Gypsy Surf, a tidal wave of sound from the Black Sea to the Nile.

11 MP3 Songs
WORLD: Gypsy, ROCK: Surf Rock



Details:
Lamajamal (a palindrome derived from the Arabic word for beauty) bloomed out of the ethnically diverse music scene in Chicago. After meeting for late night jam sessions at a local music and bellydance studio, these musicians quickly realized an undeniable chemistry. With each member influenced by different musical traditions, they decided to form a group whose goal was to combine this wide variety of styles into their own unique expression.

On their new album âGypsy Surfâ, snaking melodies played on clarinet, oud, and dulcimer, groove along a wave of wild electric guitars and driving drums. Lamajamal takes the listener on a journey "surfing" through a variety of styles flowing from the Black Sea to the Nile, from dub to jazz, ancient to electronic. Captivating their audience with an edgy live performance, this versatile ensemble embodies a creative energy without borders.

Committed to a vocation as musical instructors and educators, Lamajamal attempts to create cultural awareness by presenting world-music education workshops to colleges, libraries and galleries in the United States and Europe. Group members are active in the local and international music scenes and have performed for various functions including the Chicago Jazz Fest, Warped Tour, Arabic Festival in Milwaukee, Chicago Arabesque Festival, Chicago Turkish Festival, Ashkenaz Festival in Toronto, the Conan O'Brian show, Chicago Cultural Center, Lollapalooza, and the Institute du Monde Arabe in Paris.