Albums
In his first CD release for the ECM company, Nafas (1988), largely traditional Arabic elements are to the fore, although a combination of drums of different national origin signals the eclecticism to come. In Al-Jadida and Blue Camel (1992), the former with alto saxophonist Sonny Fortune and the latter with alto saxophonist Charlie Mariano and flugelhorn player Kenny Wheeler, Turkish influence comes to the fore, in the form of complex time signatures (like 11/4 for the composition "Sahara"). Classical Turkish metres like 10/8 (phrased as 3+2+2+3), are found widely in Abou-Khalil's opus ("Nightfall" on Between Dusk and Dawn, "Ziriab" on Blue Camel, "After Dinner" on Tarab, and "On a Bus " on Yara). In recent years mixtures of these metres have emerged, setting new standards in complexity while retaining freshness, wit and the jazz value of swing.
Nafas and Tarab make use of the ney, the Turkish end-blown flute. 1995's Arabian Waltz featured Abou-Khalil's compositions for string quartet (performed by the Balanescu Quartet), along with oud, tuba (or serpent), and frame drums.
Morton's Foot (2004) brings in Luciano Biondini on accordion and Sardinian singer Gavino Murgia whose bass vocals evoke Tibetan throat singing to create a bizarre, exotic blend of European and Eastern traditions.
Journey to the Centre of an Egg (2005) features a trio of oud, piano (Joachim Kühn, who doubles on alto saxophone) and drums.
In 2008, Abou-Khalil released an album entitled "Em Português" ("In Portuguese"), where he mixes Fado with Arabic music, with the participation of the fadista Ricardo Ribeiro.
Read more about this topic: Rabih Abou-Khalil