Album
Al Mouhajir
They call him AL MOUHAJIR, because he decided to leave his country. He travelled far in search of himself and his own identity, in order to live his life to the full.
His emigration is different from that of a bird which has set out in search of sustenance.
AL MOUHAJIR can be found throughout the world, always among people.
He thinks he has left everything behind him, yet his roots remain and can be seen to accompany him everywhere.
AL MOUHAJIR embraces the New but mourns the Past at whose breast he lived and grew, the Past which gave him his first inspiration and nourished his soul to keep his life dynamic.
AL MOUHAJIR, the peaceful man, who believes in his way of life, has left his native land and surrounded himself with the New.
This is the truth of AL MOUHAJIR, the brother of man.
AL Mouhajir: Kamal Ben Hicham
LYRICS AND MUSIC COMPOSITION AND ARRANGEMENT: Kamal Ben Hicham
except Hamam Lioum arranged by Raimund Kroboth and Kamal Ben Hicham
MUSICIANS
Kamal Ben Hicham: lead and background vocals, acoustic guitars, bass, bendir, gembri and claps,
Josef Kirschgen: drums,
Abdelrhani Krija: derbouka, tarr, conga, krakeb, bendir, claps and background vocals,
Afra Mussawisade: bongo and ghatam, conga and shaker, djembé,
Ramňn Gorigoitia: keyboards, piano,
Martin Kübert: keyboards, piano, accordion,
Hans-Peter Salentin: trumpet,
Erdal Tosun: alto saxophone,
Hennes Hehn: tenor saxophone,
Edzard Modl: violin,
Simohammed Qzibri: violin, background vocals,
Willi Rabe: cello,
Michael Heupel: flute,
Mischa Stommel: bass, contra bass,
Gregor Lindemann: bass, contra bass.
Recorded at HANSAHAUS STUDIOS, Bonn by Mani Zmarsly and Klaus Genuit.
Mixed and mastered by Klaus Genuit, exept tracks 9, 11 mixed by Mani Zmarsly
Produced by Kamal Ben Hicham
Graphics by Silke Kowalewski,
photographic artwork by Dario Scandura,
inlaycard photography by Ulli Kaifer,
English translation by Barbara Jahn,
German translation by Susanne Ben Hicham and Brahim Ben Hicham,
French translation by Sophie Benhicham and Brahim Ben Hicham
DIKRAYAT ANDALUCIA
DIKRAYAT ANDALUCIA
is Arabic meaning "Memories of Andalusia". This music is full of Andalusian elements and tunes as well as oriental compositions, Chaabi, Melhoun, Berber, Gnawa and traditional Moroccan rhythms such as Andalusie, Marssaoui … all in a modern arrangement combining pop with jazz.
DIKRAYAT ANDALUCIA offers the opportunity to remember the co-existence of different cultures and religions in Andalusia from the 8th to the 15th century- a period when the Arabs settled in Andalusia and a multicultural exchange between Christians, Arabs and Jews took place. Thus art and culture in a climate of tolerance. This can be seen as an exemplary era for living together, for peace and the appreciation and enjoyment of other cultures…
Musicians:
Kamal Ben Hicham: lead and background vocals, bendir, gembri,
Rhani Krija: derbouka, tar, bendir, krakeb, bongo, tbal, conga,
Josef Kirschgen: drums,
Emmanuel Stanley:bass,
Volker Heinze: kontra bass, bass,
Ramón Gorigoitia: piano
Simo Qzibri: violin
Sergio Terán: alto saxophone, flute
Willi Raabe: cello
Michael Heupel: flute
Michael Küttner: drums
Hans Lüdemann: piano
Dave King: bass
Paul Shigihara: guitars
All songs written, composed and arranged by Kamal Ben Hicham,
Recorded at WDR Studios in Köln by Brigitte Angerhausen,
administrated by Armin Schwarzer
except lead and back vocals in Hansa Haus studios by Klaus Genuit.
Mixed and pre-mastered by Klaus Genuit.
Executive producer: Conny Paul assisted by Soraya Lorenz
produced by Kamal Ben Hicham
I would like to thank Deutsche Welle for supporting the production of Dikrayat Andalucia,
especially Conny Paul for all the coordination and co-production and Soraya Lorenz.
I thank every musician who participated in this work especially our band and guest musicians from different artsof Jazz and World music. Thanks to: Hans Lüdemann, Michael Küttner,
Dave King, Michael Heupel, Paul Shigihara...
Merci also to: Kaus Genuit for him being there for me, Brigitte Angerhausen,
Armin Scrhwarzer for his gentleness. Mani Zmarsley.
