ProJazz.net

Jazz Sahara is the debut album by double bassist and oud player Ahmed Abdul-Malik featuring performances recorded in late 1958 and originally released on the Riverside label.

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow:
This CD reissue is an early example of fusing jazz with world music. Abdul-Malik switches between bass and oud; interacts closely with the droning violin of Naim Karacand, Jack Ghanaim’s kanoon (a 72-string instrument), and Mike Hamway’s darabeka (a percussive drum); and mixes in Al Harewood’s drums and (on three of the four selections) the tenor of Johnny Griffin. The music is a qualified success, essentially Middle Eastern folk music with Griffin added in. This set is interesting and, in its own way, innovative but not essential (https://goo.gl/wvMp2m).

Track listing:
All compositions by Ahmed Abdul-Malik

“Ya Annas” – 11:10
“Isma’a” – 9:10
“El Haris” – 11:28
“Farah ‘Alaiyna” – 6:59

Personnel:
Ahmed Abdul-Malik – bass, oud
Johnny Griffin – tenor saxophone
Naim Karacand – violin
Al Harewood – drums
Bilal Abdurrahman – tambourine
Jack Ghanaim – kanoon
Mike Hemway – darabeka

______________________

Released: 1958
Recorded: October 1958
Reeeves Sound Studio, New York City
Length: 38:47
Label: Riverside
RLP 12-287
Producer: Bill Grauer