Beqaa Album NotesI wrote several of the works on this album after my first visit to Lebanon in 2009. Each of these are "impressions" of some of the experiences of that trip. 1. The Road to DamascusThis was inspired by the chaotic experience of driving to the Beqaa Valley from Beirut along the road to Damascus. Because of the events more recent in the Middle East than the time of relative calm in 2009, the title and the music of "The Road To Damascus" signify something entirely different to me. Dedicated to the Kawkabani Family of Aitenit, Beqaa Valley, Lebanon George Khouri - piano, oud (intro), Scott Chapek - bass, Jim Zimmerman - drums, Dave Ellis - tenor sax, Omar Abbad - oud, Vince Delgado - riqq 2. Mal's Moon This was a free improvisation I happened to record because I was testing the sound of a microphone for the piano. I had been thinking about a view of the moonlit Beqaa Valley from my grandparents' village. I added the blues section after and scored it for jazz quartet. George Khouri - piano, Scott Chapek - bass, Sly Randolph - drums, Dave Ellis - sax 3. Beqaa Some impressions of a north-to-south journey through the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon. Dedicated to the village of Aitenit, Beqaa Valley, Lebanon George Khouri - piano, Scott Chapek - bass, Bob Scott - drums, percussion Raul Ramirez, congas and other percussion, Omar Abbad - oud 4. Petals of a Rose A meditation on the beautiful souls of some cousins in Lebanon. Their mother's name was Rose - she was my grandfather's sister. Dedicated to the Richa Family of Aitenit, Beqaa Valley, Lebanon George Khouri, piano 5. Blue Saba Scott Chapek asked me to hold his bass for a few moments during a performance one evening. I improvised the opening bass line of the piece, then went home and wrote the melody on the oud. Blues in 7/4 meter. George Khouri - piano, oud, Scott Chapek - bass, J. Zimmerman - drums, Dave Ellis - sax 6. Little Sunflower (Freddie Hubbard) I arranged this piece for Sly Randolph George Khouri - piano, Scott Chapek - bass, Sly Randolph - drums 7. Beirut Blues (Harley White, George Khouri) Harley and I wrote this piece in 2003. Bob Scott added a great drum groove. This recording is a live rehearsal we happened to tape. Thinking back to the sounds drifting through an open apartment window on a hot, summer night in Beirut, I added the oud at the end. George Khouri - piano, oud, Harley White - bass, Bob Scott - drums Special thanks to all my friends on this recording, especially to Scott Chapek, for their great musicianship and for the generosity with their time to make this happen. Recorded and produced at Forrest Studios, June, 2016, by George Khouri Art, photo and design: Mary Fleming Dedicated to Mary Fleming |