Middle East Fiddler - ProfilesArchive

About Me

I am a professional violin/fiddle player. In 30 years of playing, I've explored many styles of music. My current passion is Arabic, Turkish and Armenian music; I make my living by playing in Jazz groups and Country groups around New York City, across the country and internationally. But, I'm continuing to school myself in the oriental styles of playing and hope to make a niche for myself in the Oriental Music community. My current teachers/mentors are Rachid Halihal, Youssef Kassab and Souren Baronian. I play in Rachid Halihal's Layali el Andalus Ensemble www.layalielandalus.com and also do my own shows around New York City featuring the violin in small groups with a variety of Middle Eastern musicians. I usually title those shows "Fiddling East Of The Mediterranean". The most consistent feedback I receive about my playing is that my presence on stage with any group raises the energy and the quality of the performance to higher level. I read music and have a thorough knowledge of music theory. However, my forte is jumping into situations where no parts are written for the violin and using my instrument and my energy to enhance the performance.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 08/11/2006
Influences: Mohammed Abdul Wahab; Um Kultum, Farid El Atrache, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Rachid Taha, Rahcid Halihal, Souren Baronian
Sounds Like: My playing in "Fiddling East Of The Mediterranean" is an energetic rendition of Arabic, Turkish, Middle Eastern and sometimes North African melodies. Great for listening to or Dancing. I range from the more tribal community dance melodies to the classical traditions of these regions.
Record Label: unsigned
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Fun Electronicy Persiany Middle Easty Music

I've got two cool shows this weekend with a band from San Francisco called Som'ma Dub Ensemble. I'll be guest violinist for their appearances in New York and Washington DC. In Som'...
Posted by on Tue, 05 Dec 2006 03:35:00 GMT

The MP3s Posted

Ane Fen Tetharak is me playing violin accompanied only by David Buchbut on Rik. We were waiting for Rachid and Uri to show up for our Layali el Andalus show at Barbes in Park Slope and filled in...
Posted by on Wed, 22 Nov 2006 14:26:00 GMT

Rachid Halihal in January

My teacher and friend, Rachid Halihal, www.rachidhalihalmusic.com, will be coming to New York for a couple of weeks in January. So, look for some shows to be posted soon. I'll be performin...
Posted by on Wed, 22 Nov 2006 14:22:00 GMT

Le Figaro Cafe

I'm excited about getting to play with Scott Wilson on Dec 3rd at Figaro. Both Scott and the shows at Figaro are icons in the New York Belly Dance and Belly Dance music scene - always exciting a...
Posted by on Wed, 22 Nov 2006 14:20:00 GMT

Tagine Shows

My show at Tagine coming up on Dec 2nd will be the 4th time back to Tagine with a trio. The first three gigs have been a lot of fun and some really good music.
Posted by on Wed, 22 Nov 2006 14:17:00 GMT