bass; 2:41 (Karachi)
4. Rannet Al Sagat; 3:15 (Maksum/Masmudi Kibir0
5. Kawkab Maksum; 2:20 (1½)
6. Min Zamalik; 2:59 (Semai Takil/Malfoo)
7. Gild Al Samak; 2:40 (Sumbati/Saudi/Ayyoub)
8. Fadl Al Tabba;l 3:10 6/8 / (Darj/Hajjah)
9. Banat Karioka; 2:56 (Maksum/Shobi/Maksum)
10. Solo Gamalat; 3:57 (Fallahi/Masmudi Baladi)
11. Souk Al Hrra 3:00 (Karachi)
12. Kooloo Gamal; 2:20 (Wahde Sumbati/Fallahi)
13. Kashmir Baba; 3:28 (Rumba)
14. Jari Hammouda/Barsha; 2:37 (Traditional Song)
15. Koktel Iskandarani; 2:15 (Saraban/Bambi/Maksum)  

Beat Bazaar is a collaboration of the worlds finest tabla professionals presenting the art of Arabian percussion. the featured drummers are : Gamal Goma, Sayed Madbouli, Eddie Kochak, Hamdi Al-Khayyat, Kamis Henkish, Seyyid El Masri, Mohamed Bakkar, Sayiid Rakak, Ahmad Al-Tabbal.

Tracks:
1. ZAWWARIN- Maqsum Variation; 3:50
2. KHAN BOUSIYYE- Semai Khafife Maqsum; 3:06
3. JINA JINA- Rumba Maqsum; 2:31
4. AL RIGGALA- Fellahi Variation; 3:36
5. JIL AL HADIS- Saidi Variation; 3:26
6. HAJ KHALED- Maqsum Variation; 2:37
7. GAMALAT- Maqsum Variation; 3:49
8. FISDO ABID- Maqsum Variation; 4:14
9. SHABAB HARETNA- Saidi Fallahi Variation; 2:32
10. ASABIAL BOBBO- Maqsum Saidi Variation; 3:04
11. ZAWAR ISTAMBOUL- Malfoof 4/4 Variation; 3:19
12. HAFFARIN- Fallahi 3/4 Variation; 3:17
13. AYAOUN BAKKAR- Maqsum 3/4 Variation; 2:33
14. SHEIK KOCHAK- Maqsum 5/4 Variation; 3:27
15. EDI SAHRAN- Ayoub/Walse Variation; 2:45
16. DARBUKKA ZAR- 2/4 Variation; 3:18
17. TAH AL KHAYME- Maqsum Dom-Nein Variation; 3:01
18. AHMED MSAFIR- Semai Takil Variation; 2:16 

The art of Middle-Eastern percussion presented in a collaboration of Egyptian, Lebanese, Syrian, and Iraqi drummers Fathi Amin, Ahmad Al Masri, Hani Samir, Amir Nabil, Magdi Mshmosh, Mhamma Johari, Haysam, Safad Sroor, Hsen Zahhar, Jamale Shamia, Mahmoud Hashash, Nigm Hanafi, & Kazim Al Iraqi.

1 Tabla Competition (3:10) Freestyle Finger Rolls/Malfoof
2 I Salute the Rakasa (3:04) Fallahi/Maqsum/Maqsum Finger Rolls
3 Everyone Gather Around (3:06) Masmudi/Freestyle Maqsum/Africi
4 Boy's Stick Dance (4:39) Malfoof/Saidi/Maghrebi/Ingrara Fallahi
5 Let Me Shake You (5:30) Tafsil/Maqsum/Taksim/Saidi
6 Bedouin's Steps (3:22) Maqsum Finger Rolls
7 Awaken the Horsemen (3:54) Improvisation/Maqsum/Rhythm Moorakkab/Freestyle Doom-Tak
8 Shepherd's Dabke (4:01) Maqsum Variation
9 Dance of the Horse (3:10) Variation
10 The Hidden Art (3:01) Baladi, Fallahi, Fallahi Finger Rolls

Middle-Eastern Tabla And Various Percussion From Egypt, Lebanon, And Syria Featuring: Sayyed El-Artist, Magdi Mshmosh, Gamal Goma, Mhamma Johari, Mouhammad Al, Haysam, Safad Sroor, & Hsen Zahhar.

1 Magical Fingers (6:51) Maqsum Fast/Zeffa/Masmoodi Masri/Zeffa/Maqsum Fast
2 Zakkara One (3:58) Saidi Slow/Zaffa Masri Fast/Maqsum/Fallahi/Maqsum/Fallahi
3 Bedouin's Passion (3:00) Wahda Kebeera/Maqsum (One Doom)/Fallahi
4 Raks Ayyoub (5:13) 4/4 Variation/Modern/Maqsum/Fallahi/Semai
5 Source Dance (3:54) Saidi/Malfuf/Saidi/Saidi Slow/Fallahi/Fallahi Fast
6 The Tabla Maker (6:24) Hazaa Turki/Daggat Turki/Masmudi Andalusi/Maqsum/Turki/Saidi/Fallahi/ 3/4
7 Fallahin's Dance (6:10) Semai, Saidi, Fellahi
8 Tabla Demonstration (6:32) Basic Khaliji/Maqsum/Ayyoub/Ayyoub & Karrachi/Semai/Tarakwa/Zeffa/Maqsum Fast/Semai Heavy/Saidi

Masters of Arabian Percussion

For the first time ever, the Masters of Arabian Percussion presented on one album. Experience the thrill of the Tabla (also known as Dumbek) in the hands of renowned artists from various countries including Egypt and Lebanon. These dynamic pieces represent the skills of the artists, complexity of the rhythms and are essential for familiarizing one’s self with Arabian percussion.

Tracks:
1. Gamal Goma: Drum in, Drum out; 4:39
2. Setrak Sarkissian: The Grand Bazaar; 3:46
3. Issam Houshan: Drum Language; 4:08
4. Susu Pampanin: Aswan Drum Trance; 3:25
5. Ali Darwish: Drum On; 2:54
6. Reda Darwish: Sultan's Delight; 4:03
7. Khamis Henkish: Henkish Ya Gadaa; 3:04
8. Sayed Madbouli: Tabla Maa Tabla; 4:18
9. Safad Srour: Raks Aswan; 5:08
10. Hamdi El Khayyat: Shake Time; 5:35
11. Fathi Gamar: Rannet Al Tabla; 4:44
12. Said El Artist: Magical Fingers; 4:44
13. Ahmad of Egypt: Everyone Gather Around; 3:07
14. Fathi Amin: Tabla of Said; 4:54
15. Amir Sofi: Nour Balady; 5:23

Born in 1950 in Egypt, and inspired to play music by his older brother Shams who entrusted his education to Master Composer, and
Musicologist, Fathy Gunayd; Adel Shams el Din abandoned his career as a mechanical engineer to become the world's premier master of the "Riqq" (Arabic tambourine). In Egypt he performed and collaborated extensively with the orchestra of the Radio of Alexandria, as well as
the University, and the Folkloric Dance Troupe of Alexandria.

Since moving to Paris in 1979, he has accompanied and toured with many of the greatest singers of the Arab world (W.El Safi, Hanni Shaker, Sr. M.Keyrouz), as well as widening his studies of rhythm in playing flamenco, jazz; and European classical, traditional, and medieval music. He has accompanied many international artists (Jean-Michel Jarre, Michel Sanchez, Zakir Hussein, Renaud-Garcia Fons); and performs with a myriad of Middle-Eastern ensembles, one of the most renowned being Ensemble Al-Kindi of which he is a founding memeber and whose performances are host to some of the greatest singers and soloists in the Arab world today (H.Shakkur, H.El Azami, L.Bouchnaq, Sabri El-Moudallal, Omar Sarmini). He has more than 40 CDs to his credit, and has performed on dozens of film scores, and in hundreds of festivals throughout the world. His solo CD, "Forty Rhythms of the Middle East"; as well as being a valuable resource of rhythmic cycles; is the first CD of it's kind to teach the structure and "science" of Middle-Eastern rhythms.  

A celebration, a fireworks of Egyptian rhythm and percussion! Powerful, exhilarating, with lots of groove and drive! Hossam Ramzy presents Egyptian rhythms like they have never been played before: thirteen new compositions of Tabla and percussion solos for belly Dance!

Covering a wide range of rhythms from Egypt, the Middle East, all the way across to Morocco with new rhythms created by Hossam for the Egyptian dance.

The booklet contains explanations for each of the solos with rhythms, time signatures, numbers of bars, etc. for dancers. These are THE standard for Egyptian percussion!

"Rhythmic illusions unveiled" - Brand new rhythmic compositions of Egyptian tabla solos with full percussion arrangements for Oriental dance, spanning a wide array of Egyptian and Middle Eastern rhythms.

Explanations to each of the pieces in four languages, with rhythms, numbers of bars, notation etc. perfect for creating beautiful dance choreographies.

Al Ra'Kasa We Tabbal is a CD with amazing Drum Solos released in 2000. This CD has the most used Drum Solos in the World of Oriental Dance - Live Solos by Tablah Virtuoso , Jamal Zraika. It has now been Re-Released by popular Demand with 2 new Drum Solos .

A Compilation Of Middle-Eastern Percussion Performed On Tabla, Def, & More - Drum solos of various styles

Habibi Inta
Baladi Malfuf
Gana El Hawa
Falahi
Saudi
Leh Tichqui
3 Ritmos Baladi, Falahi Malfuf
Finale

1. Drum Solo 
2. Taqseem 
3. Tabla 
4. Taqseem 
5. Drum Solo 
6. Taqseem 
7. Drum Solo 
8. Taqseem Oud 
9. Tabla 
10. Taqseem 
11. Drum Solo 
12. Taqseem 
13. Tabla 
14. Taqseem Organ 
15. Drum 

Drum Attack by Tony Chamoun

"Drum Attack is the latest exciting release of Lebanese drummer Tony Chamoun of Boston. The selections are dedicated to many professional dancers in the Boston area for whom Tony has played in his career offering a great variety and mixture of dynamic rhythms that will appeal to the student, teacher and professional dancer. Tony is from a celebrated musical family from Lebanon and his father is the famous recorded Lebanese singer, George Chamoun who saw to it that Tony learned to play the tabla as early as he learned to walk. Growing up in a musical household, Tony was exposed to many great drummers in the past and learned from them including Lebanon and Boston’s late Ibrahim Maalouf"

Website

Some great Drum Solos here, inspired by the Canadian dancer, Yasmina Ramzy. This would be equally useful to help polish up your drummer's Tabla skills.

Features the legend Setrak Sarkisson.

This recording is of high interest for belly dancers since they will find all the different styles of Middle Eastern dances. The acoustic percussion instruments used on this recording are: darbuka, toura, saggat, djembe, req, dohola, campana, helba and bendir.

1. Falahi 2. Maggala 3. Saidi 4. Chifteteli 5. Solo Atef 6. Ayoub 7. Masmoudi 8. Nuba 9. Khaligi 10. Doholla 11. Dialogo entre Doholla & Djembe 12. Solo Req 13. Masmoudi 2 14. Solo Bendir

Iraqi Rhythms by Garsaaidi

Tim Garside is British and is a very accomplished and knowledgeable player with a high level of experience : touring with Hossam Ramzy's band as well as Natacha Atlas and Transglobal Underground. Very difficult to find his releases but always worth the effort - here 13 different Iraqi rhythms are played as compositions using Kishba, Mirwas, Darabouka, Req, Tabl, Douf and Tasfiq ( Rhythmic Handclapping ). Unfortunately there is no information apart from each track/rhythm name and list of instruments used. Its one to sit back and enjoy the distinct sound of Iraqi percussion although it is not too complicated to work out some of the rhythms but where are you going to find a Kishba or Mirwas to produce those distinctive sounds ? Very rare opportunity to hear Iraqi drums and rhythms on their own. 

Available from HILARY'S BAZAAR ( click )

Leila Haddad Presents Wonderful Quality Recordings of Tunisian Rhythms

1. Khamsa (Halla) (5:09)
2. Halfaouine (Ghita) (5:27)
3. Ajjebine Assaba (Jerbi) (5:21)
4. Cafe Chanta (Bougui Bougui) (5:25)
5. Nawar El Leil (Allaji) (5:29)
6. Ya Lalla (Bou Siga) (5:33)
7. Yamma Ya Ghila (Mrabaa Bedoui) (5:39)
8. Sidi Mahrez (Mhawchi) (5:23)
9. Liffi (Fazzani Arbi Or Bedoui) (5:04)
10. Bab Souika (Souga) (5:30)
11. Tir El Hamam (Bou Nawara Agrebi) (5:25)
12. El Fal Wal Yasmine (Fazzani Or Beldi) (5:10)

Rhythmic Journey by Suhaila Salimpour presents Ziad

Born In Lebanon, Ziad was raised in a musical family and he became fascinated with drums at a very early age. By age 12, Ziad was performing for concerts of 1500 and became known as the 'miracle drummer'.
Ziad and Suhaila first worked together in 1990 which led to a series of collaberations from stage to studio.

'Freedom' the first piece, tells the story of evil against good with strong thunderous percussion giving way to tranquil peace. In the second piece, Suhaila with her finger cymbals do battle with Ziad's drumming, matching beat for beat in an exciting duet.In 'Wild Winds' the rhythms echo sounds of thousands of years in the mysterious Middle-Eastern deserts.

Hot new release from Suhaila Productions, LLC with master drummer Ziad. Repercussion was designed with drum solos ranging between 1 1/2 minutes to 10 minutes to give variety to dancing options. Full of syncopation, energy, power and excitement each drum solo is a dynamic rhythmic composition. Plus a 2 bonus improvised finger cymbal duets with Suhaila and Jamila Salimpour.

Fate by Suhaila Salimpour presents Susu 

Susu Pampanin is a master of all types of percussion instruments and styles of music; and her incredible talent is especially evident in her work in Middle Eastern drumming. Susu is well known for her virtuosity in Arabic drumming and is one of the few female Middle Eastern drummers highly respected by the Arabic professional music community. Additionally, she is proficient in Salsa, Latin, African and many other types of fusion and individual composition of drum styles.

Susu's talent and passion for percussion rhythm has enabled her to fuse traditional and contemporary Arabic sounds and Belly dance rhythmic styles with both Latin beats and American pop elements to create her fresh innovative sounds.

Susu Pampanin grew up surrounded by the exotic rhythms of Middle-Eastern music, inspired to explore not only Arabic rhythms but eventually the percussion traditions of the world. In the 1980's she was leader of the band 'Cairo Cats' and performed regularly throughout the United States with many notable Middle-Eastern musicians. Susu is currently a member of the Suhaila Salimpour Band and the featured percussionist in the renowned Suhaila Dance Company.

Middle Eastern percussion, including tabla, def, tar, riq, dahola, bongos and cymbals. Tracks vary in length from 3min drum solos to 21min pieces.

A favourite among many dancers, this recording features hot drum solos & a full routine - A must have!

Daqat il Qalb / Egyptian Tablah Solo by Ibrahim El Minyawi and Son

Ibrahim El Minyawi was born in the Nile Valley in Upper Egypt. With his outstanding musical talent from an early age, particularly on the Tabla, it was inevitable that he would become a career musician. After working with a number of top orchestras, singers and dancers Ibrahim moved to London in 1980, performing in Arab nightclubs. In 1983 he met the noted Egyptian dancer and choreographer, Suraya Hilal, leading to a long term collaboration. Ibrahim is still a towering influence on the London scene, but finds time to travel and record with the Hilal Art Foundation.
Ibrahim's son, Ali, first appeared on stage in 1999, and he accompanies his father on this CD playing Doholla or Doff.

Daqat il Qalb 2 by Ibrahim El Minyawi and Son

Ibrahim El Minyawi is a charismatic musician, who can contend with heavyweights of the world´s percussion masters. He embodies the traditional earthbound rhythms of his Egyptian home like no other. His sensibility and his percussion technique have made him one of the undisputed virtuosos worldwide on his instrument, the tabla. For over 40 years, he has played in top venues throughout Europe and the Arabian world. Together with his son Ali El Minyawi, he creates new variations of century-old traditions without losing sight of his roots.

This CD comes with an outstanding 20 pages booklet with photos and historical documentation. Total playing time 50 mins

Produced by Emire Sounds in Cairo, Said el Artist's CD, the Belly Dancers Drummer presents nine pieces of classically arranged and rhythmically challenging Egyptian music. Devoid of the typically simplistic pop infusions, these pieces deliver a "pure" Egyptian sensibility with an acoustic feel. Compositions by Mohamad Ousfour are refreshingly classic in sound and include that subtlety in nuance often missing from the prevailing repertoire of Middle Eastern recordings. The belly dancers Drummer gives the professional dancer the opportunity once more to be introspective as well as festive. Indigenous sounds (song lyric by Hassan Abou Ousman) alternate with symphonic instrumentation provided by a complete string section and featured artists, Samy el Babl's haunting trumpet and Samir Sourour's lyrical saxophone. The fullness of the orchestral Arabic consonance interplays with more harmonically lean, but melodically vibrant, taksim segments of the mizmar and other solo instrumentation . The most impressive element of this CD is the outstanding percussive arrangement. With his traditional tabla expertise, fine rhythmic ear, and delicate -but-dynamic touch, Said el Artist, (tabla, riq and frame drum) is undoubtedly a fine virtuoso. The percussion constitute a dominant feature throughout all the compositions which obviously is fundamental for dancers and adds an earthy intensity to all the pieces. In addition to the highly sophisticated arrangements by Ibrahim el Radio, the musical production (Ray Rashid as Executive Producer) itself is excellent; the musical lines are superbly balanced. The range of genres from the more familiar sounding, "authentic" "Ya Ma Dalilouki" and "Music Hani" to the classic "Music Al Asfour" to Said el Artist's experimental tabla "Said Solo" makes the CD just as engaging for listening. All the instruments are acoustic and drums made of Clay and wood instead of the metal tablas and frame drums of today.

Powerful sound & intricate technique make Said El Artist Egypt’s most popular drummer. He has collaborated with Arab superstars such as Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Wadi Al Safi, Amr Diab, Warda, Hakim, Samira Said and others. The Egyptian Cultural Ministry recognized Said’s talent by awarding him the title “King of The Drum”. Spectacular Rhythms features exciting performances by Said El Artist and his Ensemble.

Unsurpassed technique and masterful musicality make Said El Artist an unparalleled tabla virtuoso. Considered a national treasure by his country, he was awarded the title “King of The Tabla” by the Egyptian Cultural Ministry. In this recording, Said presents his most dynamic and sharp drum solos for the discriminating listener or serious bellydancer.

Ruben van Rompaey - Eastern Expressions I

Imagine yourself in the streets of Istanbul, Egypt or India. Every alley, every corner vibrates rhythm; each down beat, a wave of water; each embellishment, a phrase of a sentence; each rhythm, a voice. Ruben creates a masterful dialogue between Turkish, Arabic, and Indian rhythms that dance beautifully in technique and style. This percussive masterpiece is driven by Ruben’s knowledge and passion for eastern rhythms blending all aspects of eastern culture. The rhythmic compositions are well executed and precise, giving the listener a wide variety of 'eastern expressions.'

Djehangir (Zeybek 9/4, Indian Shuffle)

Karavansaray (Aksak 9/8, 4/4)

Amaterasu (Goddess Of The Sun) (Malfuf, Indian Shuffle, Ayub)

Sun Dance (Saidi/Ciftetelli, Falahi)

Steps In The Desert (Aksak Semai 10/4, Yuruk Semai 6/4, 6/8)

Oasis (Maqsum, Wahde, Masmudi)

Hayati (7/8, Devri Turan 7/16)

Yeni Ufuklar (New Horizans) (Curcuna 10/16, Maqsum, Saiddi )

Ruben van Rompaey - Eastern Expressions II

Ruben van Rompaey - Eastern Expressions III

Mary Ellen Donald has recently re-issued these classic tracks from the Master of the 60's and 70's, Bert Baladine.

1. Treasures; 12:33
Complete Routine with Egyptian music especially designed for the creative dancer
2. Egyptian Drums; 5:33
Rhythms: Maqsoum, Haja, Karachi (Baladi 2/4, 3-3-2)
3. Samah Al Nobah; 3:58
Mizmar with rich percussion backup in Saiddi rhythm
4. Bert's Baladi; 6:27
Heavy percussion in Baladi with an exciting bass guitar solo
5. Desert Dance; 5:53
Lively village sounds in 6/8 and 2/4 rhythms with a sensuous Nay Taksim for the centre section
6. Samai Suite; 10:43
Slow hypnotic 10/4 (Samai), brisk 2/4 (Fallahi), Fast Chifte-telli, syncopated 4/4, and Baladi, featuring soloists Susu, David and Mary Ellen. 

On this unique Album, world percussionist & dumbek master R. A. Fish goes on a wild exploration of traditional Middle Eastern rhythms, improvisations & stunning ensemble performances that reach to the very core of the North African musical experience!  The dumbek, tar, & riq head a virtuosic line-up of musicians performing on Oud, Qanon, Saz, & Shenai. The Selections include all the signature rhythms used in Middle Eastern dance, with written notations provided!!  Celebrated frame drummer Randy Crafton joins on "Bendir" & the great Persian poet & Rumi scholar Sharam T. Shiva recites a profoundly moving allegorical in Farsi, accompanied by all the musicians!   Rhythmic Essence/Fish on the Desert is a master's tour of traditional & original North African music that is propelled by the driving beat of that region's small but powerful ancient drum the DOUMBEK.

Description: This is Mafufo's solo recording using traditional Middle Eastern rhythms; e.g. Shifty Chifty is a Chiftitelli, Mak Mak is a 6/8, Runaway Nines is a Karsilama. This is rhythm as music- music to dance to. The rhythms are listed next to the names of the compositions so they can be easily identified. Armando plays his extremely belly-danceable original pieces with doumbeks, defs, bendirs, bells, and a variety of unlikely percussion toys.

Description: Dancers and people who love Middle Eastern percussion, especially drum solos in cabaret and tribal style will undoubtedly love this album. The sounds you hear and feel in these original compositions are traditional Middle Eastern rhythms produced on doumbek, def, rik, sagat, dohol, tabl beledi, naqara, assorted metal sounds, hand claps, foot stomps and finger pops.

ARMANDO'S compositions were inspired by music played outdoors: around campfires, under shady trees, near oceans and rivers' edges; endless warm nights shared with many tribes playing music and belly-dancing till the dawn. Some of the instruments Armando plays on this new CD: arghool, bendir, doumbek, ney, santur, and riq.

Raquy and the Cavemen - "Naked" - 12 Middle-Eastern Drum Solos

1. Debke

2. Missr!

3. Riq Trio

4. Dalia (written for dancer Dalia Carella)

5. Duet for Shlum

6. Jehan (written for dancer Jehan)

7. Naked
8. Karsilama

9. Short Belly Dance Drum Solo

10. Yimsik Asess

11. Very Short Belly Dance Drum Solo

12. Kabuli

Raquy and the Cavemen - "Jordan"

Raquy and the Cavemen - "Dust"

1. Yietierre

2. Dust

3. Dumbek Duet

4. Kurdish

5. Tanan

6. Raquin

7. Riq Duet

8. Hafla

9. Axarai

10. Huseyni Saz Samai

Raquy Danziger  - "Masmudi"  

1. Traditional Turkish in Karsilama Rhythm

2. Gypsy jam - Traditional

3. Masmudi - Drum Solo

4. Raquy's 1st Composition (k.a. "Raquin")

5. Traditional Turkish in Laaz Rhythm

6. Bouquet by Master Mulazim Hussain (short version)

7. Duo Wedding Song by Neel Murgai

Middle Eastern Percussion by- Zarbang

Zarbang was created by leading Iranian percussionists Behnam Samani, Morteza Ayan and Siavash Yazdanifar in Germany with the double aim of introducing Iranian percussion instruments to international audiences and combining them with percussive and melodic instruments from other cultures.

Zarbang's strength lies in its ability to create a new sound by fusing instruments of various cultures while staying true to the essence and origin of each instrument. Their new sound entails the use of vocalization, melody and various effects in the context of percussion.

Zarbang's repertoire of composed pieces and structured improvisations are dynamic, meditative and internal on one hand and ecstatic and trance inducing on the other with the latter drawing upon Sufi and ancient Iranian rhythms where the daf plays a pivotal role in inducing trance states.

AMAYA- Moon Over Cairo: Amayaguena by Ibrahim el samahy with Hani Issa & Mohamed el Masry (Remastered and Rereleased)

Now digitally remastered from original recordings, Amaya's famous "Amayaguena"

Side 1 Amayagurena (Famous Spanish Flamenco piece for the Belly Dancer, Amaya)

1. Amavaguena 2:58
2. Malaguena moods 9:16
3. Finale 2:57

Section 2 Drrrrrrums (Slow Drums, perfect for the beginner) medley of Arabic rhythms group.
4. Fast Masmoudi 4/4 3:04
5. Fazzani 2/4 2:17
6. Saidi 4/4, slow Masmoudi 8/4, Saidi 4/4 3:28
7. Disco/Disco with Maksoum 4/4 3:43
8. Samai 10/8 2:42

Artists: Naqqara: Murat Denizkusu, darbuka, duholla, bongo,cajon; Attila Wiegand, duholla, bendir, ney; Matthias Bautz, riqq, kenar, duholla, darbuka, sagat, daire, ghatam, udukkai; Hazel Shereen Summers, mazhar, dendir; Salsabil: Ahmed Kadrim Rizeli, kemence rumi; Safinaz Rizeli, kanun; Ugur Isik, ud; Matthias Bautz, darbuka & riqq; Hamdi Demirici, vocal & bendir

 This CD contains ten complex rhythm compositions, which are based on a multitude of rare oriental rhythm cycles from different oriental music traditions. They are all played very virtuous by the rhythm ensemble NAQQARA on traditional percussion instruments.

In summer 1994 Sayed Balaha released his first album, entitled “The Devil and the Dancer”. This CD is dedicated to Mdm. Taheya Karioka, the famous dancer

Since his childhood, Sayed Balaha has known the diversity of Arabian rhythms. Popularized by the Cairo Radio, he accompanied nearly every one of Egypt's prominent oriental dancers for almost fifteen years on their tours at home and abroad. From 1977 until 1981 he worked in San Francisco for Farida Fahmy (the star dancer of the Reda Group).

In late 1999 Sayed went to Cairo and recorded this beautiful music with some of the best musicians of Egypt. This album is dedicated to all the oriental dancers he had the pleasure to work and perform with.

The virtuoso tabla drummer Sayed Balaha arranges with the blessed flamenco guitarist Georg Kempa into new horizons in music! With "Granada" Sayed Balaha clearly shows his versatile proficiency on his tabla.

Reda Darwish is one of the premier drummers in the San Francisco bay area where he has lived for 20 years. His music contains wonderful authentic rhythms and incorporates the old with the new. Many dancers use his music.

Reda is originally from Egypt He grew up in Cairo and Alexandria where the middle eastern rhythms flowed all around him. His older brother bought him his first drums at the age of 7. Reda received a lot of encouragement from his brother who told Reda that "he had hands of silk". when he played the drums. At the age of 9, Reda was performing on Egyptian TV. At the age of 13 he was playing in egyptian nightclubs at night and attending school during the day. At the ripe old age of 15, he quit the nightclub scene and began playing with one of the finest orchestra in the middle east. It was called Hani Mahana.

They toured Europe, the Gulf states and the Middle east. At that time thee also did a lot of studio recordings.

Beirut born Tony Anka studied Tabla at the Lebanese Conservatoire Nationale Superieure de Musique for eight years, where he went on to become a teacher.

World-class percussionist R.A. Fish explores a myriad of rhythms performed on the small but powerful ancient drum of the Middle East. An electrifying odyssey into the realm of world drumming that includes the fundamental rhythms for belly dancing. A truly phenomenal sounding, all-digital recording

Solo drum improvisation by Vince Delgado. Not for the faint-hearted! The world-class percussion master improvises all by himself on the Egyptian tabla (also known as darbukka, doumbek).
He began playing Middle Eastern music in 1961 with two of his best friends, `udist/singer Atoine Malouf, originally from Iraq. As a trio, they established the first Arabic night club in the Bay Area. Vince continued to perform in Arabic night clubs for 25 years, accompanying Fadil Shahin, George and Jad Elias, Azgar Azarvand, Ishmael, Richard Hagopian and many others.
One of Vince's greates involvements has been with the ensemble Jazayer, founded with Devi-ja Delgado Croll (his daughter) and Mimi Spencer. In existence for over 20 years, it has evolved from a belly dance accompaniment group to a polished ensemble capable of performing classical and urban music of the Arabic and Turkish world, as well as original and innovative music. Jazayer acquired a Greek persona as well, and plays for many Greek folk dance functions. Jazayer as presented concerts of classical Arabic music with Ali Jihad Racy, noted nay player and professor of ethnomusicology at UCLA, including Layali Saif, also with violinist Simon Shaheen.

TURKISH PERCUSSION

Click on the image to enlarge picture.

Ahmet Yıldırım started his music life playing a Turkish-style darbuka. He states that he was a fairly ordinary player before his travel to Egypt, to play with and learn from some of the best darbuka players; most of all "to find the meaning of his existence" and "to discover the rhythm". Yıldırım lived in the desert-bound valley of Cairo, during which he developed his unique technique, now known as the split-finger technique, which allows for very quick playing.

Yıldırım came to be known as "Mısırlı Ahmet" (Ahmet of Egypt) after his journey. He is called "Ahmed el Turkî" (Turkish Ahmet) in Egypt. He recorded the album Oriental and Percussion in Istanbul where he encountered more innovating techniques. His great sense of rhythm and his famous drum solos can now be heard on albums by various world-famous artists. He has represented Turkey at several percussion festivals, including in Tunis and in other Mediterranean countries.

LEVENT with his elder brother MISIRLI AHMET is the leader of a new generation of darbuka players in the world. This new generation is inspired both by the Egyptian or Turkish tradition and by the technique of great Indian tabla masters, like Alla Rakha or Zakir Hussain. Therefore, they operate a synthesis of the two techniques which enrich the possibilities to infinity. The ornamentations are traditionally played by one hand while the basic rhythms are played by the other hand, where as with this new technique, both hands are equal. Beyond technical performance and the virtuoso aspect, the music is never forgotten.

Another fine exponent of the Turkish Split - Finger technique.

A Turkish percussion group. The style is Middle East with a core of drums and some oriental instrumentals mixing in. The name means Yarkin Turkish rhythm group.

Master percussion collective Harem have been tearing up dance floors across the Middle East - a fusion of traditional Turkish split - finger technique and big techno beats.

A Collection of mainly previously released Turkish darbuka tracks.

ZILLS INSTRUCTION.

Click on the image to enlarge picture.

Zills and Drums - Thrilling, Chilling, Zilling  by Uncle Mafufo

Uncle Mafufo presents the zills as an important part of the Bellydancer's percussion knowledge: which rhythm to play with what, plus variations. Accompanied by tabla, defs, naqara, hand claps, and Tabl Beledi, Armando uses zills to demonstrate the rhythms.

Website

Whether you have recently decided to work on playing finger cymbals or have stacks of CDs/DVDs on the subject presently gathering dust, you will love this CD because…it’s fun. Ling Shien Bell’s perspective of being a musician, teacher and dancer, coupled with fully instrumented percussion tracks from Helm, make learning enjoyable. The variety of rhythms, as well as the different speeds, create an atmosphere that is additionally perfect for working on dance moves or practicing songs instrumentally if you wish. Perfect for both ATS and soloists.

The 24-page booklet contains explanations, with indications on how to step to these patterns, in English, French, Spanish, and Italian. Helm has included two musical pieces, Mon Amant de St. Jean and a traditional Afghan song which are examples of 3/4 and 6/8 rhythms.

Website

1. Egyptian rhythm drill
2. Egyptian rhythm drill
3. Egyptian rhythm drill
4. The Six Sounds
5. Sound Drills
6. The Numbers Game
7. Three Basic Rhythms
8. Number Combinations
9. Nursery Rhymes
10. Ghawazee Patterns
11. Sagat Solo field recording
12. Egyptian Drill without sagat
13. Egyptian Drill without sagat
14. Egyptian Drill without sagat
15. Specialty Rhythm Drill
16. Specialty Rhythm Drill
17. Specialty Rhythm Drill

Cymbals Speak Part 1 - Learn how to play Turkish / American finger cymbals from a master zillist. Artemis has been teaching and playing finger cymbals for over 35 years. The album contains a 36 page color booklet with tips and tricks to help every zillist, no matter what their level. The booklet is abundant with historical background, diagrams on how to play zills, practical drill exercises, a precise listing of the rhythms by "doom" and "teks" and a unique word pattern rhythm created by Artemis as a learning tool. Teachers and students can navigate to the instruction required by the track listing on the back book cover. Tracks are tied to book chapters and include musical theory explanation, patterns and rhythms, varied playing methods, Arabic and non-Arabic Rhythms, sound and pattern drills and more.

1. Zill Solo
2. Understanding Music Theory
3. 4 Useful Sounds
4. Zill Patterns and Rhythms
5. The 4 Ways to Play
6. Arabic Rhythms
7. Non-Arabic Rhythms
8. Romany 9/8
9. Karsilama
10. Ah Ya Zein - Zills versus Sagat
11. Turkish Spoons
12. Drills for Sounds
13. Drills for Patterns
14. Drill in 6/8
15. Zill solo with Words
16. Click Track - Slow
17. Click Track - Medium
18. Click Track - Fast

"Jamila Salimpour ~ Playing Finger Cymbals with Jamila", featuring techniques to simplify the process of learning how to play finger cymbals, enabling you to excel and astound audiences.  Well known for her finger cymbal agility, Jamila verbalizes twenty-four of her repertoire of patterns as she plays along with you.