Tareq Abboushi

Abboushi has been playing the buzuq starting at the National Conservatory of Music in Ramallah, Palestine, and continuing in New York City. He also is an accomplished jazz pianist, having studied at William Paterson University. His band Shusmo has a self-titled release that is well worth getting, with a great mix of original tunes and improvisations. Clarinetist Lefteris Bournias is a fiery complement to the more introspective musings of Abboushi's buzuq.

Tareq Abboushi - Buzuq, percussion, composition Lefteris Bournias - Clarinet Héctor Morales - Congas, Cajón Zafer Tawil - Riq, Durbakkeh, Cymbals Dave Phillips- Bass

Simon Shaheen

A Palestinian, born in the village of Tarshiha in the Galilee, Shaheen's childhood was steeped in music. His father, Hikmat Shaheen, was a professor of music and a master 'oud player. Simon began playing the oud at the age of five and the violin shortly thereafter.

Most of Shaheen's recorded output is on the more traditional side. His jazziest disc, Blue Flame is somewhat reminiscent of the music of John McLaughlin or Paco DeLucia. Shaheen regularly makes extensive use of microtonal maqamat such as Rast, Sikah and Bayati.

All of his recordings are very highly recommended.

Shameless plug: I'm playing guitar on this one in Ramallah!