Rabih Abou-Khalil in Basel

Rabih Abou-Khalil is a Lebanese oud player and composer, born in Beirut in 1957. His music uses Arabic maqam, Middle Eastern rhythmic cycles and jazz improvisation. He is known for albums including Blue Camel, Arabian Waltz, Yara and The Cactus of Knowledge. Rabih Abou-Khalil has led concert ensembles featuring saxophonist Charlie Mariano, tuba player Michel Godard and percussionist Jarrod Cagwin, all recurring collaborators in his recorded work. The expanded group heard on The Cactus of Knowledge was documented in concert at JazzFest Berlin.